July—August 2023 Newsletter

Emergency Response and Preparedness

EPA has been supporting disaster recovery in communities in the Pacific Southwest region. EPA personnel are on Maui to work with our federal, state and local government partners on response and recovery efforts, with a focus on the removal of hazardous materials from fire-impacted areas. EPA has been assigned by the Federal Emergency Management Agency to survey, remove and dispose of hazardous materials from properties affected by the wildfires in Lāhainā and Kula on Maui.

In response to Typhoon Mawar, EPA completed its Federal Emergency Management Agency mission assignments to support the restoration of water infrastructure, including both safe drinking water and wastewater systems, and the collection and proper disposal of hazardous waste and oil on Guam.

On the mainland, wildfire season has begun; in the Pacific Southwest region, Arizona, southern California and Nevada have experienced fires. EPA has resources to help communities impacted by fires and is prepared to assist in response and recovery efforts as appropriate.

Supporting Community Representation in Hawaii

EPA, in coordination with the Navy, is seeking individuals to submit self-nominations to represent their community as part of the Red Hill Community Representation Initiative (CRI). The nomination period began August 23, 2023, and closes September 6, 2023. Members of the public who are selected to participate will meet monthly with government agencies to provide input and exchange information on defueling, closure, and drinking water protection at the Red Hill Bulk Fuel Storage Facility. The 10 CRI members and alternates will be selected on September 16. Once the CRI is formed, members will create internal ground rules and hold their first meeting with EPA and Navy representatives in late September/early October.

Enforcement Update

Protecting People from Air Pollution

Diesel performance parts manufacturer Sinister Mfg. Company, Inc. of Roseville, California, pleaded guilty to criminal charges for selling products that allowed drivers to strip the emissions controls from their trucks. The illegal products caused a dramatic increase in the release of pollutants that worsen air quality and harm the quality of life. The company agreed to pay a total of $1 million in criminal fines and civil penalties. The company also agreed to implement a compliance program and to not manufacture, sell or install any device that defeats a vehicle’s emissions controls. Sinister Mfg. Company pleaded guilty to conspiracy to violate the Clean Air Act (CAA) and defraud the United States, and with violating the CAA by tampering with the monitoring device of an emissions control system of a diesel truck.

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EPA’s Pacific Southwest Region serves Arizona, California, Hawaii, Nevada, the Pacific Islands, and 148 Tribal Nations.

Alert
Wildfire and Smoke Resources

Wildfires and their smoke are a fact of life in the Pacific Southwest. EPA and other public agencies have resources in English and Spanish to help people prepare for wildfires.

Public Involvement

EPA in the Pacific Southwest encourages public engagement in addressing environmental issues through public meetings, events and other opportunities for public participation.
Public Notices, Meetings and Events