Range of "Critical Uses" of halon 1301 and halon 1211 application expanded to aircraft, military and armed forces

The EU Council adopted a resolution on expanding the range of "Critical Uses" of halon 1301 and halon 1211.

As a CFC based gas, halon 1301 and halon 1211 are ozone-depleting agents, used in fire extinguishant systems, refrigeration and air conditioning equipment including chlorofluorocarbons and hydrochlorofluorocarbons. This group of chemicals has been demonstrated to be harmful to the environment, specifically the stratospheric ozone layer. They also have a long atmospheric life.

"Critical Uses" of halon 1301 was expanded to the aircraft industry and halon 1211, to military, armed forces and some marine applications.

U.S. EPA provides information resources to city and county public health officials to improve septic system management

U.S. EPA is providing information to approximately 4,000 city and county public health officials with materials to educate citizens about proper septic system management, in order to stress the environmental importance of proper septic tank management to prevent pollution from entering the rivers, lakes, coasts, and groundwater.

Failing and improperly managed septic systems are a significant source of water pollution, potentially causing contamination of drinking water wells or restricting shellfish harvest. Septic systems serve approximately 25 percent of U.S. households, and one in every three new homes built today uses these systems, making proper maintenance essential for protecting America's waters.

EPA Assistant Administrator for Water G. Tracy Mehan, III, emphasized the importance of public education by saying that "Public education is the key to improving septic system management. Citizens need to better understand the potential harm improperly managed septic systems can have on the environment and public health and what they can do to help,"

To order copies of the Wastewater Month CD or hard copies of these materials, visit the Wastewater Month website at or contact Nikos Singelis, of the Office of Wastewater Management, at singelis.nikos@epa.gov.