Federal Independent Agencies
Here's a look at documents from federal independent agencies
Featured Stories
SBA Offers Relief to Colorado Small Businesses and Private Nonprofits Affected by Drought
WASHINGTON, April 10 -- The Small Business Administration's Office of Disaster Assistance issued the following news release:
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SBA Offers Relief to Colorado Small Businesses and Private Nonprofits Affected by Drought
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WASHINGTON -The U.S. Small Business Administration (SBA) announced the availability of low interest federal disaster loans to small businesses and private nonprofit (PNP) organizations in Colorado to offset economic losses caused by drought beginning Nov. 1, 2025.
The declaration covers the Colorado counties of Adams, Alamosa, Arapahoe, Baca, Bent, Boulder, Broomfield,
... Show Full Article
WASHINGTON, April 10 -- The Small Business Administration's Office of Disaster Assistance issued the following news release:
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SBA Offers Relief to Colorado Small Businesses and Private Nonprofits Affected by Drought
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WASHINGTON -The U.S. Small Business Administration (SBA) announced the availability of low interest federal disaster loans to small businesses and private nonprofit (PNP) organizations in Colorado to offset economic losses caused by drought beginning Nov. 1, 2025.
The declaration covers the Colorado counties of Adams, Alamosa, Arapahoe, Baca, Bent, Boulder, Broomfield,Chaffee, Clear Creek, Conejos, Costilla, Custer, Delta, Denver, Douglas, Eagle, El Paso, Elbert, Fremont, Garfield, Gilpin, Grand, Gunnison, Hinsdale, Huerfano, Jackson, Jefferson, Lake, Larimer, Las Animas, Lincoln, Logan, Mesa, Moffat, Montrose, Morgan, Otero, Ouray, Park, Phillips, Pitkin, Pueblo, Rio Blanco, Routt, Saguache, San Juan, San Miguel, Sedgwick, Summit, Teller, Washington and Weld as well as the Nebraska counties of Cheyenne, Deuel, Kimball and Perkins and the New Mexico counties of Colfax, Taos and Union, and the Utah counties of Daggett, Grand, San Juan and Uintah, and the Wyoming counties of Albany, Carbon, Laramie and Sweetwater.
Under this declaration, SBA's Economic Injury Disaster Loan (EIDL) program is available to small businesses, small agricultural cooperatives, nurseries, and PNPs -including faith-based organizations -with financial losses directly related to the disaster. The SBA is unable to provide disaster loans to agricultural producers, farmers, or ranchers, except for small aquaculture enterprises.
EIDLs are available for working capital needs caused by the disaster and are available even if the small business or PNP did not suffer any physical damage. The loans may be used to pay fixed debts, payroll, accounts payable, and other bills which could not be paid due to the disaster.
"Through a declaration by the U.S. Secretary of Agriculture, SBA provides critical financial assistance to help communities recover," said Chris Stallings, associate administrator of the Office of Disaster Recovery and Resilience at the SBA. "We're pleased to offer loans to small businesses and private nonprofits impacted by these disasters."
The loan amount can be up to $2 million with interest rates as low as 4% for small businesses and 3.625% for PNPs with terms up to 30 years. Interest does not accrue, and payments are not due, until 12 months after the date of the first loan disbursement. The SBA sets loan amounts and terms based on each applicant's financial condition.
To apply online, visit sba.gov/disaster. Applicants may also call SBA's Customer Service Center at (800) 659-2955 or email disastercustomerservice@sba.gov for more information on SBA disaster assistance. For people who are deaf, hard of hearing, or have a speech disability, please dial 7-1-1 to access telecommunications relay services.
Submit completed loan applications to SBA no later than Dec. 7.
About the U.S. Small Business Administration
The U.S. Small Business Administration helps power the American dream of business ownership. As the only go-to resource and voice for small businesses backed by the strength of the federal government, the SBA empowers entrepreneurs and small business owners with the resources and support they need to start, grow, expand their businesses, or recover from a declared disaster. It delivers services through an extensive network of SBA field offices and partnerships with public and private organizations. To learn more, visit www.sba.gov.
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Original text here: https://www.sba.gov/article/2026/04/10/sba-offers-relief-colorado-small-businesses-private-nonprofits-affected-drought
FHLB Dallas and Hancock Whitney Support Transitional Housing in Patterson, Louisiana, with $1.17M Grant
DALLAS, Texas, April 10 -- 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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FHLB Dallas and Hancock Whitney Support Transitional Housing in Patterson, Louisiana, with $1.17M Grant
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PATTERSON, LOUISIANA, April 10, 2026 -There's a larger transitional housing apartment complex available to residents of South Louisiana, made possible in part by a $1.17 million Affordable Housing Program (AHP) grant from the Federal Home Loan Bank of Dallas and Hancock Whitney. The banks today joined The Purple Lemon, a faith-based
... Show Full Article
DALLAS, Texas, April 10 -- 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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FHLB Dallas and Hancock Whitney Support Transitional Housing in Patterson, Louisiana, with $1.17M Grant
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PATTERSON, LOUISIANA, April 10, 2026 -There's a larger transitional housing apartment complex available to residents of South Louisiana, made possible in part by a $1.17 million Affordable Housing Program (AHP) grant from the Federal Home Loan Bank of Dallas and Hancock Whitney. The banks today joined The Purple Lemon, a faith-basedmission, to celebrate the grand opening of an expanded transitional housing development that assists people recovering from addictions and homelessness.
The AHP grant, which was awarded by FHLB Dallas through Hancock Whitney, enabled The Purple Lemon to buy and expand an apartment building to 26 units of transitional housing. The upgraded community provides comprehensive supportive services-including counseling, job training, life-skills education, support groups to help residents experiencing homelessness to achieve long-term stability.
"The AHP grant is helping us change the trajectory for people working to rebuild their lives," said Stacey Lancaster, founder and director of The Purple Lemon. "With this support, we were able to expand our housing and will be able to provide a safe environment for more residents during their recovery journey."
AHP grants are awarded annually through FHLB Dallas member institutions to support the development and rehabilitation of affordable housing for low-income households.
"We are honored to support The Purple Lemon in expanding housing for individuals working toward long-term recovery and independence," said LaCarsha Babers, vice president and community outreach officer at Hancock Whitney. "We are proud of our relationship with FHLB Dallas that helped bring this project to life."
The organization began in 2019 by providing food and outreach to people experiencing homelessness and a year later began housing individuals in a leased apartment and providing supportive services.
"The Purple Lemon's commitment to supportive, recovery-focused housing reflects the impact the Affordable Housing Program is meant to create," said Greg Hettrick, senior vice president and director of Community Investment at FHLB Dallas.
About Hancock Whitney
Since the late 1800s, Hancock Whitney has embodied core values of Honor & Integrity, Strength & Stability, Commitment to Service, Teamwork, and Personal Responsibility. Hancock Whitney offices and financial centers in Mississippi, Alabama, Florida, Louisiana, and Texas offer comprehensive financial products and services, including traditional and online banking; commercial and small business banking; private banking; trust and investment services; healthcare banking; and mortgage services. The company also operates combined loan and deposit production offices in the greater metropolitan areas of Nashville, Tennessee, and Atlanta, Georgia. More information is available at www.hancockwhitney.com.
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 $108.5 billion as of December 31, 2025, is a member-owned cooperative that supports housing and community development by providing competitively priced loans and other credit products to approximately 800 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/fhlb-dallas-and-hancock-whitney-support-transition
EPA Issues Class VI Well Permit to PureField Carbon Capture in Kansas
WASHINGTON, April 10 -- The Environmental Protection Agency issued the following news release:
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EPA Issues Class VI Well Permit to PureField Carbon Capture in Kansas
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Permit is first-of-its-kind in Region 7
LENEXA, KAN. (APR. 10, 2026) - U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) Region 7 issued a final Underground Injection Control (UIC) Class VI well permit to PureField Carbon Capture, LLC, near the city of Russell, Kansas. It is the first Class VI well permit in Kansas and across Region 7's four Heartland states.
Class VI wells inject carbon dioxide (CO2) into deep rock formations
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WASHINGTON, April 10 -- The Environmental Protection Agency issued the following news release:
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EPA Issues Class VI Well Permit to PureField Carbon Capture in Kansas
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Permit is first-of-its-kind in Region 7
LENEXA, KAN. (APR. 10, 2026) - U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) Region 7 issued a final Underground Injection Control (UIC) Class VI well permit to PureField Carbon Capture, LLC, near the city of Russell, Kansas. It is the first Class VI well permit in Kansas and across Region 7's four Heartland states.
Class VI wells inject carbon dioxide (CO2) into deep rock formationsfor long-term storage. This injection process is also called geologic sequestration. Under the Safe Drinking Water Act, EPA has authority to protect underground sources of drinking water and make permitting decisions based on underlying geology.
"This permit exemplifies EPA's support of domestic energy production and unleashing American energy dominance," said EPA Region 7 Administrator Jim Macy. "We'll continue to advance projects that grow rural economies while fulfilling the agency's core mission of protecting human health and the environment."
Through this permit, the PureField facility near Russell is allowed to inject CO2 generated during ethanol production into the subsurface for a period of 12 years. The company is authorized to inject up to 150,000 metric tons of CO2 per year, for a total permitted injection volume of 1.8 million metric tons of CO2. The CO2 must be injected into the Arbuckle rock formation at a depth between 3,448 and 3,606 feet below ground surface.
To ensure safety, PureField is required to test and monitor the well and the area overlying the injection zone during the 12-year injection period, and for 50 years after injection has ended. A copy of the permit and associated documents are available.
Visit EPA's Class VI wells webpage for more information on Class VI projects.
Learn more about EPA Region 7
View all Region 7 news releases
Visit the Region 7 Media page
Connect with EPA Region 7 on Facebook and Instagram
Follow us on X: @EPARegion7
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Original text here: https://www.epa.gov/newsreleases/epa-issues-class-vi-well-permit-purefield-carbon-capture-kansas
EPA Approves Carbon Storage Permit in Putnam County, Illinois
WASHINGTON, April 10 -- The Environmental Protection Agency issued the following news release:
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EPA Approves Carbon Storage Permit in Putnam County, Illinois
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CHICAGO (April 10, 2026) - Today, U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) issued a permit for Marquis Carbon Injection LLC to inject and store carbon dioxide underground at its proposed injection well in Putnam County, Illinois.
"Following a thorough, science-based technical review and extensive public engagement, EPA is approving this permit with stringent safeguards and long-term monitoring to protect underground sources
... Show Full Article
WASHINGTON, April 10 -- The Environmental Protection Agency issued the following news release:
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EPA Approves Carbon Storage Permit in Putnam County, Illinois
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CHICAGO (April 10, 2026) - Today, U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) issued a permit for Marquis Carbon Injection LLC to inject and store carbon dioxide underground at its proposed injection well in Putnam County, Illinois.
"Following a thorough, science-based technical review and extensive public engagement, EPA is approving this permit with stringent safeguards and long-term monitoring to protect underground sourcesof drinking water," said EPA Region 5 Administrator Anne Vogel. "This carbon storage project is expected to spur economic development in Putnam County by supporting local jobs and attracting private investment."
"After a lengthy review period, I am pleased the EPA moved forward to approve this vital project for central Illinois. This project is a win for agriculture, manufacturing, and biofuels industries in Putnam County and across the region," said U.S. Rep. Darin LaHood. "The approval of this carbon sequestration project will create new jobs and help secure investments that drive local economic growth across my district. I support Marquis Carbon Injection's commitment to our farmers and the future of biofuels production."
With this permit, Marquis will be allowed to construct a well to inject up to 1.5 million metric tons of carbon dioxide per year over a period of six years, or 9 million metric tons in total. Marquis will also be required to monitor the well during the injection phase and for 12 years after to ensure the stored carbon dioxide remains confined within the injection zone and underground sources of drinking water are not endangered. The permit was issued following extensive review and public engagement. EPA determined that the well meets all requirements for approval, including stringent safety measures.
The deep formation where the injected carbon would be permanently stored is between 3,094 and 4,854 feet beneath the surface and is protected by an approximately 400-foot-thick confining zone composed of impermeable shale and carbonates preventing the upward migration of sequestered carbon from the storage reservoir into underground sources of drinking water. EPA has concluded that well materials, intended operation of the well and the underlying geology of the proposed storage site are appropriate to prevent endangerment of underground sources of drinking water. Throughout the injection process, EPA will maintain robust oversight.
The process of permanently storing carbon underground is known as "carbon sequestration." Under the Safe Drinking Water Act, EPA developed specific and rigorous criteria to protect underground sources of drinking water from carbon dioxide stored underground.
For more information on EPA's injection permit process, click here Exit EPA's website.
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Original text here: https://www.epa.gov/newsreleases/epa-approves-carbon-storage-permit-putnam-county-illinois
To Advance U.S. Energy Dominance, EPA Proposes Several Amendments to Coal Combustion Residuals (CCR) Requirements
WASHINGTON, April 9 -- The Environmental Protection Agency issued the following news release:
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To Advance U.S. Energy Dominance, EPA Proposes Several Amendments to Coal Combustion Residuals (CCR) Requirements
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Proposal to Expand Permitting Flexibility, Promote Beneficial Use, and Maintain Transparency While Protecting Human Health and the Environment
U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) announced a rule proposing several revisions to the federal regulations governing the disposal of coal combustion residuals (CCR) and the beneficial use of CCR. This proposal would promote resource
... Show Full Article
WASHINGTON, April 9 -- The Environmental Protection Agency issued the following news release:
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To Advance U.S. Energy Dominance, EPA Proposes Several Amendments to Coal Combustion Residuals (CCR) Requirements
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Proposal to Expand Permitting Flexibility, Promote Beneficial Use, and Maintain Transparency While Protecting Human Health and the Environment
U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) announced a rule proposing several revisions to the federal regulations governing the disposal of coal combustion residuals (CCR) and the beneficial use of CCR. This proposal would promote resourcerecovery, allow for site-specific considerations in permitting, provide regulatory relief while continuing to protect human health and the environment, and ensure continued transparency. The proposal would also encourage beneficial use, potentially reducing the need for disposing of CCR, set protective and uniform standards for CCR storage piles, and decrease the use of new natural resources.
"These commonsense changes to the CCR regulations reflect EPA's commitment to restoring American energy dominance, strengthening cooperative federalism, and accommodating unique circumstances at certain CCR facilities," said EPA Administrator Lee Zeldin. "Our proposed changes will increase transparency and promote resource recovery while continuing to protect human health and the environment for all Americans now and into the future."
EPA's proposal would encourage beneficial use of CCR to create environmental and economic benefits while reducing the need for disposal. The rule would also set protective and uniform standards for CCR storage piles, decreasing the use of new natural resources, and improving the strength, durability, and workability of the resulting cement and concrete.
This proposal would also establish a new pathway for CCR units to comply with groundwater monitoring, corrective action, closure, and post-closure requirements under federal or approved state CCR permits. Under these changes, permit authorities could tailor requirements to site-specific risks and factors and utilize new technologies. These changes would benefit Americans by providing states with greater oversight and permitting authority involvement. In addition, these changes would ensure safety and compliance with CCR permits, more sensible placement of monitoring wells, and more efficient use of resources.
EPA is focused on a commonsense approach to regulating CCR to maintain environmental and human health protections while reducing regulatory burden and combating rising energy costs. Additional closure options would be available to facilities that completed closure of legacy surface impoundments under regulatory oversight prior to the effective date of the Legacy Final Rule.
This rule also proposes rescinding CCR management unit (CCRMU) regulations because the requirements are infeasible and impractical, and in turn, reducing burden on energy production, to combat higher energy costs for consumers.
EPA will accept comments on this proposal for 60 days after publication in the Federal Register. EPA will also hold an online public hearing on this proposal.
For more information, visit the 2026 Proposed CCR Amendments webpage.
Background
On May 8, 2024, EPA published the "Legacy CCR Surface Impoundments" rule. This final rule established requirements for the disposal of CCR in a new type of regulated CCR unit known as "legacy surface impoundments." It also established requirements for CCRMUs to address previously unregulated solid waste management of CCR that involves the direct placement of CCR on the land at certain electric utilities.
On March 12, 2025, EPA committed to taking swift action on CCR, including state permit program reviews and updates to the CCR regulations. Since then, EPA has approved permit programs for North Dakota and Wyoming. EPA has also made significant progress working with other states as they seek to manage their own CCR programs. EPA will continue working with state partners to prioritize timely action and empower those with local expertise to oversee more effective CCR disposal operations.
On February 6, 2026, EPA announced a final rule that extends the compliance deadlines for CCRMU requirements. This action provides additional time to meet facility evaluation requirements and to comply with groundwater monitoring provisions. Additionally, in November, EPA proposed to extend an alternative closure requirement deadline. This deadline extension would promote electric grid reliability by allowing a subset of coal-fired power producers to continue to operate.
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Original text here: https://www.epa.gov/newsreleases/advance-us-energy-dominance-epa-proposes-several-amendments-coal-combustion-residuals
Strom Thurmond Federal Building and Courthouse in Columbia, SC Listed For Disposition
WASHINGTON, April 9 -- The General Services Administration issued the following news release:
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Strom Thurmond Federal Building and Courthouse in Columbia, SC Listed For Disposition
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This disposition eliminates underutilized federal space resulting in nearly $59.4 million in savings
COLUMBIA, S.C. - Today, the U.S. General Services Administration (GSA) announced the planned disposition of the Strom Thurmond Federal Building and Courthouse, located at 1835 and 1845 Assembly Street in Columbia, South Carolina. The buildings served as a courthouse and federal hub until 2003, when court
... Show Full Article
WASHINGTON, April 9 -- The General Services Administration issued the following news release:
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Strom Thurmond Federal Building and Courthouse in Columbia, SC Listed For Disposition
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This disposition eliminates underutilized federal space resulting in nearly $59.4 million in savings
COLUMBIA, S.C. - Today, the U.S. General Services Administration (GSA) announced the planned disposition of the Strom Thurmond Federal Building and Courthouse, located at 1835 and 1845 Assembly Street in Columbia, South Carolina. The buildings served as a courthouse and federal hub until 2003, when courtoperations transitioned to the nearby Matthew J. Perry, Jr. Courthouse.
GSA is advancing this disposition as part of ongoing efforts to consolidate the federal real estate portfolio and cut government waste. The agency will continue to work closely with tenants to ensure they can effectively carry out their important work.
"GSA continues to lead the way in executing President Trump's directive to fortify the federal real estate portfolio by eliminating underutilized and vacant space," said GSA Administrator Edward C. Forst. "With this disposition we are saving taxpayers approximately $56.3M in delinquent maintenance and another $3.1M in annual maintenance costs."
Located in Columbia's downtown government district along Assembly Street, the Strom Thurmond Federal Building and Courthouse occupies a prominent position within South Carolina's capital city. The property benefits from its proximity to state government offices, educational institutions, and the growing Main Street district, presenting a significant redevelopment opportunity in the heart of Columbia's downtown.
GSA remains committed to solving long-term problems that exist in the federal portfolio of assets, reduce waste, and deliver long-term value to the American people. For more information, visit assets identified for accelerated disposition.
About GSA: GSA provides centralized procurement and shared services for the federal government. GSA manages a nationwide real estate portfolio of approximately 360 million rentable square feet, oversees more than $126 billion in products and services via federal contracts, and delivers 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 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/strom-thurmond-federal-building-and-courthouse-listed-for-disposition-04092026
Smithsonian To Mark Nation's 250th With Exhibition Presenting America's Shared Natural and Cultural Heritage Including Objects From All 50 States
WASHINGTON, April 9 -- The Smithsonian National Museum of Natural History issued the following news release on April 8, 2026:
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Smithsonian To Mark Nation's 250th With Exhibition Presenting America's Shared Natural and Cultural Heritage Including Objects From All 50 States
Visitors Invited To Celebrate and Reflect on Connections Spanning US Represented in the National Museum of Natural History's 148 Million Object Collection
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The Smithsonian's National Museum of Natural History will open its new exhibition, "From These Lands: Sharing Our Natural and Cultural Heritage" Thursday, June 18.
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WASHINGTON, April 9 -- The Smithsonian National Museum of Natural History issued the following news release on April 8, 2026:
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Smithsonian To Mark Nation's 250th With Exhibition Presenting America's Shared Natural and Cultural Heritage Including Objects From All 50 States
Visitors Invited To Celebrate and Reflect on Connections Spanning US Represented in the National Museum of Natural History's 148 Million Object Collection
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The Smithsonian's National Museum of Natural History will open its new exhibition, "From These Lands: Sharing Our Natural and Cultural Heritage" Thursday, June 18.Stretching across 5,000 square feet, the exhibition invites visitors to celebrate and reflect on the nation's rich natural and cultural heritage through more than 600 specimens and cultural objects--many rare and never-before-exhibited--from across all 50 states, the District of Columbia and five U.S. territories. It will be on view through December 2029.
Drawing from the museum's unparalleled collection of more than 148 million objects, the exhibition will highlight items that showcase the remarkable range of American nature, geology and cultural traditions. From ancient fossils and dazzling minerals to cherished cultural belongings and groundbreaking scientific discoveries, "From These Lands" illuminates the many connections between people, places and the natural world that can help visitors understand the nation's past, interpret the present and plan for the future.
"This exhibition brings the entire country into one gallery--letting visitors encounter the extraordinary breadth of America's natural and cultural heritage," said Kirk Johnson, the Sant Director of the National Museum of Natural History. "As the country marks its 250th anniversary, 'From These Lands' presents an opportunity to celebrate the diversity of our landscapes, the depth of our history and the connections that link people and the natural world across borders."
Curated from collections selected by each of the museum's seven research departments, the objects on view will weave regional stories into recurring themes that show how natural history collections reveal unexpected connections, inspire wonder, spark conversation and generate knowledge.
"Natural history is everything--it is the people around us, the food we eat and the ground we walk on," said Torben Rick, co-curator of the exhibition and curator of North American archaeology at the museum. "At its core, this exhibition is about connection. Visitors come to the National Museum of Natural History and get a chance to see themselves reflected in its stories."
"When you look at the natural history of the United States, you're seeing a story that stretches back hundreds of millions of years," said Stewart Edie, co-curator of the exhibition and curator in the museum's Department of Paleobiology. "The fossils and specimens in this exhibition show how life and landscapes have changed through deep time, from the ancient seas that once covered much of the country to the ecosystems we know today."
Rarely seen specimens and cultural objects bring America's story to life, including a brilliant blue gemstone from California rarer than gold and a Northern bobwhite collected by a young Theodore Roosevelt in New York. The exhibition highlights science in action, from feather fragments used to identify bird species involved in airplane strikes to the story of efforts to reintroduce sea otters to the Oregon coast. "From These Lands" will also explore the enduring ties between people and place, from the fishing practices of the Pamunkey Indian Tribe and African American oyster harvesting communities on the Chesapeake Bay to the artistry and stewardship behind traditional Samoan bark cloth.
The exhibition will include interactive multimedia experiences that visitors can also explore. "Connected by Nature," a series of dynamic, projected map animations, will reveal how the United States is interconnected across geographic boundaries through shared natural features. A state symbols interactive will allow visitors to design and send digital postcards with photographs of official state flowers, birds, rocks, fossils and more, creating their own connections to the stories and objects on view.
Several themes, sections and displays presented in the exhibition highlight different ways of understanding and relating to the natural world:
* I Wonder: Spark curiosity by asking "What is this?" Objects can be more than one thing at once--like a fossilized crocodilian egg from Wyoming that is also a quartz crystal geode.
* Dazzling Diversity: From an array of pinecones and insects across the country to a hotspot of salamander and freshwater fish species in Appalachia, biodiversity across the United States tells stories of adaptation, abundance and regional identity.
* Rocky Road Trip: America's landscapes reveal a deep geologic history, and features from meteor craters to glacial lakes link familiar places to the ancient forces that shaped them.
* State Symbols: Every state, district and territory has plants, animals and minerals that represent their unique character, from birds, flowers and shells to rocks, gemstones and fossils. Displays feature objects representing state symbols throughout the exhibition, and a standalone case also highlights many state symbol objects from across the country.
* Linking Nature and Culture: From tusk carvings representing the strong ties between Arctic walruses and Alaska Natives to freshwater mussels from Iowa that once supported a thriving button-manufacturing industry, human cultures are shaped by their environment and shape nature in turn. Relationships between people and the natural world evolve together, illustrating how culture, environment and knowledge are woven into shared stories.
* Documenting Diversity: Museum collections, through historic and modern specimens, trace change over time, revealing species lost, species recovering and shifting baselines.
* Enduring Relationships, Legacies and Traditions: From rattlesnake motifs in Choctaw traditional dress to a dugout canoe highlighting the Menominee Indian Tribe of Wisconsin's sustainable forestry practices, stories from Indigenous communities and cultures are featured throughout the exhibition, sharing cultural heritages reflected in the museum's collections.
* Eureka!: The museum is always making new discoveries, including a forgotten fossil tooth from California--rediscovered in a collection drawer--that revealed that the ancient hippo-like mammal was millions of years older than once thought.
* Restoring Relationships: Collaborations between the museum and Indigenous communities and cultures centered on cultural objects, like a Tlingit ceremonial hat, show how they can together safeguard heritage and renew living practices with care and respect.
* Constant Change: Much of today's United States was once underwater. Fossils of iridescent ammonites, ancient corals and sea stars remind visitors that the Earth is constantly changing.
* Ancient Lineages: Ancient animal lineages, such as paddlefish and tortoises, endure, and their fossils trace deep evolutionary roots in the country.
* Ways of Seeing: From fossil preparation to scientific illustration, the museum has many ways of investigating objects, often using new technologies to bring otherwise invisible characteristics to light.
* Restoration and Recovery: Stories of comebacks--from bison and beavers to sea otters and wild rice--underscore how science and community leadership can heal ecosystems and cultures.
* Caught in the Act: Fossils capture moments in time, offering a window into events that took place long ago, like an amphibian bone bed from New Mexico and a petrified tree from Arizona.
* Human Actions: Helpful or Harmful?: Human actions help some organisms and harm others; the exhibition presents how improved understanding of human impacts improves people's ability to shape their world.
* Collections in the Digital Age: Digitization, 3D scanning and open data make specimens accessible beyond the museum--to all.
* Unexpected Uses: From analyzing aviation disasters to using herbarium specimens as botanical time machines, museum collections deliver insights that help address environmental issues.
To complement the new exhibition, the museum will host public programs throughout the year, including drop-in family playdates and adult programming giving visitors the opportunity to explore "From These Lands" themes through lectures, in-depth conversations or hands-on activities. Programming will kick off with an evening event on the diversity of sea shells, Thursday, April 30.
Additional offerings will include a companion book, From These Lands: Sharing Our Natural and Cultural Heritage, which will be published leading up to the exhibit opening. Available in seven languages, a print-on-demand, DIY exhibition toolkit will explore North American biomes and highlight the diversity of species, colors and shapes in the museum's collections. An online version of the exhibition will also be available on the museum's website.
"From These Lands" and related programming are part of "Smithsonian's Our Shared Future: 250," a Smithsonian-wide initiative supported by private philanthropy and created to commemorate the nation's 250th anniversary and advance the Smithsonian vision for the next 250 years. The exhibition is made possible through the lead sponsorship of Esri, with major support from The Bill and Dianne Ryan Family, Amazon, MidFirst Bank and a generous group of donors sponsoring their states. See the full list of supporters on the exhibition's webpage.
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About the National Museum of Natural History
The National Museum of Natural History is connecting people everywhere with Earth's unfolding story. It is one of the most visited natural history museums in the world. Opened in 1910, the museum is dedicated to maintaining and preserving the world's most extensive collection of natural history specimens and human artifacts. The museum is open daily, except Dec. 25, from 10 a.m. to 5:30 p.m. Admission is free. For more information, visit the museum on its website, blog, Facebook, LinkedIn and Instagram.
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Original text here: https://www.si.edu/newsdesk/releases/smithsonian-mark-nations-250th-exhibition-presenting-americas-shared-natural-and
GSA Administrator Edward C. Forst Marks First 100 Days with Progress on Key Goals
WASHINGTON, April 9 -- The General Services Administration issued the following news release:
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GSA Administrator Edward C. Forst Marks First 100 Days with Progress on Key Goals
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Today, the U.S. General Services Administration (GSA) is pleased to highlight the milestone accomplishments of Administrator Edward C. Forst's first 100 days at the helm. Under his leadership, GSA is leading the way as responsible stewards of taxpayer dollars, delivering the highest value, savings, and innovation to our partner agencies and the American people.
On Administrator Forst's first day, he launched
... Show Full Article
WASHINGTON, April 9 -- The General Services Administration issued the following news release:
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GSA Administrator Edward C. Forst Marks First 100 Days with Progress on Key Goals
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Today, the U.S. General Services Administration (GSA) is pleased to highlight the milestone accomplishments of Administrator Edward C. Forst's first 100 days at the helm. Under his leadership, GSA is leading the way as responsible stewards of taxpayer dollars, delivering the highest value, savings, and innovation to our partner agencies and the American people.
On Administrator Forst's first day, he launchedProject 410, inspired by the build and completion of New York's Empire State Building in 1928 in just 410 days. This initiative is bringing a mindset of speed and agility to define GSA's culture. We are reevaluating our processes, adopting new technology, implementing intelligent risk management, and removing barriers to success.
"Since taking the oath of office to become GSA's Administrator, I've seen firsthand how our world-class team executes for our partner agencies and the American people," said GSA Administrator Edward C. Forst. "In just 100 days we've made tremendous strides delivering on President Trump's priorities of fortifying the federal real estate portfolio and delivering seamless acquisition services on critical programs and emerging technologies."
Some of the major milestone accomplishments in Administrator Forst's first 100 days include:
Real Estate
1. Accelerated property disposals, including:
* Completed sale of GSA's former regional office building in Washington, D.C. in 60 days from contract to close, and projected to save $200 million in delinquent maintenance and $5.5 million in annual operating and maintenance costs.
* Announced the disposal of USDA's underutilized Ag South property with a projected $1.6 billion in savings.
* Relocation of the Department of Education and Department of Energy's headquarters.
* Additional property sales in Texas, California, and across America, saving taxpayers millions in delinquent maintenance.
2. Opened a new courthouse in Huntsville, Alabama on time and under budget - resulting in $7 million in savings.
3. Progress on critical construction projects, saving $117 million with the proposed new Chattanooga Courthouse and providing critical border security for Americans through project milestones for the Coburn Gore, San Luis I, and Richford land ports of entry.
4. Delivered on Congress' mandated USE IT act data to provide transparency and drive strategic housing solutions that reduce underutilized property and save taxpayers money.
Procurement and Acquisition Reform
5. Announced the full implementation of Transactional Data Reporting, projected to avoid $50 million in total annual costs.
6. Made significant advances with the revolutionary FAR Overhaul, saving time by reducing the FAR by 484 pages, removing 114 provisions and clauses, and removing 2,724 'must-do' statements.
7. Continued OneGov momentum by adding Broadcom, Cohesity, and expanding Uber deals, reducing costs with discounts up to 90% off and simplifying acquisitions.
8. Supported procurement consolidation and federal IT modernization through the phase 1 awards of the Alliant 3 Governmentwide Acquisition Contract (GWAC).
Technology and Innovation
9. Achieved a milestone of over 500 FedRAMP cloud service authorizations, paving the way to expand the marketplace to thousands via the streamlined 20x certification process to deliver modern secure cloud services to our agency customers.
10. Advanced the White House's America's AI Action Plan by expanding USAi, a secure generative artificial intelligence evaluation suite that enables federal agencies to experiment with and adopt artificial intelligence at scale.
11. Partnered with the National Institute of Standards and Technology to improve how the federal government uses, tests, and evaluates AI models and services. This effort builds on the strong foundation of NIST's AI governance work, initially funded by the Technology Modernization Fund.
12. Accelerated adoption of Login.gov to now more than 700 participating government applications, including the launch of enhanced identity verification on Medicare.gov to streamline access for beneficiaries, tighten account security, and reduce fraud.
Under Administrator Forst's leadership, GSA is leading the way to a more effective, efficient government. For more information, please visit GSA's newsroom.
About GSA: GSA provides centralized procurement and shared services for the federal government. GSA manages a nationwide real estate portfolio of approximately 360 million rentable square feet, oversees more than $126 billion in products and services via federal contracts, and delivers 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 services to the government and the American people. For more information, visit GSA.gov and follow us at @USGSA.
**
Original text here: https://www.gsa.gov/about-us/newsroom/news-releases/gsa-administrator-edward-c-forst-marks-first-100-days-with-progress-on-key-goal-04092026
EXIM Champions U.S. Exporters and Bilateral Growth at Atlantic Council Argentina Conference
WASHINGTON, April 9 -- The Export-Import Bank of the U.S. issued the following news release:
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EXIM Champions U.S. Exporters and Bilateral Growth at Atlantic Council Argentina Conference
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BUENOS AIRES - The Export-Import Bank of the United States' (EXIM) President and Chaiman John Jovanovic participated this week in the Atlantic Council's conference, Argentina's Turning Point: Accelerating Economic Takeoff. Hosted at the Adrienne Arsht Latin America Center in Buenos Aires, the forum examined Argentina's economic transformation. The conference brought together senior Argentine officials,
... Show Full Article
WASHINGTON, April 9 -- The Export-Import Bank of the U.S. issued the following news release:
* * *
EXIM Champions U.S. Exporters and Bilateral Growth at Atlantic Council Argentina Conference
*
BUENOS AIRES - The Export-Import Bank of the United States' (EXIM) President and Chaiman John Jovanovic participated this week in the Atlantic Council's conference, Argentina's Turning Point: Accelerating Economic Takeoff. Hosted at the Adrienne Arsht Latin America Center in Buenos Aires, the forum examined Argentina's economic transformation. The conference brought together senior Argentine officials,U.S. policymakers, business leaders, and international experts to discuss Argentina's opportunities for growth and collaboration in strategic sectors.
At the conference, Chairman Jovanovic shared his insights during a fireside chat with Patrick Gillespie, Bloomberg's Buenos Aires Bureau Chief. The Chairman emphasized that the U.S. government considers Argentina a strategic partner in the region and that we have a "once in-a-generation opportunity" to transform the bilateral relationship.
On the sidelines of the event, Chairman Jovanovic held bilateral meetings with several government officials including Argentina's Minister of Foreign Affairs, International Trade and Worship, Pablo Quirno, Secretary of Mining and Energy, Daniel Gonzalez, Minister of Economy Luis Caputo, Governor Rolando Figueroa and Vice Governor Ruben Dusso. He also met with the U.S. Ambassador to Argentina, the Hon. Peter Lamelas before taking part in a roundtable with private-sector stakeholders. The discussions were centered on ways EXIM can strengthen trade and investment ties, facilitate commercial engagement, and help U.S. businesses compete in the Argentine economy.
Chairman Jovanovic's participation underscores EXIM's commitment to advancing U.S. competitiveness, promoting American industry abroad, and deepening strategic partnerships in Latin America.
ABOUT EXIM:
As the United States government's official export credit agency, the Export-Import Bank of the United States (EXIM) supports American jobs by facilitating U.S. exports. As an independent agency, EXIM plays a critical role in supporting economic growth, securing critical supply chains, and ensuring American businesses are given a fighting chance. To achieve this mission, EXIM offers financing including export credit insurance, working capital guarantees, loan guarantees, and direct loans. Learn more at www.exim.gov.
***
Original text here: https://www.exim.gov/news/exim-champions-exporters-and-bilateral-growth-atlantic-council-argentina-conference
EPA Recognizes Excellence and Innovation in Kentucky Water Infrastructure Projects
WASHINGTON, April 9 -- The Environmental Protection Agency issued the following news release:
* * *
EPA Recognizes Excellence and Innovation in Kentucky Water Infrastructure Projects
*
LEXINGTON, Kentucky (April 9, 2026) - U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) Assistant Administrator for Water Jessica Kramer recently recognized 48 water infrastructure projects for excellence and innovation, including two in Kentucky. These projects, financed in part by State Revolving Fund (SRF) programs, demonstrate the importance of water infrastructure for supporting healthy Americans and laying a foundation
... Show Full Article
WASHINGTON, April 9 -- The Environmental Protection Agency issued the following news release:
* * *
EPA Recognizes Excellence and Innovation in Kentucky Water Infrastructure Projects
*
LEXINGTON, Kentucky (April 9, 2026) - U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) Assistant Administrator for Water Jessica Kramer recently recognized 48 water infrastructure projects for excellence and innovation, including two in Kentucky. These projects, financed in part by State Revolving Fund (SRF) programs, demonstrate the importance of water infrastructure for supporting healthy Americans and laying a foundationfor economic prosperity.
"Across the country, states are putting State Revolving Fund resources to work in ways that deliver real, lasting benefits for communities by modernizing aging systems, strengthening resilience, and ensuring families can rely on safe, clean water every day," said Assistant Administrator Kramer. "These projects show that when we pair federal investment with state leadership, we can protect human health, support local economies, and reach communities that have too often been left behind."
"The awards in the Southeast region prove that smaller communities can execute big ideas when it comes to improving water infrastructure," said EPA Regional Administrator Kevin McOmber. "I am thrilled to see communities utilizing the CWSRF and DWSRF programs to strengthen their water utilities for the protection of human health and the environment."
The Clean Water State Revolving Fund (CWSRF) and Drinking Water State Revolving Fund (DWSRF) programs have provided a foundation of federal investment in water infrastructure for decades. The SRF programs directly support EPA's Powering the Great American Comeback Initiative, which emphasizes the need for clean air, land and water for every American and the importance of cooperative federalism.
City of Georgetown recognized with PISCES award
EPA's George F. Ames PISCES program celebrates innovation demonstrated by wastewater and stormwater projects financed by the CWSRF programs. Twenty-six projects carried out by state or local governments, public utilities, and private entities were recognized by the 2026 PISCES program.
Scott County and City of Georgetown faced an urgent problem: two failing, privately owned, 60-year-old package wastewater plants serving 10 properties were causing sanitary sewer overflows and contributing to elevated E. coli levels in Cane Run Creek. The city and county extended sanitary sewers and built the regional Cane Run Pump Station through a city-county-state-nonprofit collaboration supported by the CWSRF.
The project implemented a long-term regional fix by installing a 6.4-million-gallons-per-day pump station and force main, eliminating two package plants, and consolidating seven aging pump stations into one.
The total cost of the Georgetown/Scott County South Sewer Extension and Cane Run Pump Station was $26,425,258, with $23,540,000 from the CWSRF.
See the full list of recognized projects and learn more about the AQUARIUS and PISCES programs.
Background
The SRF programs are EPA-state partnerships that provide communities with low-cost financing for a wide range of water quality and drinking water infrastructure projects. The SRFs have provided over $265 billion in financial assistance to more than 50,000 water quality infrastructure projects and 76,000 drinking water projects across the country.
***
Original text here: https://www.epa.gov/newsreleases/epa-recognizes-excellence-and-innovation-kentucky-water-infrastructure-projects
EPA Announces Canton, Ohio, Area Now Meets the Clean Air Act Standard for Lead
WASHINGTON, April 9 -- The Environmental Protection Agency issued the following news release:
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EPA Announces Canton, Ohio, Area Now Meets the Clean Air Act Standard for Lead
*
Air monitoring consistently finds the Canton area meets the lead air quality standard, protecting public health and reducing harmful pollution.
Today, U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) announced the Canton, Ohio, area now meets the National Ambient Air Quality Standard for lead under the Clean Air Act and is proposing to redesignate the area to "attainment." Airborne lead in the Canton area has decreased
... Show Full Article
WASHINGTON, April 9 -- The Environmental Protection Agency issued the following news release:
* * *
EPA Announces Canton, Ohio, Area Now Meets the Clean Air Act Standard for Lead
*
Air monitoring consistently finds the Canton area meets the lead air quality standard, protecting public health and reducing harmful pollution.
Today, U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) announced the Canton, Ohio, area now meets the National Ambient Air Quality Standard for lead under the Clean Air Act and is proposing to redesignate the area to "attainment." Airborne lead in the Canton area has decreased98% since EPA first designated the area as nonattainment in April 2023.
"After concerted efforts by the State of Ohio and EPA, Canton residents can breathe easier knowing high levels of this dangerous pollutant are no longer detected in their air," said EPA Regional Administrator Anne Vogel. "Ohio EPA will continue to monitor air quality in the community to help with early detection and prevention of any potential issues in the future."
After monitoring revealed air quality in the area had exceeded the national lead standard, EPA worked with the Ohio Environmental Protection Agency and the Canton City Public Health Department to reduce lead emissions from the Republic Steel facility, which has since decided to consolidate its operations to other locations.
For EPA to redesignate an area to attainment, the agency must determine the state has met all applicable requirements of the Clean Air Act including meeting the lead standard. Since September 2023, monitoring data in the Canton area has consistently shown lead concentrations well below the EPA's standard. Ohio EPA will continue to monitor the air quality for lead in Canton to ensure public health is protected.
EPA will publish the proposal in the Federal Register and open a 30-day public comment period. The notice will include instructions on how to submit comments and the deadline for doing so. After reviewing public input, EPA will issue a final decision.
To learn more about lead and the National Ambient Air Quality Standards, visit EPA's website.
***
Original text here: https://www.epa.gov/newsreleases/epa-announces-canton-ohio-area-now-meets-clean-air-act-standard-lead
EPA Announces Canton, Ohio, Area Now Meets the Clean Air Act Standard for Lead
WASHINGTON, April 9 -- The Environmental Protection Agency issued the following news release:
* * *
EPA Announces Canton, Ohio, Area Now Meets the Clean Air Act Standard for Lead
*
Air monitoring consistently finds the Canton area meets the lead air quality standard, protecting public health and reducing harmful pollution.
Today, U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) announced the Canton, Ohio, area now meets the National Ambient Air Quality Standard for lead under the Clean Air Act and is proposing to redesignate the area to "attainment." Airborne lead in the Canton area has decreased
... Show Full Article
WASHINGTON, April 9 -- The Environmental Protection Agency issued the following news release:
* * *
EPA Announces Canton, Ohio, Area Now Meets the Clean Air Act Standard for Lead
*
Air monitoring consistently finds the Canton area meets the lead air quality standard, protecting public health and reducing harmful pollution.
Today, U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) announced the Canton, Ohio, area now meets the National Ambient Air Quality Standard for lead under the Clean Air Act and is proposing to redesignate the area to "attainment." Airborne lead in the Canton area has decreased98% since EPA first designated the area as nonattainment in April 2023.
"After concerted efforts by the State of Ohio and EPA, Canton residents can breathe easier knowing high levels of this dangerous pollutant are no longer detected in their air," said EPA Regional Administrator Anne Vogel. "Ohio EPA will continue to monitor air quality in the community to help with early detection and prevention of any potential issues in the future."
After monitoring revealed air quality in the area had exceeded the national lead standard, EPA worked with the Ohio Environmental Protection Agency and the Canton City Public Health Department to reduce lead emissions from the Republic Steel facility, which has since decided to consolidate its operations to other locations.
For EPA to redesignate an area to attainment, the agency must determine the state has met all applicable requirements of the Clean Air Act including meeting the lead standard. Since September 2023, monitoring data in the Canton area has consistently shown lead concentrations well below the EPA's standard. Ohio EPA will continue to monitor the air quality for lead in Canton to ensure public health is protected.
EPA will publish the proposal in the Federal Register and open a 30-day public comment period. The notice will include instructions on how to submit comments and the deadline for doing so. After reviewing public input, EPA will issue a final decision.
To learn more about lead and the National Ambient Air Quality Standards, visit EPA's website.
***
Original text here: https://www.epa.gov/newsreleases/epa-announces-canton-ohio-area-now-meets-clean-air-act-standard-lead
EPA Recognizes Excellence and Innovation in Kentucky Water Infrastructure Projects
WASHINGTON, April 9 -- The Environmental Protection Agency issued the following news release:
* * *
EPA Recognizes Excellence and Innovation in Kentucky Water Infrastructure Projects
*
LEXINGTON, Kentucky (April 9, 2026) - U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) Assistant Administrator for Water Jessica Kramer recently recognized 48 water infrastructure projects for excellence and innovation, including two in Kentucky. These projects, financed in part by State Revolving Fund (SRF) programs, demonstrate the importance of water infrastructure for supporting healthy Americans and laying a foundation
... Show Full Article
WASHINGTON, April 9 -- The Environmental Protection Agency issued the following news release:
* * *
EPA Recognizes Excellence and Innovation in Kentucky Water Infrastructure Projects
*
LEXINGTON, Kentucky (April 9, 2026) - U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) Assistant Administrator for Water Jessica Kramer recently recognized 48 water infrastructure projects for excellence and innovation, including two in Kentucky. These projects, financed in part by State Revolving Fund (SRF) programs, demonstrate the importance of water infrastructure for supporting healthy Americans and laying a foundationfor economic prosperity.
"Across the country, states are putting State Revolving Fund resources to work in ways that deliver real, lasting benefits for communities by modernizing aging systems, strengthening resilience, and ensuring families can rely on safe, clean water every day," said Assistant Administrator Kramer. "These projects show that when we pair federal investment with state leadership, we can protect human health, support local economies, and reach communities that have too often been left behind."
"The awards in the Southeast region prove that smaller communities can execute big ideas when it comes to improving water infrastructure," said EPA Regional Administrator Kevin McOmber. "I am thrilled to see communities utilizing the CWSRF and DWSRF programs to strengthen their water utilities for the protection of human health and the environment."
The Clean Water State Revolving Fund (CWSRF) and Drinking Water State Revolving Fund (DWSRF) programs have provided a foundation of federal investment in water infrastructure for decades. The SRF programs directly support EPA's Powering the Great American Comeback Initiative, which emphasizes the need for clean air, land and water for every American and the importance of cooperative federalism.
City of Georgetown recognized with PISCES award
EPA's George F. Ames PISCES program celebrates innovation demonstrated by wastewater and stormwater projects financed by the CWSRF programs. Twenty-six projects carried out by state or local governments, public utilities, and private entities were recognized by the 2026 PISCES program.
Scott County and City of Georgetown faced an urgent problem: two failing, privately owned, 60-year-old package wastewater plants serving 10 properties were causing sanitary sewer overflows and contributing to elevated E. coli levels in Cane Run Creek. The city and county extended sanitary sewers and built the regional Cane Run Pump Station through a city-county-state-nonprofit collaboration supported by the CWSRF.
The project implemented a long-term regional fix by installing a 6.4-million-gallons-per-day pump station and force main, eliminating two package plants, and consolidating seven aging pump stations into one.
The total cost of the Georgetown/Scott County South Sewer Extension and Cane Run Pump Station was $26,425,258, with $23,540,000 from the CWSRF.
See the full list of recognized projects and learn more about the AQUARIUS and PISCES programs.
Background
The SRF programs are EPA-state partnerships that provide communities with low-cost financing for a wide range of water quality and drinking water infrastructure projects. The SRFs have provided over $265 billion in financial assistance to more than 50,000 water quality infrastructure projects and 76,000 drinking water projects across the country.
***
Original text here: https://www.epa.gov/newsreleases/epa-recognizes-excellence-and-innovation-kentucky-water-infrastructure-projects
EPA Hosts Public Meeting on Peck Iron and Metal Superfund Site
WASHINGTON, April 9 -- The Environmental Protection Agency issued the following news release:
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EPA Hosts Public Meeting on Peck Iron and Metal Superfund Site
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PORTSMOUTH, Va. (April 9, 2026) - U.S. Environmental Protection Agency's (EPA) Mid-Atlantic Region held a public meeting on Wednesday evening to update the Portsmouth community on current field work and next steps regarding cleanup efforts at the Peck Iron and Metal Superfund site.
"EPA is committed to protecting the health and well-being of the Portsmouth community," said EPA Region 3 Administrator Amy Van Blarcom-Lackey. "We
... Show Full Article
WASHINGTON, April 9 -- The Environmental Protection Agency issued the following news release:
* * *
EPA Hosts Public Meeting on Peck Iron and Metal Superfund Site
*
PORTSMOUTH, Va. (April 9, 2026) - U.S. Environmental Protection Agency's (EPA) Mid-Atlantic Region held a public meeting on Wednesday evening to update the Portsmouth community on current field work and next steps regarding cleanup efforts at the Peck Iron and Metal Superfund site.
"EPA is committed to protecting the health and well-being of the Portsmouth community," said EPA Region 3 Administrator Amy Van Blarcom-Lackey. "Weare working closely with our state and local partners, as well as local residents, to ensure they have timely, accurate, and thorough information about our work at this site."
The meeting took place at Portsmouth City Hall and provided residents with an open forum to discuss the project status, removal actions, and how to reduce risks to residents and the environment. The Virginia Department of Health (VDH) and the Agency for Toxic Substances and Disease Registry (ATSDR) also announced upcoming updates to the Public Health Assessment, as requested by the community.
More than 40 community members attended the discussion and asked questions throughout the meeting. Representatives from EPA, as well as VDH, provided responses and information to address concerns.
CAPTION: EPA Region 3 representatives speak to community members of Portsmouth, Va., during a public meeting April 8 at the Portsmouth City Hall. EPA held the meeting to provide updates on the ongoing cleanup efforts at the Peck Iron and Metal Superfund site.
Background:
The Peck Iron and Metal Site, located in Portsmouth, VA, includes the Peck property, the Sherwin-Williams property, and surrounding areas (such as Paradise Creek) where hazardous substances associated with past operations at the Peck facility have come to be located. The 33-acre site is an inactive scrap metal recovery facility. The business purchased and processed metal scrap from military bases, other governmental entities and local businesses, including electric power and rail companies. Items processed included electrical transformers containing polychlorinated biphenyls (PCBs), lead/acid batteries, components of naval vessels, aircraft and tanks, insulated copper cables and demilitarized ordnance. Some of the items handled at the facility may have contained radioactive material, specifically radium-226. Radium-226 was used to produce items such as luminous (self-illuminated) instrument dials and watch faces. Early investigations at the site also found that the soil is contaminated with PCBs and heavy metals, including arsenic, chromium and lead. The site was added to the Superfund program's National Priorities List (NPL) on November 4, 2009.
Work and investigations at the site have been broken down into two Operable Units. OU1 focuses on source control, which encompasses all soils, fill material, and estuarine wetland sediments on or near the site, including areas that continue releasing contaminants. OU2 focuses on the groundwater, Paradise Creek and the adjoining tidal wetlands outside the site property boundary impacted by releases of hazardous substances from the Peck property.
In 2024, the site was cleared of overgrowth, and a comprehensive radiological survey was conducted of the ground surface. Multiple small objects were identified to be coated with paint containing radium-226. These items were collected and transported off-site for safe disposal.
The discovery of live munitions in January 2024 temporarily halted digging activities until a safety plan was developed with the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers, which was completed that summer. Due to the added complexity from the safety plan, the original remedy for OU1 may no longer be practical, prompting the EPA to develop a Focused Feasibility Study to explore alternative cleanup options. The study is expected to be finalized by winter 2026, potentially leading to a revised cleanup plan.
EPA recently updated the Peck Iron & Metal Superfund website and included a fact sheet with more information - www.epa.gov/superfund/peck [epa.gov] Exit EPA's website
To learn more about EPA activity throughout the Mid-Atlantic, visit our regional website or follow us on Instagram Exit EPA's website, X Exit EPA's website, and Facebook Exit EPA's website.
***
Original text here: https://www.epa.gov/newsreleases/epa-hosts-public-meeting-peck-iron-and-metal-superfund-site
