Environment

Massachusetts Awards $8.7M for Energy Efficiency Projects

The Massachusetts Healey-Driscoll Administration announced $8.7 million in grant funding for 34 energy efficiency and clean energy projects. The funding, administered by the Massachusetts Department of Environmental Protection, will support municipal water facilities, agricultural and food-producing non-profits, and small businesses.

ECHA Committee Draft Opinion on PFAS Restriction

The European Chemicals Agency's Committee for Socio-Economic Analysis (SEAC) has agreed its draft opinion on a proposal to restrict all per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances (PFAS) in the EU. The draft opinion will be published for a 60-day public consultation.

EPC VA 24 LLC Enforcement Action and Comment Period

The Virginia Department of Environmental Quality has proposed an enforcement action against EPC VA 24 LLC for violations of water control laws and permit conditions. A public comment period is open from March 11, 2026, to April 10, 2026, for a proposed Consent Order.

Chippenham Farm Fined for Slurry Pollution

The Environment Agency has fined JD Spencer Farm Partnership £18,744 for two slurry pollution incidents that impacted the Bristol Avon river. The farm pleaded guilty to four offences related to illegal water discharge and failure to plan slurry spreading.

Bolitho Limited Environmental Permit Application Advertisement

The Environment Agency has published an advertisement for an environmental permit application submitted by Bolitho Limited. This notice informs the public about the application and the process for submitting comments.

MassDEP Fines Toby Realty Trust $31,000 for Cleanup Violations

The Massachusetts Department of Environmental Protection (MassDEP) has fined Toby Realty Trust $31,000 for violating oil and hazardous materials cleanup regulations. The penalty was issued with a Unilateral Administrative Order requiring the trust to comply with a new schedule for cleanup actions at a Springfield property.

MassDEP Fines Hunter Plastics $23,000 for Hazardous Waste Violations

The Massachusetts Department of Environmental Protection (MassDEP) has fined Hunter Plastics, Inc. $23,000 for hazardous waste violations, including illegal transportation and improper storage and labeling. The company has agreed to pay the penalty and correct the violations.

Gleeson Developments Environmental Permit Application Advertisement

The Environment Agency has published an advertisement for an environmental permit application submitted by Gleeson Developments Limited for a site in Bradford, England. The notice provides details of the application and explains the public consultation process.

Environmental Permit Application Consultation

The Environment Agency has published a public consultation advertisement for an environmental permit application submitted by Catherine Hodges for Arnen, Coopers Pightle, Reading, RG4 9AZ. The notice outlines the application details and the process for public participation.

Environmental Permit Application Public Consultation

The Environment Agency has published a public consultation for an environmental permit application submitted by Mark, Roger, and Louise Beame for Oakdene Westend Cottages in GL10 3SJ. The consultation provides details on the application and the process for public comment.

DEC Announces 2026 Exam Dates for Wildlife Licenses

The New York State Department of Environmental Conservation (DEC) has announced the 2026 online examination dates for individuals seeking licenses for falconry, wildlife rehabilitation, and leashed tracking dog handling. These exams will be offered online and free of charge to enhance accessibility for applicants.

City of Hopewell Enforcement Action Proposed Consent Order

The Virginia Department of Environmental Quality (DEQ) has proposed an enforcement action against the City of Hopewell for violations of water quality statutes and regulations at its Water Renewal facility. A public comment period is open from March 9, 2026, to April 8, 2026.

Royall Pump and Well Company Enforcement Action

The Virginia Department of Environmental Quality has proposed an enforcement action against Royall Pump and Well Company, Inc. for alleged violations of state water control statutes, regulations, and permit requirements related to a project in Powhatan County. A comment period is open from March 9, 2026, to April 8, 2026.

Summit General Contractors Enforcement Action Proposed

The Virginia Department of Environmental Quality has proposed an enforcement action against Summit General Contractors, Inc. for alleged violations of the State Water Control Law at the Dollar Tree facility in Isle of Wight County. A comment period for the proposed Consent Order is open from March 9, 2026, to April 8, 2026.

City of Richmond Proposed Consent Order for Water Violations

The Virginia Department of Environmental Quality is proposing a Consent Order for the City of Richmond concerning violations of water statutes and permit requirements at the Richmond WWTP facility. A public comment period is open from March 9, 2026, to April 8, 2026.

Illinois EPA Announces Spring Household Hazardous Waste Collection Events

The Illinois EPA announced seven Spring Household Hazardous Waste (HHW) collection events scheduled across the state from March to May 2026. These events offer residents a free and convenient opportunity to safely dispose of common household hazardous products. Pre-registration is required for all events.

NY DEC Awards Over $677,000 in Smart Growth Grants

The New York State Department of Environmental Conservation (DEC) has awarded over $677,000 in Smart Growth grants to seven projects in the Catskill region. These grants will support affordable housing, recreational access, and economic growth initiatives compatible with environmental protection.

Memas Country Store Delivery Prohibition Proceeding

The Virginia Department of Environmental Quality (DEQ) has initiated a delivery prohibition proceeding against Memas Country Store due to unresolved compliance issues related to underground storage tanks. A proceeding is scheduled for March 30, 2026.

State-Funded Cleanup Enables New Affordable Housing

The California Department of Toxic Substance Control (DTSC) announced the opening of 43 new affordable homes in Richmond, funded by a state cleanup program. This project is part of a larger initiative to convert contaminated land into safe housing, with over 200 homes expected across three sites this year.

Keepmoat Homes Environmental Permit Application Consultation

The Environment Agency has published a consultation notice regarding an environmental permit application submitted by Keepmoat Homes Limited for a site in Leyland, Lancashire. The notice details the application and explains the public participation process.

Angus Fire PFAS Reduction Permit Consultation

The Environment Agency has opened a public consultation on its draft decision to grant a permit variation to Angus Fire Limited. The variation would allow the company to install an effluent treatment plant to reduce PFAS contamination from rainwater runoff at its North Yorkshire site. The consultation period runs until April 1, 2026.

Sydney Wheeler Environmental Permit Application Consultation

The Environment Agency is advertising an environmental permit application for Sydney Wheeler in Lydney, England. This notice initiates a public consultation period, allowing interested parties to review the application and submit comments before a decision is made.

ECHA Updates Annual Evaluation Statistics

The European Chemicals Agency (ECHA) has updated its statistics on chemical evaluation progress, reporting on compliance checks conducted between 2009 and 2025. The agency checked the compliance of over 30% of substances registered before 2019 at volumes of at least 100 tonnes per year, aiming to ensure reliable hazard data and chemical safety.

Biocides Committee supports ethanol approval for disinfectants

ECHA's Biocidal Products Committee (BPC) has supported the approval of ethanol for use in human hygiene, general, and food/feed area disinfectants. The committee did not conclude on ethanol's carcinogenic or reprotoxic properties due to data limitations and the nature of existing evidence.

ECHA Biocidal Products Committee Opinions on Active Substances and Authorisations

The European Chemicals Agency's Biocidal Products Committee (BPC) adopted six opinions on active substances and two on Union authorisations in its February 2026 meeting. These opinions concern substances like ethanol, DMDMH, hydrochloric acid, C(M)IT/MIT, and peracetic acid, impacting various product types. The European Commission will make the final decisions.

ECHA Risk Assessment Committee Adopts PFAS Restriction Opinion

The European Chemicals Agency's Risk Assessment Committee (RAC) has adopted its opinion on a proposal to restrict all per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances (PFAS) across the EU/EEA. This opinion is a key step in the regulatory process, with the Socio-Economic Analysis Committee (SEAC) expected to release its draft opinion soon.

W. Henry Hardy Inc. - Enforcement Meeting

The Virginia Department of Environmental Quality (DEQ) has scheduled an enforcement meeting for W. Henry Hardy Inc. on March 25, 2026. This action follows unresolved compliance issues identified during an underground storage tank inspection in March 2025, leading to a delivery prohibition process.

Midway Grocery Enforcement Meeting Scheduled

The Virginia Department of Environmental Quality (DEQ) has scheduled an enforcement meeting for Midway Grocery on March 18, 2026, regarding unresolved compliance issues with underground storage tanks. This action follows inspections conducted in April 2024 and November 2025.

California Fines TheBeadChest.com $17,000 for Excessive Lead

The California Department of Toxic Substances Control (DTSC) has fined online retailer TheBeadChest.com $17,000 for selling jewelry with excessive lead levels. The retailer has agreed to stop selling non-compliant jewelry.

Environment Agency v. Action Skip Hire Limited - Waste Removal Order

The Environment Agency has ordered Birmingham skip firm Action Skip Hire Limited to pay £9,495.50 for failing to remove waste from a site as previously ordered by a magistrates' court. This follows a prior conviction where the company was fined over £48,000 for operating an illegal waste site.

State Bike Grants Reduce Car Trips and Air Pollution

Washington State's Department of Ecology highlights successful bike grant projects in Shoreline, Tacoma, and Wenatchee. These projects, funded by the Climate Commitment Act, aim to reduce air pollution by encouraging cycling and limiting car trips in overburdened communities.

DEC and Team Rubicon Improve Braddock Bay Trails

The New York State Department of Environmental Conservation (DEC) and Team Rubicon are collaborating to remove hazardous trees and improve trail systems at Braddock Bay Wildlife Management Area. Trail closures are scheduled for March 21 and March 28, 2026, to facilitate this work.

DEC Forest Rangers - Week in Review

The New York State Department of Environmental Conservation (DEC) released a weekly update on Forest Ranger activities. The report details 362 search and rescue missions, 202 wildfires extinguished, and over 1,100 arrests and tickets issued in 2025. It also highlights recent public outreach and training exercises.

Massachusetts Clean Water Trust Approves Loans and Grants

The Massachusetts Clean Water Trust approved $7,046,000 in new low-interest loans and grants for water infrastructure projects. The funds will support projects in Provincetown and a school water improvement grant for Saint Joseph School.

United Utilities Environmental Permit Application Advertisement

The Environment Agency has published an advertisement for an environmental permit application submitted by United Utilities Water Limited for a Combined Sewer Overflow (CSO) at Lostock Close / Chale Close CSO. The notice provides details of the application and explains the public consultation process.

Environment Agency Consultation on Environmental Permit Application

The Environment Agency is consulting the public on an environmental permit application submitted by Andy Pink for a site located at TA4 4DJ. The consultation period allows interested parties to comment on the application before a decision is made on granting or refusing the permit.

Ecology Grant Expands Stewart Mountain Community Forest

The Washington State Department of Ecology awarded a $5.5 million grant to expand the Stewart Mountain Community Forest by 1,600 acres. This funding, part of the state's Streamflow Restoration Act, supports water quality, forest preservation, and community ownership of the land.

United Fuel Corporation Enforcement Action

The Virginia Department of Environmental Quality has proposed an enforcement action against United Fuel Corporation for violations of the State Water Control Law at its Oaklawn Shell facility in Hopewell, Virginia. A comment period for the proposed Consent Order is open from March 4, 2026, to April 3, 2026.

Yorkshire Waste Site Permit Revoked

The Environment Agency has had its environmental permit revoked for Mineral Processing Ltd in Yorkshire after the Planning Inspectorate dismissed the company's appeal. The company must remove all waste from the site by August 31, 2029, or face further offenses.

Om Anaya, Inc. Enforcement Action and Comment Period

The Virginia Department of Environmental Quality (DEQ) has proposed an enforcement action against Om Anaya, Inc. for alleged violations of water control statutes and regulations at its Hanover, Virginia facility. A public comment period for the proposed Consent Order is open from March 3, 2026, to April 2, 2026.

Illinois EPA Offers $1.5M for Water Supply Energy Upgrades

The Illinois EPA is offering up to $1.5 million in grant funding for energy efficiency upgrades at public water supply facilities. Projects will range from $50,000 to $500,000, with applications due by May 4, 2026. This program is funded through the U.S. Department of Energy's Infrastructure Investment and Jobs Act.

Environment Agency Stops Suspected Illegal Waste Activity

The Environment Agency has taken enforcement action against Blackpole Recycling Ltd in Worcester for suspected illegal waste activity. The agency issued suspension and restriction notices, seized cash, and is conducting wider investigations into waste crime.

Church Minshull Marina Environmental Permit Application Advertisement

The Environment Agency has published a notice regarding an environmental permit application from Church Minshull Marina Limited. This notice serves as an advertisement for the application and informs the public about the consultation process for environmental permits.

Environmental Permit Application Advertisement

The Environment Agency has published a notice regarding an environmental permit application for waste, water, and mining operations submitted by Mr Jeffery and Mrs Alice Nicholson for a property in Berkhamsted, HP4 1LR. The notice advertises the application and outlines the public consultation process.

Christopher Bates Environmental Permit Application Advertisement

The Environment Agency has published an advertisement for an environmental permit application submitted by Christopher Bates for a site at CV7 7LB. This notice informs the public about the application and the process for submitting comments.

NY Sues Harbourview Realty to Stop Pollution Discharges

New York State agencies have filed a lawsuit against Harbourview Realty LLC to halt alleged illegal pollution discharges into Hempstead Bay. The suit seeks injunctive relief to stop the unpermitted discharges and civil penalties for violations of the Clean Water Act.

Washington State Coastal Resilience and Nature-Based Solutions

Washington State's Department of Ecology is highlighting efforts in North Cove to build coastal resilience using nature-based solutions like dynamic revetments and large woody debris. These initiatives aim to combat erosion and protect communities from climate-related hazards such as sea-level rise and increased storm severity.

DEC Announces 2026 I BIRD NY Challenge

The New York State Department of Environmental Conservation (DEC) has announced the 2026 I BIRD NY Challenge, encouraging residents to identify birds from March 1 to November 1, 2026. Participants who identify 10 species and submit a challenge sheet by November 18, 2026, will receive a patch and certificate, with opportunities to win prizes.

Court Order Restricts Wigan Waste Site Access

The Environment Agency has obtained a court order restricting access to a waste site in Wigan to prevent illegal dumping. The order, effective for six months, prohibits waste importation and access to the site, with non-compliance being a criminal offense. This action is part of an ongoing criminal investigation into illegal waste dumping.

Healey-Driscoll Administration Energy and Environmental Agency Yearly Report

The Healey-Driscoll Administration has released its 2025 Annual Report for the Executive Office of Energy and Environmental Affairs (EEA). The report highlights progress in energy affordability, environmental protection, and climate resilience efforts across various state agencies.