Federal Independent Agencies
Here's a look at documents from federal independent agencies
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NASA Cassini Study Finds Organics 'Fresh' From Ocean of Enceladus
PASADENA, California, Nov. 20 (TNSres) -- NASA Jet Propulsion Laboratory issued the following news:
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NASA Cassini Study Finds Organics 'Fresh' From Ocean of Enceladus
Researchers dove deep into information gathered from the ice grains that were collected during a close and super-fast flyby through a plume of Saturn's icy moon.
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A new analysis of data from NASA's Cassini mission found evidence of previously undetected organic compounds in a plume of ice particles ejected from the ocean that lies under the frozen shell of Saturn's moon Enceladus. Researchers spotted not only molecules
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PASADENA, California, Nov. 20 (TNSres) -- NASA Jet Propulsion Laboratory issued the following news:
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NASA Cassini Study Finds Organics 'Fresh' From Ocean of Enceladus
Researchers dove deep into information gathered from the ice grains that were collected during a close and super-fast flyby through a plume of Saturn's icy moon.
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A new analysis of data from NASA's Cassini mission found evidence of previously undetected organic compounds in a plume of ice particles ejected from the ocean that lies under the frozen shell of Saturn's moon Enceladus. Researchers spotted not only moleculesthey've found before but also new ones that lay a potential path to chemical or biochemical activity.
The ice grains studied were collected just 13 miles (21 kilometers) from the moon's surface and mark the first time scientists have observed this diversity of organics in fresh particles ejected from the subsurface water of Enceladus. Published Wednesday in Nature Astronomy, the findings signal an important step toward confirming active organic chemistry below the moon's surface. This is the kind of chemical activity that could support compounds that are important to biological processes and are an essential component of life on Earth.
Besides increasing the diversity of detected organics, the recent work added a new layer to earlier findings by analyzing particles that the Cassini spacecraft collected when it flew directly through a plume -- the next-best thing to diving directly into the moon's ocean.
"Previously, we detected organics in ice grains that were years old and potentially altered by the intense radiation environment surrounding them," said Nozair Khawaja of the Freie Universitat Berlin, lead author of the study. "These new organic compounds were just minutes old, found in ice that was fresh from the ocean below Enceladus' surface."
Scientists knew from previous Cassini data-mining that nitrogen- and oxygen-bearing organic compounds were present in particles from Saturn's E ring, a faint, wide outer band around the planet fed by the icy material that fans out from Enceladus' plumes. But the new research analyzed ice grains from a moon plume itself -- in other words, grains found closest to their subsurface origin.
"These molecules we found in the freshly ejected material prove that the complex organic molecules Cassini detected in Saturn's E ring are not just a product of long exposure to space, but are readily available in Enceladus' ocean," said coauthor Frank Postberg, also of Freie Universitat Berlin.
Fast and fruitful
The data was collected and sent to Earth in 2008, when ice particles impacted Cassini's Cosmic Dust Analyzer instrument. Besides being directly sourced from a plume, the ice grains had another thing going for them: They'd been smashed to smithereens as they struck the instrument during the spacecraft's fast fly-through at 11 miles per second (about 18 kilometers per second relative to the moon).
The energy of the impact vaporized the ice grains and ionized a substantial fraction of them. Those ions were then analyzed by the instrument's mass spectrometer, which examined their chemical makeup.
The study's authors were able to analyze the tiniest of fragments -- smaller than a thousandth of a millimeter, smaller even than a flu virus -- and identify organic compounds they hadn't seen before in plume particles.
The newly detected compounds included those from the aliphatic and cyclic ester and ether families, some with double bonds in their molecular structures. Together with the confirmed aromatic, nitrogen- and oxygen-bearing compounds, these compounds can form the building blocks to support chemical reactions and processes that could have led to more complex organic chemistry -- the kind that is of interest to astrobiology and narrows the focus of where we search for life in the solar system.
After flying through the plume, the spacecraft, managed by NASA's Jet Propulsion Laboratory in Southern California, explored the complex Saturn system for nearly another decade.
More about Cassini
The Cassini-Huygens mission was a cooperative project of NASA, ESA (European Space Agency), and the Italian Space Agency. A division of Caltech in Pasadena, JPL managed the mission for NASA's Space Mission Directorate in Washington and designed, developed, and assembled the Cassini orbiter.
To learn more about Cassini, visit:
https://science.nasa.gov/mission/cassini/
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Original text here: https://www.jpl.nasa.gov/news/nasa-cassini-study-finds-organics-fresh-from-ocean-of-enceladus/
Smithsonian Tropical Research Institute: Empowering Young Scientists - SENACYT-Funded Project Reveals Plankton Diversity in the Panama Canal
PANAMA CITY, Panama, Nov. 19 -- The Smithsonian Tropical Research Institute issued the following news:
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Plankton chronicles
Empowering young scientists: SENACYT-funded project reveals plankton diversity in the Panama Canal
Seven Panamanian students, supported by SENACYT, study plankton diversity in the Panama Canal, gaining skills to analyze aquatic ecosystems through a collaborative project led by STRI and the University of Panama
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A new generation of Panamanian scientists is exploring microscopic life in the Panama Canal funded by Panama's Secretariat for Science and Technology (SENACYT).
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PANAMA CITY, Panama, Nov. 19 -- The Smithsonian Tropical Research Institute issued the following news:
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Plankton chronicles
Empowering young scientists: SENACYT-funded project reveals plankton diversity in the Panama Canal
Seven Panamanian students, supported by SENACYT, study plankton diversity in the Panama Canal, gaining skills to analyze aquatic ecosystems through a collaborative project led by STRI and the University of Panama
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A new generation of Panamanian scientists is exploring microscopic life in the Panama Canal funded by Panama's Secretariat for Science and Technology (SENACYT).Their project, titled "Seasonal Patterns in the Planktonic Community and Physico-Chemical Parameters Along the Panama Canal," led by the Smithsonian Tropical Research Institute (STRI) and the University of Panama (UP), equipped seven university students with new skills and tools to identify and quantify phytoplankton and zooplankton--the tiny organisms at the base of the food chain that aquatic life depends upon.
The team acquired advanced semi-automated equipment, including a FlowCAM 8100 and Zooscan MIII-Hydroptic, which, compared to traditional techniques using a microscope, allowed rapid imaging, counting, and classification of plankton. Students also learned traditional techniques used to count plankton and participated in DNA metabarcoding analysis, a cutting-edge method that uses genetic sequencing to identify species from environmental samples obtained by filtering water.
"This project built local capacity in environmental monitoring and molecular ecology, as the students measured plankton diversity and abundance at multiple sites along the Canal," said Rachel Collin, staff scientist at STRI who led the project with lab manager Tania Romero, staff scientist and head of STRI's molecular lab, Kristin Saltonstall and University of Panama professors Humberto Garces and Jose de Gracia.
Three students received direct financial support from SENACYT, while four others joined through STRI's internship and volunteer programs. And the project became the subject for two undergraduate thesis projects. Everyone participated in field expeditions, laboratory analyses, and data interpretation. Their work contributed to the identification of 76 phytoplankton species and 39 zooplankton species, some of which had not previously been recorded in Canal waters.
The goal was to begin to understand the spatial and seasonal distribution of these organisms that most other organisms depend on for food. Understanding how to identify and quantify plankton is essential because these microscopic organisms serve as sensitive indicators of environmental change. Plankton respond quickly to shifts in water quality, temperature and nutrient levels, making them valuable tools for monitoring ecosystem health. Differences in the numbers and types of plankton directly influence the food web, supporting fish populations and other aquatic life. By accurately tracking plankton communities, the team will make it easier to detect early signs of environmental change and inform sustainable management of freshwater resources like the Panama Canal.
The project's educational impact extended beyond the lab. In October 2023, STRI hosted a four-day workshop titled "Techniques for Plankton Monitoring," to train 16 participants from institutions including the University of Panama, UMIP, MiAmbiente, and the Panama Canal Authority. The workshop covered sampling protocols, image analysis, and DNA extraction techniques, further disseminating the project's methodologies and findings.
Preliminary results were presented at national and international conferences, including a special session at the Asociacion Panamena para el Avance de la Ciencia (APANAC) 2023 and the STRI Fellows Symposium, highlighting the correlation between plankton distribution and environmental factors such as temperature, oxygen levels, and nutrient concentrations.
"We hope this project is a model for how targeted funding and mentorship can accelerate scientific careers and contribute to national and international research priorities," Collin said.
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Original text here: https://stri.si.edu/story/plankton-chronicles
IDB Group, the Government of El Salvador, and Agrisal Group Promote Entrepreneurship and Venture Capital at GET Forum
WASHINGTON, Nov. 19 -- The Inter-American Development Bank issued the following news release on Nov. 18, 2025:
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IDB Group, the Government of El Salvador, and Agrisal Group Promote Entrepreneurship and Venture Capital at GET Forum
New edition of marquee forum will provide a space where innovation and technology unite to address development challenges in Latin America and the Caribbean.
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The Inter-American Development Bank Group (IDB Group) announces the 2025 edition of its Global Entrepreneurship and Technology Forum for Latin America and the Caribbean - GET Forum (formerly IDB Lab Forum).
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WASHINGTON, Nov. 19 -- The Inter-American Development Bank issued the following news release on Nov. 18, 2025:
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IDB Group, the Government of El Salvador, and Agrisal Group Promote Entrepreneurship and Venture Capital at GET Forum
New edition of marquee forum will provide a space where innovation and technology unite to address development challenges in Latin America and the Caribbean.
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The Inter-American Development Bank Group (IDB Group) announces the 2025 edition of its Global Entrepreneurship and Technology Forum for Latin America and the Caribbean - GET Forum (formerly IDB Lab Forum).This flagship event of the IDB Group will take place from November 30 to December 2 in San Salvador, El Salvador.
GET Forum brings together global investors, ecosystem developers, startup CEOs, business leaders, public officials, industry experts, representatives from the IDB Group, and other key players, providing an opportunity for participants to gain valuable connections, inspiration, and practical knowledge.
"GET Forum is an expression of the value that the IDB Group and its allies bring to the region by connecting it with the world, promoting business opportunities, and creating spaces for knowledge exchange - all aimed at boosting entrepreneurial ecosystems and catalyzing investment in innovative solutions to development challenges," said Cesar Buenadicha, acting chief of IDB Lab's Ecosystem Building and Acceleration Division.
This year, to further promote emerging entrepreneurial innovation ecosystems and catalyze greater investment in Latin America and the Caribbean, the forum is being organized under a public-private model with the government of El Salvador, the Agrisal Group, and the support of more than 30 sponsoring partners.
This year's edition has three thematic pillars: economic opportunities through talent development, promotion of investment and venture capital, and policies to enable innovation and growth.
The three-day experience begins on November 30 with the GET Forum Innovation Village in Cuscatlan Park, a space where visitors can learn in open classrooms, experiment with new technologies, and be inspired by entrepreneurial stories and ideas. On December 1-2, the high-level conference will take place at the Hilton San Salvador Hotel, along with plenary sessions, interactive panels, applied-knowledge workshops, startup pitches, and networking spaces.
GET Forum 2025 will feature more than 130 speakers from over 25 countries, including international leaders in innovation and entrepreneurship such as Andres Bilbao, co-founder of Rappi, one of Latin America's first unicorns; Eric Acher, co-founder and managing partner of Monashees, a leading venture capital firm in the region; Siim Sikkut, former chief information officer of Estonia and managing partner at Digital Nation, renowned for his expertise in digital transformation of government; Guy Nae, public sector lead for Spanish Latin America at Google Cloud, an expert in technology applied to development; and Jonathan Ortmans, founder and president of the Global Entrepreneurship Network.
In addition, globally renowned companies and organizations such as Meta, Seedstars, Mercado Libre, and Wayra/Telefonica will be participating.
GET Forum aims to build bridges between the public and private sectors, Latin America and the Caribbean and the world, and entrepreneurs and investors to generate more innovative solutions with greater impact at scale in the region.
For a detailed agenda visit www.getforumlac.org. Send your questions to getforumlac@iadb.org.
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About the IDB Group
The Inter-American Development Bank Group (IDB Group) is the leading source of financing and knowledge for improving lives in Latin America and the Caribbean. It comprises the IDB, which works with the region's public sector and enables the private sector; IDB Invest, which directly supports private companies and projects; and IDB Lab, which spurs entrepreneurial innovation.
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Original text here: https://www.iadb.org/en/news/idb-group-government-el-salvador-and-agrisal-group-promote-entrepreneurship-and-venture-capital-get
GSA and Perplexity Sign First Direct to Government Deal to Accelerate AI Adoption
WASHINGTON, Nov. 19 -- The General Services Administration issued the following news release:
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GSA and Perplexity Sign First Direct to Government Deal to Accelerate AI Adoption
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Federal agencies can now directly acquire transformative AI solutions via GSA's Multiple Award Schedule in latest OneGov AI deal
WASHINGTON Today, the U.S. General Services Administration (GSA) announced a first-of-its-kind direct OneGov agreement with Perplexity, providing federal agencies with secure, enterprise-grade AI research and drafting capabilities at deeply discounted pricing.
Under this agreement,
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WASHINGTON, Nov. 19 -- The General Services Administration issued the following news release:
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GSA and Perplexity Sign First Direct to Government Deal to Accelerate AI Adoption
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Federal agencies can now directly acquire transformative AI solutions via GSA's Multiple Award Schedule in latest OneGov AI deal
WASHINGTON Today, the U.S. General Services Administration (GSA) announced a first-of-its-kind direct OneGov agreement with Perplexity, providing federal agencies with secure, enterprise-grade AI research and drafting capabilities at deeply discounted pricing.
Under this agreement,agencies can access Perplexity Enterprise Pro for Government for $0.25 per agency over an 18-month term through a direct contract on GSA's Multiple Award Schedule (MAS IT).
"Access to cutting-edge AI models is essential for integrating AI into federal government operations and modernizing inefficient processes, aligning with the White House's AI Action Plan," said FAS Commissioner Josh Gruenbaum. "This OneGov agreement, directly with Perplexity, offers the federal government an additional pathway to leverage the transformative advantages of AI."
This partnership supports the White House's America's AI Action Plan [PDF] and positions the United States as the global leader in government AI adoption, ensuring that the federal workforce can tap into the transformative power of AI to modernize operations, improve decision-making, and deliver better results for taxpayers.
"Accurate AI serves America. We're proud to support President Trump's AI Action Plan by giving federal employees cited, verifiable answers across every major AI model, arming public servants to make highly informed decisions that serve the American people," said Aravind Srinivas, Co-founder and CEO of Perplexity.
In a first of its kind for frontier AI platforms, GSA and Perplexity structured this agreement to make it available directly from Perplexity through GSA's Multiple Award Schedule. This is part of the overall OneGov strategy to work directly with original equipment manufacturers and technology companies to reduce costs. In addition, this direct approach supports transparent pricing, streamlined acquisition, and improved cybersecurity protections.
Perplexity's participation and direct availability was streamlined by the FedRAMP 20x pilot, which aims to accelerate authorization for AI and cloud services. Based on objective criteria established by GSA, Perplexity's enterprise platform has been designated for AI Prioritization, becoming one of only two AI services to achieve this milestone to date. The company's engagement demonstrates how aligning FedRAMP and MAS pathways can attract commercial innovators seeking to deliver secure, compliant AI solutions to government customers.
"This Administration has made clear that agencies should have the best of American AI not in 2028, 2027, or 2026but right now, in 2025," said Jerry Ma, VP of Global Affairs and Deputy CTO at Perplexity. "We are proud to meet their ambition by making Perplexity available for 25 cents per agency in partnership with GSA, providing the first multi-model AI platform tailored to the needs of those who serve America."
Perplexity's platform delivers real-time, cited answers that combine internet-scale knowledge with optional connections to agency systems such as SharePoint, OneDrive, and Outlook. It supports multiple leading AI models, including Perplexity, OpenAI, and Anthropic, and ensures every response is grounded in verifiable sources to maximize truth-seeking in the generation process. Perplexity's Enterprise Pro for Government offer complements its existing public platform, which provides secure-by-default, frontier AI to individual federal users with no contract or subscription needed.
This agreement strengthens GSA's growing OneGov portfolio of offers/current agreements, which consolidates agency buying power, reduces duplication, and accelerates modernization through direct Original Equipment Manufacturers partnerships.
For more information, visit itvmo.gsa.gov/onegov.
About GSA : GSA provides centralized procurement and shared services for the federal government. GSA manages a nationwide real estate portfolio of over 360 million rentable square feet, oversees more than $110 billion in products and services via federal contracts, and delivers technology services that serve millions of people across dozens of federal agencies. GSA's mission is to deliver the best customer experience and value in real estate, acquisition, and technology services to the government and the American people. For more information, visit GSA.gov and follow us at @USGSA.
Contact
press@gsa.gov
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Original text here: https://www.gsa.gov/about-us/newsroom/news-releases/gsa-perplexity-sign-first-direct-to-gov-deal-11192025
GSA and CBP Partner with Cameron County Officials - to Modernize Export Operations and Enhance Security at the Los Indios Land Port of Entry
WASHINGTON, Nov. 19 -- The General Services Administration issued the following news release:
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GSA and CBP Partner with Cameron County Officials - to Modernize Export Operations and Enhance Security at the Los Indios Land Port of Entry
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LOS INDIOS, Texas \- Today, the U.S. General Services Administration (GSA); the U.S. Customs and Border Protection (CBP) ; Cameron County, Texas; and the Cameron County Regional Mobility Authority (CCRMA) announced the completion of the infrastructure improvement project at the Los Indios Land Port of Entry, also known as the Free Trade Bridge, in Los
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WASHINGTON, Nov. 19 -- The General Services Administration issued the following news release:
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GSA and CBP Partner with Cameron County Officials - to Modernize Export Operations and Enhance Security at the Los Indios Land Port of Entry
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LOS INDIOS, Texas \- Today, the U.S. General Services Administration (GSA); the U.S. Customs and Border Protection (CBP) ; Cameron County, Texas; and the Cameron County Regional Mobility Authority (CCRMA) announced the completion of the infrastructure improvement project at the Los Indios Land Port of Entry, also known as the Free Trade Bridge, in LosIndios.
"GSA is pleased to have collaborated with our federal and local partners on the successful completion of the Los Indios Land Port of Entry project, realized through the Donations Acceptance Program without the use of federal funding," said GSA Acting Administrator Mike Rigas. "This project completion highlights GSA's commitment to providing modern, secure, and efficient infrastructure that supports the critical missions of our federal partners and enhances cross-border trade."
Under the Donations Acceptance Program (DAP), Cameron County and CCRMA donated funds toward the federal government's renovation of the existing export office building, and added a perimeter security fence, new concrete, and automated controls for a new motorized gate. These crucial and necessary improvements will significantly enhance efficiency and foster binational collaboration between U.S. CBP officers and Mexico border officials through the Unified Cargo Processing initiative.
"With the completion of another successful Donations Acceptance Program project, I want to thank Cameron County and CCRMA for their continued support to the CBP mission," said Acting Executive Assistant Commissioner for the Office of Field Operations Diane J. Sabatino. "This project will undoubtedly improve working conditions for our CBP officers and Unified Cargo Processing counterparts, as well as our ability to expedite legitimate trade in the United States."
In November 2023, GSA, CBP, Cameron County, and CCRMA entered into a Donation Acceptance Agreement. The construction contract was awarded in November 2024, with the project achieving substantial completion in September 2025.
"In 2019 this multi-jurisdictional proposal of border trade connectivity and infrastructure enhancement was submitted, and we are now pleased to announce the small-scale improvements at the Los Indios Land Port of Entry, also known as the Free Trade Bridge in Los Indios, Texas, are complete. The project should be fully operational in the next couple of months. Because of the tremendous collaboration between GSA, CBP, and our CCRMA, the crossing of traffic will be facilitated through the enhanced inspection of these vehicles by CBP, thusly boosting our local economy," stated Cameron County Judge Eddie Trevino Jr.
GSA and CBP are authorized to accept donations of real property, personal property (including monetary donations), and nonpersonal services from private sector and government entities. Accepted donations may be used for port of entry construction, alterations, operations, and maintenance activities.
Public-private partnerships are a key component of CBP's Resource Optimization Strategy and allow CBP to provide new or expanded services and infrastructure at domestic ports of entry. For more information, visit www.cbp.gov/DAP.
About GSA: GSA provides centralized procurement and shared services for the federal government. GSA manages a nationwide real estate portfolio of over 360 million rentable square feet, oversees more than $110 billion in products and services via federal contracts, and delivers technology services that serve millions of people across dozens of federal agencies. GSA's mission is to deliver the best customer experience and value in real estate, acquisition, and technology services to the government and the American people. For more information, visit GSA.gov and follow us at @USGSA.
About CBP : U.S. Customs and Border Protection is America's frontline: the nation's largest law enforcement organization and the world's first unified border management agency. The 65,000+ men and women of CBP protect America on the ground, in the air, and on the seas. We enforce safe, lawful travel and trade and ensure our country's economic prosperity. We enhance the nation's security through innovation, intelligence, collaboration, and trust.
Contact
press@gsa.gov
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Original text here: https://www.gsa.gov/about-us/newsroom/news-releases/gsa-and-cbp-partner-with-cameron-county-officials-to-modernize-export-ops-11192025
EPA declares Salt Lake City and Provo areas meet air quality standards after 15 years
WASHINGTON, Nov. 19 -- The Environmental Protection Agency issued the following news release:
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EPA declares Salt Lake City and Provo areas meet air quality standards after 15 years
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SALT LAKE CITY - Today, U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) is announcing that the Salt Lake City and Provo nonattainment areas have met the 2006 PM 2.5 24-hour National Ambient Air Quality Standard (NAAQS) targets and are now in attainment after 15 years. The collaboration between the state of Utah and EPA to achieve this redesignation demonstrates the shared commitment to providing clean air for all
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WASHINGTON, Nov. 19 -- The Environmental Protection Agency issued the following news release:
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EPA declares Salt Lake City and Provo areas meet air quality standards after 15 years
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SALT LAKE CITY - Today, U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) is announcing that the Salt Lake City and Provo nonattainment areas have met the 2006 PM 2.5 24-hour National Ambient Air Quality Standard (NAAQS) targets and are now in attainment after 15 years. The collaboration between the state of Utah and EPA to achieve this redesignation demonstrates the shared commitment to providing clean air for allUtahns and fulfilling requirements of the Clean Air Act (CAA). Providing clean air for all Americans and advancing cooperative federalism are both pillars of EPA Administrator Lee Zeldin's Powering the Great American Comeback Initiative.
"The people of Utah deserve clean air and practical solutions that recognize the realities of life in the Salt Lake City and Provo areas," said EPA Regional Administrator Cyrus Western. "Meeting the PM 2.5 standard underscores all of the hard work that Utah has done over the past decade to improve air quality. This demonstrates that Utah can meet federal air quality standards in a way that respects local prioritie s and fosters cooperative federalism."
"The achievement of cleaner air in Utah resulted from extensive planning and collaboration among the public, industry, and various government levels, leading to significant investments and the implementation of 23 new rules targeting emissions from multiple sources," said Utah Department of Environmental Quality, Division of Air Quality Director Bryce Bird. "The state legislature also supported efforts by providing incentives for retrofitting and replacing high-emission wood stoves and diesel vehicles, alongside transit upgrades and public education campaigns. The work to support growing communities in the area by reducing air pollutant emissions continues and the state works to attain the 2015 standard for ground-level ozone in Utah's urban counties and the Uinta Basin. "
Since 2009, the Salt Lake City and Provo area s have been designated as nonattainment for the 2006 24-hour PM 2.5 National Ambient Air Quality Standard (NAAQS). EPA's action redesignates the Salt Lake City and Provo areas from nonattainment to attainment and details how Utah will continue to meet the air quality standard through at least 2035.
This action includes control measures and technologies that are recognized as the Best Available Control Measures/Best Available Control Technologies to control PM 2.5 and to ensure clean air in accordance with the CAA.
Background
On November 6, 2020, EPA proposed approval of Utah's redesignation requests and maintenance plans for the Serious PM 2.5 Salt Lake City and Provo nonattainment areas along with other Serious PM 2.5 State Implementation Plan (SIP) requirements. Utah Department of Environmental Quality (UDEQ) and EPA worked collaboratively to address comments received on the 2020 proposal, and on July 16, 2025, EPA proposed approval of UDEQ's additional SIP revisions. The final redesignation rule includes EPA responses to comments, the proposed major stationary source SIP revision, and the remaining parts of the 2020 proposed approval that were never finalized. This final action clears seven backlogged Utah SIP submissions by a consent decree deadline of December 15, 2025.
For additional information and background, visit EPA's Particulate Matter (PM) Pollution website.
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Original text here: https://www.epa.gov/newsreleases/epa-declares-salt-lake-city-and-provo-areas-meet-air-quality-standards-after-15-years
EPA Fulfills Statutory Obligation, Completes Reviews at Ten Massachusetts Superfund Sites
WASHINGTON, Nov. 19 -- The Environmental Protection Agency issued the following news release:
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EPA Fulfills Statutory Obligation, Completes Reviews at Ten Massachusetts Superfund Sites
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BOSTON (November 19, 2025) - U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) has fulfilled its statutory obligation and completed required comprehensive site cleanup reviews, known as "five-year reviews," for ten Superfund sites on the National Priorities List across Massachusetts during the 2025 Fiscal Year.
As required by law, EPA conducts reviews at Superfund sites after cleanup remedies have been implemented
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WASHINGTON, Nov. 19 -- The Environmental Protection Agency issued the following news release:
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EPA Fulfills Statutory Obligation, Completes Reviews at Ten Massachusetts Superfund Sites
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BOSTON (November 19, 2025) - U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) has fulfilled its statutory obligation and completed required comprehensive site cleanup reviews, known as "five-year reviews," for ten Superfund sites on the National Priorities List across Massachusetts during the 2025 Fiscal Year.
As required by law, EPA conducts reviews at Superfund sites after cleanup remedies have been implementedevery five years. This comprehensive review of previous work helps ensure that EPA continues to evaluate the performance of cleanup efforts and determines whether any further action to protect human health or the environment is required.
The five-year review of each of these sites, which are available on EPA's website, concluded that the remedies continue to effectively protect human health and the environment and made recommendations for follow up actions where needed.
Completed Massachusetts Five Year Reviews in Fiscal Year 2025:
Atlas Tack Corp., Fairhaven, Massachusetts
Blackburn & Union Privileges, Walpole, Massachusetts
Cannon Engineering Corp., Bridgewater, Massachusetts
Charles George Reclamation Trust Landfill, Tyngsborough, Massachusetts
Fort Devens, Fort Devens, Massachusetts
Groveland Wells, Groveland, Massachusetts
New Bedford Harbor, New Bedford, Massachusetts
Norwood PCBs, Norwood, Massachusetts
PSC Resources, Palmer, Massachusetts
Additionally in Fiscal Year 2025, EPA issued an addendum to a Fiscal Year 2023 Five Year Review report: The addendum details the actions taken to ensure the cleanup remains protective, including additional monitoring after the groundwater treatment system was restarted to capture contaminants on-site and control migration.
Sullivan's Ledge, New Bedford, Massachusetts
Background
The Superfund program, a federal program established by Congress in 1980, investigates and cleans up the most complex, uncontrolled, or abandoned hazardous waste sites in the country and endeavors to facilitate activities to return them to productive use. There are many phases of the Superfund cleanup process including considering future use and redevelopment at sites and conducting post cleanup monitoring of sites.
Throughout the process of designing and constructing a cleanup at a hazardous waste site, EPA's primary goal is to protect human health and the environment, the agency's core mission. At many sites, EPA continues to ensure it remains true to EPA's core mission, by requiring cleanup reviews every five years. It is important for EPA to regularly check on these sites to ensure the cleanup remedy is working properly. These reviews identify issues (if any) that may affect the protectiveness of the completed remedy and, if necessary, recommend action(s) necessary to address them.
For more information about EPA's Superfund program, visit www.epa.gov/superfund
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Original text here: https://www.epa.gov/newsreleases/epa-fulfills-statutory-obligation-completes-reviews-ten-massachusetts-superfund-sites
