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EPA IG: Evaluation of the EPA's E-Manifest System
WASHINGTON, Aug. 16 (TNSLrpt) -- The Environmental Protection Agency Inspector General issued the following report (No. 26-E-0047) entitled "Evaluation of the EPA's e-Manifest System."
Here are excerpts:
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Evaluation of the EPA's e-Manifest System
August 11, 2026 | Report No. 26-E-0047
Why We Did This Report
The U.S. Environmental Protection Agency Office of Inspector General conducted this evaluation to determine the effectiveness of the EPA's e-Manifest system, including the impact of and efforts to address errors in the system.
Summary of Findings
Neither the EPA nor industry has
... Show Full Article
WASHINGTON, Aug. 16 (TNSLrpt) -- The Environmental Protection Agency Inspector General issued the following report (No. 26-E-0047) entitled "Evaluation of the EPA's e-Manifest System."
Here are excerpts:
* * *
Evaluation of the EPA's e-Manifest System
August 11, 2026 | Report No. 26-E-0047
Why We Did This Report
The U.S. Environmental Protection Agency Office of Inspector General conducted this evaluation to determine the effectiveness of the EPA's e-Manifest system, including the impact of and efforts to address errors in the system.
Summary of Findings
Neither the EPA nor industry hasrealized the full benefits of the EPA's e-Manifest system. Although the number of electronic manifests increased from 2019 to 2024, fewer than 0.5 percent of manifests each year were electronic. Because hazardous waste handlers manually transcribe information from paper manifests into electronic data files, the e-Manifest system is vulnerable to data entry errors. Consequently, the very low adoption of electronic manifests contributes to significant data quality issues in the e-Manifest system.
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The report is posted at: https://www.epa.gov/system/files/documents/2026-08/_epaoig_20260811-26-e-0047_cert.pdf
IDB Strengthens Belize's Hurricane Resilience With First Catastrophe Swap
WASHINGTON, Aug. 15 -- The Inter-American Development Bank issued the following news release:
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IDB Strengthens Belize's Hurricane Resilience with First Catastrophe Swap
Belize will be able to access emergency funds more rapidly after a major hurricane thanks to a pioneering catastrophe swap executed by the Inter-American Development Bank (IDB), strengthening the country's financial resilience and ability to respond to disasters over the next two hurricane seasons.
Under the transaction, the IDB arranged the transfer of a layer of Belize's hurricane risk to international reinsurance markets
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WASHINGTON, Aug. 15 -- The Inter-American Development Bank issued the following news release:
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IDB Strengthens Belize's Hurricane Resilience with First Catastrophe Swap
Belize will be able to access emergency funds more rapidly after a major hurricane thanks to a pioneering catastrophe swap executed by the Inter-American Development Bank (IDB), strengthening the country's financial resilience and ability to respond to disasters over the next two hurricane seasons.
Under the transaction, the IDB arranged the transfer of a layer of Belize's hurricane risk to international reinsurance marketsthrough Swiss Re, which provides the underlying parametric coverage. The protection runs from August 1, 2026, through May 31, 2028, ensuring quick access to financing when pre-agreed hurricane triggers are met. The transaction provides up to $20 million in coverage, subject to a maximum payout of $10 million per policy year.
The transaction, the first of its kind at the IDB, marks a significant step in efforts to develop innovative financial products and scale solutions for disaster-risk financing through Ready and Resilient Americas financial instruments (FIRRe). The operation creates a blueprint for strengthening resilience across Latin America and the Caribbean by showcasing how countries can transfer disaster risks to international markets and access rapid liquidity following extreme events.
The catastrophe swap is part of the IDB's broader support to Belize in implementing its financial risk management strategy and strengthening the country's financial resilience to disasters. The new risk-transfer protection complements the $25 million in contingent financing already available to Belize through the IDB's Contingent Credit Facility for Natural Disaster Emergencies (CCF) and the $118 million in approved loans protected by Climate Resilient Debt Clauses (CRDC) that will allow the country to postpone principal payments for two years following the occurrence of an eligible natural disaster.
Backed by technical cooperation resources from the Ready and Resilient Americas Initiative, donor contributions from the French Climate Fund, and the government of Belize's contribution toward the premium, the catastrophe swap highlights the importance of partnerships in scaling innovative financial solutions for resilience and reflects Belize's strong commitment and engagement throughout the process.
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About the IDB
The Inter-American Development Bank (IDB), a member of the IDB Group, is devoted to improving lives across Latin America and the Caribbean. Founded in 1959, the IDB works with the region's public sector to design and enable impactful, innovative solutions for sustainable and inclusive development. Leveraging financing, technical expertise, and knowledge, it promotes growth and well-being in 26 countries.'
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Original text here: https://www.iadb.org/en/news/idb-strengthens-belizes-hurricane-resilience-first-catastrophe-swap
U.S. Chemical Safety Board Issues Update on Investigation of Fatal April 2026 Hydrogen Sulfide Release at Catalyst Refiners Facility in West Virginia
WASHINGTON, Aug. 14 -- The U.S. Chemical Safety Board issued the following news release on Aug. 13, 2026:
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U.S. Chemical Safety Board Issues Update on Investigation of Fatal April 2026 Hydrogen Sulfide Release at Catalyst Refiners Facility in West Virginia
The U.S. Chemical Safety and Hazard Investigation Board (CSB) today released an update on its investigation into the deadly April 22, 2026, release of highly toxic hydrogen sulfide gas at the Ames Goldsmith Corporation's Catalyst Refiners, Inc. (Catalyst Refiners) facility in Institute, West Virginia. Two employees were fatally injured,
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WASHINGTON, Aug. 14 -- The U.S. Chemical Safety Board issued the following news release on Aug. 13, 2026:
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U.S. Chemical Safety Board Issues Update on Investigation of Fatal April 2026 Hydrogen Sulfide Release at Catalyst Refiners Facility in West Virginia
The U.S. Chemical Safety and Hazard Investigation Board (CSB) today released an update on its investigation into the deadly April 22, 2026, release of highly toxic hydrogen sulfide gas at the Ames Goldsmith Corporation's Catalyst Refiners, Inc. (Catalyst Refiners) facility in Institute, West Virginia. Two employees were fatally injured,and four others were seriously injured, after a chemical reaction occurred and produced highly toxic vapors during the transfer of chemicals into a wastewater receiving tank in connection with decommissioning activities at the facility.
The Catalyst Refiners facility conducted silver and ethylene oxide catalyst refining operations. The facility reclaimed silver from spent catalyst and manufactured silver oxide. The company's refining operations involved processing spent catalyst and recovering silver for reuse. At the time of the incident, Catalyst Refiners had ceased silver reclamation operations and was decommissioning the facility. The facility's wastewater pretreatment system remained in operation, however.
As part of the decommissioning process, employees were disposing of various chemicals that were still onsite. Two chemicals -- A-50 (a proprietary calcium chloride solution used as a coagulant) and M-2000A (a proprietary sodium trithiocarbonate solution used as a metal precipitant) -- were used to recover silver from the facility's wastewater. A third chemical, nitric acid, was used in the reclamation process. Catalyst Refiners did not have a written procedure for disposing of these chemicals through the wastewater treatment system.
On April 22, the day of the incident, employees first pumped roughly 80 gallons of A-50 and 275 gallons of M-2000A from their storage containers into a wastewater receiving tank. The employees then began pumping diluted nitric acid from a tote into the same tank.
As the nitric acid was being pumped into the wastewater tank, the employees observed a chemical reaction occurring and a fog forming over the tank. The employee who was operating the pump stopped the flow of nitric acid into the tank. The employee went outside to get some fresh air but then passed out. The employee subsequently regained consciousness.
A supervisor, who had been notified about the issue with the chemicals, approached the tank area and also lost consciousness.
Two additional employees, who were not involved in the chemical transfer, also entered the area to assist. One of these employees pulled the unconscious supervisor away from the tank area. The supervisor recovered, but the employee who had come to the supervisor's assistance, as well as the one who also had entered the area, were both overcome by the vapors emitting from tank and later died.
Emergency responders subsequently detected hydrogen sulfide at the facility. A shelter-in-place order was issued for an area within one mile of the facility. Twenty-two personnel, including four responders, were decontaminated at the site, and 18 were transported to local medical facilities for evaluation.
Hydrogen sulfide is a colorless, highly toxic gas that can cause serious injury or death. A concentration of 100 parts per million is considered immediately dangerous to life or health.
The CSB found four full-face respirators at the facility, but they were not all equipped with filters that would protect against hazardous gases such as hydrogen sulfide.
Additionally, workers at the facility told the CSB that respirator use was no longer required after the facility transitioned from production to decommissioning. Catalyst Refiners also did not provide or require employees or contractors to use personal gas monitors.
CSB Chairperson Steve Owens said, "This tragic incident underscores the need to have clear procedures and safely manage the serious chemical hazards that can arise during facility decommissioning. Although the CSB's investigation is still ongoing, we are concerned that Catalyst Refiners did not require employees to wear respirators during decommissioning and also never provided or required workers to use personal gas monitors that might have alerted them to the presence of the highly toxic hydrogen sulfide gas."
Moving forward the CSB will continue to further analyze several key issues, including:
* Chemical hazards and incompatibilities
* Decommissioning hazard analysis;
* Chemical disposal procedures;
* Personal protective equipment and atmospheric monitoring; and
* Corporate governance and oversight.
The CSB's investigation remains ongoing. Complete findings, analyses, and recommendations, if appropriate, will be included in the CSB's final investigation report.
The CSB is an independent, nonregulatory federal agency charged with investigating incidents and hazards that result, or may result, in the catastrophic release of extremely hazardous substances. The agency's core mission activities include conducting incident investigations to identify root cause of releases; formulating preventive or mitigative recommendations based on investigation findings and advocating for their implementation; issuing reports containing the findings, conclusions, and recommendations arising from incident investigations; and conducting studies on chemical hazards.
The agency's board members are appointed by the President subject to Senate confirmation. The Board does not issue citations or fines but makes safety recommendations to companies, industry organizations, labor groups, and regulatory agencies such as OSHA and EPA.
Please visit our website, www.csb.gov. For more information, contact Director of External Affairs Hillary Cohen at Hillary.Cohen@csb.gov.
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Original text here: https://www.csb.gov/us-chemical-safety-board-issues-update-on-investigation-of-fatal-april-2026-hydrogen-sulfide-release-at-catalyst-refiners-facility-in-west-virginia/
Office of Finance Publishes 2nd Quarter 2026 Combined Financial Report of the Federal Home Loan Banks
WASHINGTON, Aug. 14 (TNSxrep) -- The Federal Home Loan Banks Office of Finance issued the following news release:
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Office of Finance Publishes Second Quarter 2026 Combined Financial Report of the Federal Home Loan Banks
The Office of Finance is announcing the publication of the Second Quarter 2026 Combined Financial Report of the Federal Home Loan Banks (FHLBanks). This report has been prepared from the unaudited financial information of the FHLBanks.
Each of the FHLBanks has filed its Second Quarter 2026 Form 10-Q with the SEC. Current financial reports and other SEC filings for individual
... Show Full Article
WASHINGTON, Aug. 14 (TNSxrep) -- The Federal Home Loan Banks Office of Finance issued the following news release:
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Office of Finance Publishes Second Quarter 2026 Combined Financial Report of the Federal Home Loan Banks
The Office of Finance is announcing the publication of the Second Quarter 2026 Combined Financial Report of the Federal Home Loan Banks (FHLBanks). This report has been prepared from the unaudited financial information of the FHLBanks.
Each of the FHLBanks has filed its Second Quarter 2026 Form 10-Q with the SEC. Current financial reports and other SEC filings for individualFHLBanks can be obtained by searching the EDGAR database.
The Second Quarter 2026 Combined Financial Report for the FHLBanks has been filed with the Federal Housing Finance Agency. A copy of this Combined Financial Report can be obtained on the Office of Finance website. A paper copy of this Combined Financial Report will also be provided to any FHLBank or any FHLBank member, free of charge, upon request to the Office of Finance at info@fhlb-of.com.
The FHLBanks have delivered innovation and service to the U.S. housing market since 1932, and currently have approximately 6,300 members serving all 50 states, the District of Columbia, and U.S. territories. Please contact Tom Heinle at 703-467-3646 or theinle@hflb-of.com for additional information.
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Original text here: https://www.fhlb-of.com/news/office-of-finance-publishes-second-quarter-2026-combined-financial-report-of-the-federal-home-loan-banks/
GSA Now Accepting Bids for Next Generation Leasing Support Services Contract
WASHINGTON, Aug. 14 -- The General Services Administration issued the following news release:
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GSA Now Accepting Bids for Next Generation Leasing Support Services Contract
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Requests for proposal for new broker services contract is open
WASHINGTON -Yesterday, the U.S. General Services Administration (GSA) hosted an Industry Day and Pre Proposal Conference for vendors interested in the solicitation for GLS Max, the next generation of the GSA Leasing Support Services contract.
GLS Max will leverage the knowledge of commercial brokers to address a large volume of expiring leases at no
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WASHINGTON, Aug. 14 -- The General Services Administration issued the following news release:
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GSA Now Accepting Bids for Next Generation Leasing Support Services Contract
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Requests for proposal for new broker services contract is open
WASHINGTON -Yesterday, the U.S. General Services Administration (GSA) hosted an Industry Day and Pre Proposal Conference for vendors interested in the solicitation for GLS Max, the next generation of the GSA Leasing Support Services contract.
GLS Max will leverage the knowledge of commercial brokers to address a large volume of expiring leases at noadditional cost to the government.
"Commercial real estate brokers bring valuable market expertise and transaction management capabilities that allow our lease contracting officers and project managers to focus on what matters most: sound strategic planning, strong government oversight, and delivering the best value for the American taxpayer," said Acting PBS Commissioner Michael Gelber.
GSA's previous national broker contracts have delivered approximately $653 million in lease cost savings to taxpayers through rent credits for GSA customers occupying leased space. GLS Max is an agile contract that will enhance GSA's focus on core leasing operations, streamline service offerings to align with procurement needs, and foster efficiency.
GLS Max is the latest iteration of the national broker contract with zonal assignments and replaces GLS Interim, a one-year bridge contract that expires on January 14, 2027.
The request for proposals will be open until September 15th, 2026 and can be viewed on SAM.gov.
About GSA: GSA provides centralized procurement and shared services for the federal government, managing approximately 360 million rentable square feet, overseeing over $126 billion in products and services via federal contracts, and delivering technology services to millions of people across dozens of federal agencies. GSA's mission is to deliver exceptional customer experience and value in real estate, acquisition, and technology. To address nearly $50 billion in delinquent maintenance, GSA is leading a coalition of every cabinet agency and many federal leaders urgently advocating for full Federal Buildings Fund access and raising the prospectus threshold from $3.96 million to $75 million. For more information, visit GSA.gov and follow @USGSA.
Contact
press@gsa.gov
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Original text here: https://www.gsa.gov/about-gsa/newsroom/news-releases/gsa-now-accepting-bids-for-next-generation-leasing-support-services-contract-08142026
EPA Marks Two Cleanup Milestones and Announces Public Meeting for the Kerr-McGee Superfund Site in Navassa, NC
WASHINGTON, Aug. 14 -- The Environmental Protection Agency issued the following news release:
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EPA Marks Two Cleanup Milestones and Announces Public Meeting for the Kerr-McGee Superfund Site in Navassa, NC
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NAVASSA, N.C. (August 14, 2026) -U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) Region 4 announced two major milestones in the ongoing cleanup and revitalization efforts at the Kerr-McGee Chemical Corp. Superfund Site located on North Navassa Road in Navassa, North Carolina. Public Comment Period and Upcoming Hybrid Public Meeting
A 30-day public comment period on the Operable Unit
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WASHINGTON, Aug. 14 -- The Environmental Protection Agency issued the following news release:
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EPA Marks Two Cleanup Milestones and Announces Public Meeting for the Kerr-McGee Superfund Site in Navassa, NC
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NAVASSA, N.C. (August 14, 2026) -U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) Region 4 announced two major milestones in the ongoing cleanup and revitalization efforts at the Kerr-McGee Chemical Corp. Superfund Site located on North Navassa Road in Navassa, North Carolina. Public Comment Period and Upcoming Hybrid Public Meeting
A 30-day public comment period on the Operable Unit(OU) 3 Proposed Plan will run from August 14 through September 15, 2026.
EPA will host a hybrid public meeting to highlight the final cleanup plan for Operable Unit 4 (OU4) and present the OU3 Proposed Plan as well as answer questions:
Date: Tuesday, August 18, 2026
Time: 6:00 p.m. - 8:00 p.m. EDT
In-Person Location: Navassa Community Center, 338 Main Street, Navassa, NC 28451
Virtual Attendance: Registration is required via Zoom to join the broadcast virtuallyExit EPA's website
Proposed Cleanup Plan Released for Operable Unit 3 (OU3) Marsh
EPA has also issued its Proposed Plan to address contamination across the 31.7 acres of tidal marsh making up Operable Unit 3 (OU3), located south of the former wood-treating facility. In consultation with the North Carolina Department of Environmental Quality (NCDEQ), EPA is proposing targeted cleanup strategies tailored by zone:
* Zone 1 (High Contamination 0.5 acres): Removal of approximately 3,000 cubic yards of contaminated sediment, followed by treatment as necessary and safe disposal in an approved off-site landfill.
* Zone 2 & 3 (Moderate-to-Low Contamination 4.2 acres total): Deployment of Enhanced Monitored Natural Recovery (EMNR). This involves placing a thin layer of clean sediment and bolstering natural processes via phytoremediation (using plants) or adjusting water flows to curb erosion.
* The remaining parts of the OU3 marsh (27 acres): Requires no cleanup action.
Final Cleanup Plan Selected for Operable Unit 4 (OU4) North
On March 31, 2026, following careful review and consideration of community feedback, EPA officially issued a Record of Decision (ROD) selecting a community-supported, reuse-focused cleanup plan for Operable Unit 4 (OU4) North. This final selection solidifies a remediation path optimized for future community redevelopment.
Accessing Site Documents and Submitting Comments
The Administrative Record, signed ROD, and full OU3 Proposed Plan are available electronically online at: www.epa.gov/superfund/kerr-mcgee-chemical-corp.
Written comments must be emailed or postmarked no later than September 15, 2026, and directed to:
Erik Spalvins, U.S. EPA Region 4
Superfund Division - 11th Floor
61 Forsyth Street SW, Atlanta, GA 30303
Email: spalvins.erik@epa.gov
Background
The Kerr-McGee Chemical Corp. Superfund Site is a former wood-treating plant that operated from 1936 to 1974. Creosote-based wood-treating operations generated contamination that the EPA, NCDEQ, and the local community are actively working to remediate to ensure a safe, sustainable environment for the town of Navassa.
On June 3, 2026, EPA announced the agency's new forward-looking Superfund Solutions initiative to accelerate cleanups of more than 1,340 Superfund sites on the Superfund National Priorities List. Through this long-term initiative, EPA will roll out key, gold-standard of science investments to cut red tape, make swift clean up decisions, modernize tools, and increase cooperative federalism to deliver maximum human health and environmental protections. EPA has implemented Enhanced Project Management best practices at the Site in accordance with the Superfund Solutions initiative to ensure creosote is removed from the marsh before the 2027 hurricane season.
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Original text here: https://www.epa.gov/newsreleases/epa-marks-two-cleanup-milestones-and-announces-public-meeting-kerr-mcgee-superfund
Affordable Housing Complex Opens with Help of $850K Grant from FHLB Dallas and BankPlus
DALLAS, Texas, Aug. 14 -- The Federal Home Loan Bank of Dallas, a district bank in the Federal Home Loan Bank System, issued the following news release:
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Affordable Housing Complex Opens with Help of $850K Grant from FHLB Dallas and BankPlus
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PATTISON, MISSISSIPPI, August 14, 2026-Representatives from the Federal Home Loan Bank of Dallas (FHLB Dallas), BankPlus and the Mississippi Regional Housing Authority VI (MRHA VI) celebrated the re-opening of the newly rehabilitated Pattison Homes I & II, a 40-unit affordable housing community in Pattison, Mississippi. An $850,000 Affordable Housing
... Show Full Article
DALLAS, Texas, Aug. 14 -- The Federal Home Loan Bank of Dallas, a district bank in the Federal Home Loan Bank System, issued the following news release:
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Affordable Housing Complex Opens with Help of $850K Grant from FHLB Dallas and BankPlus
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PATTISON, MISSISSIPPI, August 14, 2026-Representatives from the Federal Home Loan Bank of Dallas (FHLB Dallas), BankPlus and the Mississippi Regional Housing Authority VI (MRHA VI) celebrated the re-opening of the newly rehabilitated Pattison Homes I & II, a 40-unit affordable housing community in Pattison, Mississippi. An $850,000 Affordable HousingProgram (AHP) grant awarded by FHLB Dallas through member institution BankPlus helped fund the $2.5 million project.
The rehabilitation included new roofs, HVAC systems, energy-efficient windows and other upgrades for Pattison Homes I & II, which consists of 11 buildings with one-, two- and three-bedroom rental homes.
"We are grateful for the AHP grant, which helped strengthen our mission to provide affordable housing for families in Claiborne County," said Dr. Hickman Johnson, executive director of MRHA VI, which owns and manages the properties. "The support of FHLB Dallas and our local partner BankPlus has been essential in funding this work."
AHP grants, awarded through FHLB Dallas member institutions, fund the development, purchase and rehabilitation of affordable rental properties, owner-occupied housing and homes for unhoused individuals.
"At BankPlus, we are committed to supporting housing efforts that improve the quality of life for Mississippi residents," BankPlus Senior Vice President Mark Ouellette said. "Partnering with MRHA VI and FHLB Dallas on this project preserved much-needed affordable housing while supporting long-term community vitality in Claiborne County."
Greg Hettrick, senior vice president and director of Community Investment at FHLB Dallas, said the AHP has provided more than $577 million toward affordable housing development since 1990.
"Pattison Homes I & II, supported through the Affordable Housing Program, is an example of how strong partnerships can sustain and strengthen affordable multifamily housing in the communities we serve," Mr. Hettrick said.
FHLB Dallas will announce 2026 grantees this fall. Learn more about AHP at fhlb.com.
Contact FHLB Dallas Corporate Communications at 214.441.8445 or communications@fhlb.com for photos from the event.
About BankPlus
Founded in 1909, BankPlus is one of the Southeast's premier regional banks serving consumers and businesses with the latest technology through a full suite of financial services, including retail banking, commercial banking, mortgage lending and wealth management. With over $8.3 billion in total assets, BankPlus operates 73 financial centers throughout Mississippi, Alabama, Louisiana and Florida.
About the Federal Home Loan Bank of Dallas
The Federal Home Loan Bank of Dallas is one of 11 district banks in the FHLBank System created by Congress in 1932. FHLB Dallas, with total assets of $107.8 billion as of June 30, 2026, is a member-owned cooperative that supports housing and community development by providing competitively priced loans and other credit products to approximately 780 members and associated institutions in Arkansas, Louisiana, Mississippi, New Mexico and Texas. For more information, visit fhlb.com.
#Contact Information:
Corporate Communications
Federal Home Loan Bank of Dallas
fhlb.com
214.441.8445
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Original text here: https://www.fhlb.com/library/press-releases/2026/affordable-housing-complex-opens-with-help-of-850k
