DEC Environmental Justice Listening Session Announced

The New York State Department of Environmental Conservation (DEC) announced an environmental justice listening session to be held in Plattsburgh on March 11, 2026. This session is part of a series aimed at enhancing engagement with communities facing environmental justice concerns and prioritizing future outreach efforts.

DEC Conducts Prescribed Fire at Wilson Hill Wildlife Management Area

The New York State Department of Environmental Conservation (DEC) announced it will conduct a prescribed burn at Wilson Hill Wildlife Management Area. The burn, planned for February 27, 2026, aims to improve wetland habitat by controlling invasive Phragmites.

DEC Environmental Justice Listening Session in Elmira

The New York State Department of Environmental Conservation (DEC) announced an environmental justice listening session in Elmira on March 17, 2026. This session is part of an ongoing series to enhance engagement with communities with environmental justice concerns and to prioritize future outreach efforts.

Illinois EPA Funding for Emerging Contaminants in Drinking Water

The Illinois EPA announced over $40 million in grant funding for small or disadvantaged communities to address emerging contaminants like PFAS and Manganese in drinking water. Applications are due by August 31, 2026, with a maximum award of $15 million per applicant.

Illinois EPA Issues Health Advisory for 6:2 FTS in Groundwater

The Illinois EPA has issued a health advisory for 6:2 Fluorotelomer Sulfonic Acid (6:2 FTS) in groundwater, based on sampling of community water supplies. This advisory provides a guidance level for the chemical, which lacks a specific groundwater standard, and supplements existing PFAS advisories.

Illinois EPA Notifies Dupo Water System of PFOS Detection

The Illinois EPA has notified the Village of Dupo Community Water System that recent sampling detected PFOS at 4.5 parts per trillion, exceeding the federal MCL and state groundwater quality standard of 4 ppt. The notice triggers Right-to-Know requirements for the water system to inform its customers of the detection and potential exposure risks.

Illinois EPA Notifies Elburn Water System of PFOA Detection

The Illinois EPA has notified the Elburn Community Water System that PFOA was detected in groundwater samples at levels exceeding federal and state standards. The notice triggers Right-to-Know requirements for the water system to inform its customers about the detection and potential exposure risks.

Illinois EPA Offers $7M for Wastewater Resilience Grants

The Illinois EPA is offering $7 million in grant funding through the Resilient Energy for Wastewater Infrastructure (REWI) Grant Program. Publicly owned wastewater treatment plants can apply for awards ranging from $200,000 to $2,000,000 to enhance energy resilience with solar energy systems and battery storage. The application period closes on April 30, 2026.

MassDEP Fines Company $21,000 for Waste Oil Spill

The Massachusetts Department of Environmental Protection (MassDEP) has fined N.R. Underwood & Sons Enterprises, Inc. $21,000 for violating waste oil spill reporting and cleanup regulations. The company failed to promptly notify MassDEP of a spill and began cleanup without proper authorization and oversight.

MassDEP Launches Real-Time Ocean Monitoring in Boston Harbor

The Massachusetts Department of Environmental Protection (MassDEP) has launched a new real-time ocean monitoring system in Boston Harbor. This system, part of the Physical Oceanographic Real-Time System (PORTS) network, will provide data on currents, winds, and weather to aid navigation and prevent oil spills.