International Day for Disaster Risk (IDDRR) October 13, 2022

Join the International Day for Disaster Risk (IDDRR) and spread the word on social media with the IDDRR social package. The toolkit features a series of editable templates to help you promote your participation in the #DRRDay. Follow us on Twitter, Facebook and LinkedIn and join the conversation on social media using #EarlyWarningForAll and #DRRDay. We look forward to seeing your posts! Partners planning events, launches and announcements can also share their content with preventionweb@un.org for wider dissemination in the DRR community. Please  specify embargo date where applicable.

IAEM, BEMA, NEMA, I-DIEM, etc. Florida Emergency Management Agencies at the County, City, Township Level. October 2022

With we move from the initial shock and awe to the recovery and mitigation phase for the residents in the State of Florida that were impacted by Hurricane Ian.

Questions have begun to arise in the following area(s) for IAEM, BEMA, NEMA, I-DIEM and others to answer from SME's and public trust officials.

 1. Of all the counties, cities and townships within the State of Florida emergency management (EM) agencies\offices\departments, which jurisdictions are under the control and management of:

      a. Law Enforcement or local police force?.  

      b. Fire Department?

      c. Separate Emergency Management Agency\office reporting directly to the local public official?

2.  What is the budget of the local emergency management agency\office\department 

     based on Question 1?

3.  What is the composition of staff within the local EM entity?

      a.  from lateral or vertical career development from law enforcement, fire, etc.?

      b.  Hires from emergency management with EM degrees (AA, BS, Masters, PhD's),

               and experience (EM) from military?

4. Number of certified professional emergency managers within the State of Florida?

               NOTE:  Certified thru State or other recognized certifying authority

https://www.blackemergmanagersassociation.org/p/your-meaning-of-dei-diversity-equity.html

Water Insecurity: USIBWC Awards Contract To Kick Off San Diego-Tijuana Water Infrastructure Projects. $4,659,432.00 contract to Arcadis, U.S., Inc.

USIBWC Awards Contract To Kick Off San Diego-Tijuana Water Infrastructure Projects

International Boundary and Water Commission

United States and Mexico

United States Section

 

UNITED STATES ENVIRONMENTAL PROTECTION AGENCY 

REGION IX 

San Francisco, CA

 

USIBWC Awards Contract To Kick Off San Diego-Tijuana Water Infrastructure Projects

United States Commissioner Maria-Elena Giner of the International Boundary and Water Commission, United States and Mexico (IBWC) and Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) Regional Administrator Martha Guzman today announced the U.S. Section of the Commission (USIBWC) has awarded a $4,659,432.00 contract to Arcadis, U.S., Inc. to start work on border water infrastructure improvements at San Diego, California – Tijuana, Baja California. This marks important progress toward implementing a recently signed binational IBWC agreement known as Minute No. 328, “Sanitation Infrastructure Projects in San Diego, California – Tijuana, Baja California for Immediate Implementation and for Future Development,”  

The contract will lay the groundwork to double the size of the USIBWC’s South Bay International Wastewater Treatment Plant (SBIWTP) in San Diego, California, which currently provides treatment to U.S. standards for 25 million gallons per day of wastewater from Tijuana. Under Minute 328, this plant expansion is part of a package of projects in both countries expected to result in a 50% reduction in the number of days of transborder wastewater flow in the Tijuana River and an 80% reduction in the volume of untreated wastewater discharged to the Pacific Ocean six miles south of the border.

“This is an important first step to fix the region’s border sanitation problem,” said Commissioner Giner.  “This work will prepare us to use available funds efficiently and to move quickly to the next phase – design and construction of the expanded treatment plant. I am committed to transparency in how we implement this project and to keep our stakeholders informed.”

“This contract represents a critical step towards controlling the transborder pollution that has long burdened communities in the region and harmed Tijuana River Valley ecosystems” said EPA Pacific Southwest Regional Administrator Martha Guzman. “The effort to expand the South Bay International Wastewater Treatment Plant, which this contract supports, will mean residents on both sides of the border will have a healthier, cleaner environment for years to come.”

Under the contract, Arcadis will:

• Determine required upgrades and repairs to the existing plant
• Provide professional recommendation on the maximum size of the plant expansion with available funding
• Review and recommend the best procurement method for design and construction of the plant and any required upgrades to the existing plant
• Prepare design and construction cost estimates
• Prepare a detailed project scope of work for the plant expansion

This Phase 1 pre-design work will enable USIBWC to solicit bids for design of the SBIWTP expansion by summer 2023. The contractor may also provide Program Management and deliverable reviews as part of the Design and Construction phases.  

The SBIWTP expansion is a major element of the Minute 328 projects, which also include constructing a new treatment plant in Mexico and rehabilitating and replacing aging sewer lines and pump stations in Tijuana.

World Bank Partnership. Global Diversity Export Initiative. Justice40 Initiative extends on all U.S. investments. Now you get it!

World Bank 101 For Minority and Women-owned Companies

 

Four Sessions - October 4-27, 2022  |  Virtual Join the U.S. Commercial Service in October to learn about our partnership with the World Bank and how you can navigate the many opportunities to work on World Bank-funded projects overseas. Part of the Global Diversity Export Initiative, this event is ideal for minority and women-owned businesses interested in learning more about World Bank-funded projects.  Who will benefit from joining these events?  U.S. businesses seeking international expansion in the environment and clean technologies, renewable energy, waste management and sanitation, water, transportation, infrastructure, design and construction, financial services, digital services and smart platforms, agriculture, education, and health industries.  October 4: Understanding the World Bank and Tools for Success 12:00pm – 1:30pm EST Cost: $25 Get a crash course on the World Bank Group, how it works, and models for how U.S. companies can use it to work in low- and middle-income markets. Also learn about the U.S. Department of Commerce’s new World Bank Minority Business Outreach Initiative & how to access U.S. Government tools for success in developing markets. Register October 6: Procurement Opportunities for Public Sector Projects and Programs – Becoming a Vendor, Consulting Contracts and Working with Primes 12:00pm – 1:30pm EST Cost: $25 Learn about accessing and bidding on World Bank-funded projects, steps to register for consulting opportunities and alternative models for partnering on Bank projects including supply chain opportunities through prime awardees. Speakers include Senior World Bank Procurement officials and there will be time for Q&A. Register October 25: Resources for Development Project Finance and Investment - Introducing the Investment Finance Corporation (IFC) and Multilateral Investment Guarantee Agency 12:00pm – 1:30pm EST Cost: $25 Learn about the World Bank’s private sector financial products that enable companies to manage risk and expand their access to foreign and domestic capital markets. This includes trade and supply chain finance, investment guarantees, political risk insurance and blended finance and syndications for public-private partnerships. Opportunities to bid on consulting on financial and business advisory services will also be discussed. Register October 27: Corporate Procurement – Becoming a Supplier to the World Bank  12:00pm – 1:30pm EST Cost: $25 Hear from the World Bank Group's Corporate Procurement Unit which is responsible for the coordination and oversight of the sourcing strategy, selection, and contract execution for goods, services, construction, and consulting services for the World Bank’s own over 150 offices around the world. There will also be a speaker from the World Bank’s own IT Vendor Management unit. Register

 

Know someone that could apply? 2023 Obama Foundation Leaders program.

 

Do you know an emerging leader in Africa, Asia-Pacific, or Europe who has spent the last few years creating positive change on an issue they’re passionate about?

Do they stand out for their integrity, strong values, and ethics? Do they go about their work in a collaborative way?

Are they eager to learn from others? Open-minded and curious? Willing to share their experiences? 

If so, I hope you’ll encourage them to apply to our 2023 Obama Foundation Leaders program!

The Obama Foundation Leaders program is a six-month, non-residential leadership development and community engagement program that brings together 35 Leaders from their respective regions for weekly sessions including:

• Developing practical tools and training for deepening values-based leadership,
• Individualized or peer leadership coaching,
• Cultural programming that showcases the richness of diversity in the region, and
• Creative spaces for deep personal reflection and interpersonal learning with peers. 

Funding Opportunities: DMV (District, Maryland, Virginia). Let us know if you have any in your community (LA, Chicago, Boston, ect..)

Funding Opportunities: Private Amazon's Black Business Accelerator AT&T Black Future Maker – Apply by 12/31/22 Black Founder Startup Grant - Rolling deadline Dear God Are We There Yet? - Apply by 12/30/22 Facebook Invoice Fast Track Fearless Strivers – Apply by 12/31/22 Merchants Maverick National Association for the Self-Employed  District of Columbia Employer Partnership Training Grant (DCWORKS) – Rolling deadline Commercial Property Acquisition Fund  – Rolling deadline D.C. Rebuild Bond Program D.C. Vitality Fund Nourish D.C. Collaborative Maryland Community Partnership Grants Emergency Rental Assistance Program Virginia Dominion Energy Small Business Relief

More Funding Opportunites

Please continue to share your suggestions at info@wacif.org.

Wacif is grateful for its 2022 funding partners, supporting us in driving equitable economic development and community wealth building in the Greater Washington D.C. region:   CareFirst Prince George's County Community Partnership Grant Prince George's County Local Development Council Arlington County Community Development Fund Urban Institute Measure for Change Surdna Foundation 1988 Irrevocable Cochrane Memorial Trust TD Bank Opportunity Finance Network National Community Reinvestment Coalition (NCRC)

 

Grant Opportunity: NYC. Five Boroughs. Deadline: November 9, 2022 (Letters of Inquiry)

 RFP alert

Impact 100 NYC invites letters of inquiry for grants program

Posted: October 4, 2022
Deadline: November 9, 2022 (Letters of Inquiry)
At least one nonprofit operating within the five boroughs of NYC will receive a grant of $100,000 in support of a project or program that will have a high impact or transformational effect on the NYC community.... 

FOCUS: EPA monitoring & evaluation for your community. Arizona Company to Pay $182K Penalty to Settle Clean Air Act Claims at its Phoenix Facility

 

Arizona Company to Pay $182K Penalty to Settle Clean Air Act Claims at its Phoenix Facility

Under settlement, facility owners will pay fine, make safety improvements

Contact Information

Joshua Alexander (alexander.joshua@epa.gov)

415-214-5940

SAN FRANCISCO – The U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) announced a settlement with Reddy Ice Phoenix for EPA’s Clean Air Act (CAA) findings at its Phoenix‑based facility. The company will pay $182,659 in civil penalties.

Following an EPA inspection of Reddy Ice’s Phoenix-based ice manufacturing facility in June 2019, EPA determined that Reddy Ice failed to comply with Clean Air Act Section 112(r) rules to prevent accidental release, which requires that facilities storing more than 10,000 pounds of anhydrous ammonia are properly designed, operated, and maintained to minimize the risk of an accidental release.

Specifically, EPA determined that Reddy Ice failed to properly design its refrigeration system to comply with applicable design codes and standards, maintain inspection and testing records on certain equipment, correct engineering control deficiencies related to ammonia detectors, emergency exhaust fans, and alarms, and did not act upon compliance audit findings.

“It is every company’s responsibility to ensure compliance with the law, including critical safety regulations under the Clean Air Act for handling dangerous chemicals like anhydrous ammonia,” said EPA Southwest Regional Administrator Martha Guzman. “Failure to do so can endanger public health and safety, especially for those in underserved and vulnerable communities close to facilities with ammonia refrigeration systems.”

Anhydrous ammonia can cause serious, often irreversible health effects when released. In addition to potential harmful effects from inhalation of or skin contact with this substance, it is highly flammable. Anhydrous ammonia is considered an extremely hazardous substance.

About Clean Air Act Section 112(r):

Section 112(r) of the Clean Air Act requires companies of all sizes that use certain listed regulated flammable and toxic substances to develop and implement a Risk Management Program. A properly developed Risk Management Program includes:

• A hazard assessment that details the potential effects of an accidental release, an accident history of the last five years, and an evaluation of worst-case and alternative accidental release scenarios.
• A prevention program that includes safety precautions and maintenance, monitoring, and employee training measures.
• An emergency response program that spells out emergency health care, employee training measures and procedures for informing the public and response agencies (e.g., the fire department) should an accident occur.

About Anhydrous Ammonia Accidents

Thousands of facilities nationwide make, use, and store extremely hazardous substances, including anhydrous ammonia. Catastrophic accidents, historically about 150 each year, at facilities, which include ammonia refrigeration facilities, result in fatalities and serious injuries, evacuations, and other harm to human health and the environment. EPA inspects these facilities as part of the Agency’s National Compliance Initiative, which seeks to reduce risk to human health and the environment by decreasing the likelihood of accidental releases and mitigating the consequences of chemical accidents.

For more information on reporting possible violations of environmental laws and regulations visit EPA’s enforcement reporting website.

For more information on Clean Air Act Section 112(r) visit EPA’s Fact Sheet: Clean Air Act Section 112(r): Accidental Release Prevention / Risk Management Plan Rule website.

Learn more about EPA’s Pacific Southwest Region. Connect with us on Facebook and on Twitter.

At the 11th Hour..(As usual)...... USDOT Advisory Committee on Human Trafficking: Nominations Close Oct 7!

U.S. Department of Transportation, Advisory Committee on Human Trafficking:  Nominations   Close on Friday, October 7 The U.S. Department of Transportation is seeking nominations for aviation, bus, maritime, port,  rail, trucking, law enforcement, lived experience, and NGO representatives for membership in  the Department of Transportation Advisory Committee on Human Trafficking (ACHT).  The goal of this committee is to provide information, advice, and recommendations on the  intersection of human trafficking and transportation. Applications must be received on or before 5:00 p.m. ET on October 7, 2022. View the Federal Register Notice for further details.   For questions, contact trafficking@dot.gov. BACKGROUND The ACHT was reestablished on July 29, 2022 as a requirement of the Bipartisan Infrastructure Law  (BIL) (P. L. 117-58).  Sec. 23020 of the BIL requires the ACHT to produce a triennial  counter-trafficking report with recommendations for countering human trafficking, an assessment of  best practices by transportation stakeholders, and human trafficking violations involving commercial  motor vehicles. The committee was initially established as mandated by Sec. 5(a)  of the 2018 Combating Human Trafficking in Commercial Vehicles Act (P.L. 115-99).   The 2018-2020 ACHT submitted their final report on Combating Human Trafficking in the  Transportation Sector on July 2, 2019.   GET RESOURCES SIGN UP     USDOT Counter-Trafficking Initiative U.S. Department of Transportation Office of International Transportation and Trade transportation.gov/stophumantrafficking trafficking@dot.gov

"What is your level of seriousness?" Rate the BEMA International web\blog. October 4, 2022

What is your level of seriousness in your career development, individual, family, neighbors in advocating and promoting the Black Emergency Managers Association International (BEMA International) mission & vision?

What take-aways have you gained by visiting the BEMA International web\blog page?

Please provide your rating of the BEMA International web\blog page in providing information for you, your family, and community to address disasters, emergencies, and climate change issues by completing a quick ratings survey.

One to two minutes of your time.

RATING

Scroll thru the web\blog site in any area.

Submit your rating in the 'POST A COMMENT' as Anonymous or Unknown of this posting.

1.  Postings.         Do you find the daily posting useful or informative?          No..........  Somewhat ......  Very Useful           1   2   3   4   5  6   6   7   8   9   10 2.  Information on web\blog page.             Do you find it helpful or useful ?           No..........  Somewhat ......  Very Useful           1   2   3   4   5  6   6   7   8   9   10 3. Member logos and links            Do you find it helpful or useful ?           No..........  Somewhat ......  Very Useful           1   2   3   4   5  6   6   7   8   9   10 Be safe, be prepared. Black Emergency Managers Association International    Washington, D.C.  20020 bEMA International Cooperation, Collaboration, Communication, Coordination, Community engagement, and  Partnering (C5&P) A 501 (c) 3 organization Community\Civil Society Imperative.  The impacts of climate change are increasing the frequency and intensity of disasters.  Individuals, families, and communities must take a proactive approach and behaviors to save lives, their communities, their culture and heritage.