The U.S. Environmental Protection Agency announced on June 20 that it is renewing a Cooperative Research and Development Agreement (CRADA) with eight associations representing the aluminum, cobalt, copper, lead, zinc, and nickel industries. The agreement aims to ensure that EPA actions related to metals and aquatic life are informed by the best available science and data.
"EPA is committed to working with industry partners to share resources, data, and expertise to advance gold standard science that supports economic growth and environmental protection. This collaborative and commonsense approach ensures that we consider the latest scientific developments as we work to protect water resources and Power the Great American Comeback," said EPA Assistant Administrator for Water Jess Kramer.
Since its initiation in 2017 under the first Trump Administration, the CRADA has allowed scientists from both inside and outside EPA to gather information on metals toxicity and their effects on aquatic life. This partnership has contributed data used in developing recommendations for states under the Clean Water Act. The collaboration supported key agency recommendations such as the 2018 aquatic life criteria for aluminum.
The renewed agreement is expected to generate new data and simplified models reflecting metal toxicity impacts on fish and other aquatic organisms. The information will be subject to external peer review, with draft recommendations open for public comment. States, Tribes, and territories may use final criteria in their water quality standards or develop site-specific standards based on local conditions.
Industry representatives expressed support for the renewal. The Aluminum Association said, "Renewing the Cooperative Research and Development Agreement (CRADA) between the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) and the signatory metal associations is important for successful collaboration to ensure that water quality standards for metals are based on the best available science. In 2018, through the support of the original CRADA, revised aquatic water quality criteria for aluminum were developed that use sound science to provide environmental protection during a time of significant industry growth. We look forward to continued cooperation with EPA in these efforts." Cobalt Institute Director General Dinah McLeod said, "The Cobalt Institute welcomes the renewal of this CRADA, which has demonstrated how rigorous, collaborative science can benefit both environmental protection and the responsible development of critical minerals that are essential to a strong American economy." NiPERA Inc. Executive Director Christian E. Schlekat added: "NiPERA welcomes the continued collaboration with the U.S. EPA to develop the next generation of aquatic life criteria for nickel. This effort reflects a shared commitment to sound science and to criteria that are both protective of America’s aquatic resources and practical for implementation by industry, states, Tribes, and territories... Updated criteria will help ensure that growing use of nickel in these applications in the United States proceeds in a way that protects our nation’s aquatic ecosystems." Other associations representing zinc, lead, copper also expressed support.
Further details about this partnership can be found according to the official roster page.
