STM Daily News
EPA Statement on the Collapse of the Francis Scott Key Bridge: Mid-Atlantic Region Steps in to Support Response Efforts
The recent collapse of the Francis Scott Key Bridge in Baltimore, Maryland has led to a crucial joint response effort involving various agencies, including the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA). The EPA’s Mid-Atlantic Region swiftly deployed emergency personnel to assist in managing the environmental aspects of the incident. This blog post aims to shed light on the EPA’s role, their commitment to minimizing potential environmental impacts, and their ongoing support to the unified command.
Technical Expertise and Advisory Role:
The EPA On Scene Coordinators (OSCs) have been diligently reviewing information provided by the Unified Command regarding potentially hazardous cargo onboard the affected vessel. Drawing from their expertise, the OSCs offer recommendations and technical advice pertaining to the development of removal or recovery plans and strategies. Their crucial involvement ensures that the environmental implications are accounted for in the overall response efforts.
Environmental Response Team (ERT):
Accompanying the OSCs are members of the EPA’s Environmental Response Team (ERT), who play a vital role as technical specialists. These experts provide valuable input and guidance on environmental matters while also offering public information support through the Joint Information Center (JIC). This integrated approach ensures that public health concerns are effectively addressed and accurate information is disseminated.
Collaboration and Coordination:
EPA Mid-Atlantic Regional Administrator Adam Ortiz emphasizes the importance of cooperation between federal, state, and local agencies, stating, “Our team is coordinating with the Unified Command and working together to minimize any potential environmental impacts resulting from the bridge collapse.” Such collaboration not only enhances response effectiveness but also facilitates the sharing of resources, expertise, and operational strategies.
Navigable Waterway and the Unified Command:
As outlined in the National Contingency Plan (NCP), the United States Coast Guard (USCG) assumes the lead agency role in incidents involving actual or potential releases of oil or hazardous substances in navigable waterways. Given that the collapse occurred in the Patapsco River, considered a navigable waterway, the Unified Command structure is overseeing response priorities, operations, and environmental protection strategies.
Ongoing Commitment:
The EPA remains dedicated to supporting the unified command and maintaining a strong on-ground presence throughout the entire response effort. As the situation evolves, the agency will adapt and continue to offer its technical expertise, relying on scientific methods to safeguard public health and the environment.
Information and Media Inquiries:
For detailed information regarding the ongoing incident response efforts, the Unified Command has set up a comprehensive website at the following URL: https://www.keybridgeresponse2024.com/. The site provides updates and relevant resources to help the public stay informed. Media representatives can reach out to the Joint Information Center (JIC) at 410-631-8939 for interviews and inquiries.
The EPA’s contributions to the response efforts following the Francis Scott Key Bridge collapse underscore their commitment to protecting public health and the environment. By offering technical expertise, coordinating with the unified command, and upholding a science-based approach, the EPA’s Mid-Atlantic Region is playing a significant role in minimizing potential environmental impacts. Through their collaboration with other agencies, the EPA continues to demonstrate its dedication to ensuring a swift and effective response to this unfortunate event.
https://www.epa.gov/newsreleases/epa-statement-collapse-francis-scott-key-bridge
Visit our Urbanism section to read more related articles: https://stmdailynews.com/category/the-bridge/urbanism/
About the EPA
The Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) is a US government agency focused on environmental protection. It conducts assessments, research, and education while enforcing national standards under environmental laws. The EPA collaborates with state governments, tribes, and industry to prevent pollution and promote energy conservation. Led by an administrator, the agency operates from its headquarters in Washington, D.C., with regional offices and laboratories across the country. With over 16,000 employees, the EPA comprises engineers, scientists, specialists, and other professionals.
Local News
Maricopa Boil Water Advisory Lifted After Negative E. Coli Tests
Maricopa boil water advisory lifted: Global Water–Santa Cruz Water Company customers in Maricopa can resume normal tap water use after follow-up testing found no E. coli.
MARICOPA, Ariz. — A precautionary boil water advisory for Global Water–Santa Cruz Water Company customers in the city of Maricopa was lifted Thursday, October 8, after repeat testing found no E. coli in water samples. The utility announced the cancellation at approximately 2 p.m. Arizona time.
The advisory was issued October 7 after two preliminary tests indicated possible contamination. Customers were temporarily instructed to use bottled water or boil tap water for at least one minute before drinking it or using it for food preparation.
With follow-up results negative, affected customers no longer need to boil water for drinking, cooking, making ice, brushing teeth or washing dishes, according to the utility.
The advisory affected the utility’s customers in the city of Maricopa, located in Pinal County. It was not a countywide warning for Maricopa County or Phoenix.
Residents can visit Global Water Resources’ official notice page for updates or call 866-940-1102 with questions.
STM Daily News
Woman Charged With Felony Animal Cruelty in Santa Ana Puppy Killing
Santa Ana Puppy Killing: Prosecutors have filed felony charges against a 75-year-old Anaheim woman accused of deliberately running over and killing her puppy, Blackey, in Santa Ana.
Last Updated on October 3, 2026 by Daily News Staff
SANTA ANA, Calif. — A 75-year-old Anaheim woman accused of deliberately running over and killing her puppy on a Santa Ana street has now been formally charged with felony animal cruelty, marking a major development in a case that drew widespread attention after surveillance video was released by police.
The Orange County District Attorney’s Office announced Friday, October 2, that Hanh Minh Nguyen, 75, of Anaheim, has been charged with one felony count of animal cruelty, one felony count of animal abuse by a caretaker, and a felony enhancement alleging the personal use of a weapon — a vehicle — to kill the animal.
Nguyen was arrested by Santa Ana police on Thursday, October 1, after investigators used automated license plate reader technology to identify the green Honda Odyssey seen in surveillance footage from the September 8 incident. Police subsequently located Nguyen and found the minivan at her Anaheim residence.
According to the District Attorney’s Office, Nguyen was released from custody after posting $20,000 bail. She is scheduled to appear at the Central Justice Center in Santa Ana on November 2, 2026, in Department C55.
Surveillance video led to investigation
The case began on September 8 at approximately 9:15 a.m., when Santa Ana Animal Services officers responded to a report of a dead black-and-white male pit bull-mix puppy on West Park Lane.
Surveillance footage obtained during the investigation showed a woman removing the puppy from a minivan and placing food near the driver’s side of the vehicle. Authorities allege the woman then slowly drove forward as the puppy approached the food, running over the animal with the vehicle’s rear tire before leaving the scene.
The puppy, identified by authorities as Blackey, died.
The District Attorney’s Office describes Blackey as a 9-week-old puppy. Earlier statements and local news reports described him as approximately 9 months old.
Santa Ana police released surveillance footage of the incident on September 30 and appealed to the public for help identifying the driver.
Within a day, investigators said automated license plate reader technology helped them trace the Honda Odyssey to Nguyen. Police found the vehicle in her garage and took her into custody.
Police previously said Nguyen acknowledged owning and abandoning Blackey. According to the Los Angeles Times, a Santa Ana Police Department spokesperson said Nguyen told detectives she had left the puppy because he had been annoying her boyfriend by biting his shoes and belongings. Police said she acknowledged abandoning the dog but did not admit to intentionally running him over.
Prosecutors file felony charges
The filing of felony charges moves the case beyond the initial police investigation and into the Orange County court system.
Orange County District Attorney Todd Spitzer condemned the alleged killing in announcing the charges and said his office intends to prosecute acts of violence against animals.
Deputy District Attorney Danica Drotman of the Orange County District Attorney’s Animal Cruelty Unit is prosecuting the case.
Nguyen is accused of the offenses and has not been convicted. The allegations against her will now be addressed through the court process.
Her next scheduled court appearance is November 2.
STM Daily News will continue following the case and provide updates as additional information becomes available.
Source and Related Links
- Orange County District Attorney — October 2 charging announcement
- The DA’s release is the strongest source for this update. It provides case number 26CF4923, the exact charges, $20,000 bail, November 2 court date and the prosecutor assigned to the case. Orange County District Attorney
- For corroborating coverage, CBS Los Angeles reports the arrest, use of automated license-plate readers and the subsequent felony charges. CBS News
- CBS Los Angeles — arrest and charges update
- NBC Los Angeles — felony charges update
Local News
Santa Ana Police Seek Woman Accused of Intentionally Running Over Puppy
Santa Ana police are asking for the public’s help identifying a woman accused of intentionally running over and killing a puppy with a minivan on September 8.
Last Updated on September 30, 2026 by Daily News Staff
SANTA ANA, Calif. — Santa Ana police are asking for the public’s help identifying a woman accused of deliberately running over and killing a puppy after leaving the animal in a residential street earlier this month.
The disturbing incident occurred at approximately 9:15 a.m. on September 8, 2026, in the 900 block of West Park Lane, near 926 W. Park Lane. Police said the dog, described as a pit bull mix puppy, was later found dead in the street.
Investigators subsequently obtained home-surveillance footage showing an older-model green or blue Honda Odyssey minivan stopped along the street.
According to police, the female driver opened the vehicle’s door and placed the puppy on the ground. The puppy went underneath the minivan, and the woman then allegedly placed food on the street near the driver’s side of the vehicle.
As the puppy approached the food, the driver moved the minivan forward. Police said the vehicle’s rear driver’s-side tire went over the puppy and that the minivan remained stopped on the animal for approximately 15 seconds before the driver drove away.
A nearby resident later told officers that they had seen the minivan in the area and believed the puppy had been deliberately run over. Police and animal services personnel spent several weeks canvassing the neighborhood and eventually located surveillance footage that authorities said corroborated the witness’s account.
Police searching for driver
Investigators have not been able to obtain a readable license plate from the surveillance footage.
As of September 30, Santa Ana police were seeking information that could help identify either the woman or the older green or blue Honda Odyssey seen in the video.
Anyone with information about the case is being asked to contact Santa Ana police at 714-245-8378.
The case comes two years after another highly publicized animal-cruelty incident in Santa Ana involving a woman accused of intentionally running over a 2-month-old Rottweiler puppy in August 2024. In that case, the puppy survived after emergency treatment, and the suspect subsequently turned herself in to police.
STM Daily News will update this story if authorities announce an identification, arrest or charges in the case.
Sure and Related Links
Los Angeles Times — “Santa Ana Police search for woman who appears to deliberately run over puppy in disturbing video”
Los Angeles Times report
CBS Los Angeles — “Santa Ana police seek minivan driver who allegedly intentionally ran over puppy”
CBS Los Angeles report
NBC Los Angeles — “Female driver wanted for ‘intentionally’ running over a puppy in Santa Ana”
NBC Los Angeles report
MyNewsLA — “Santa Ana Police Seek Help Woman Who Fatally Struck Puppy”
MyNewsLA report
