12.29.12
DMR's Bill Walker suspended by Commission on Marine Resources in Biloxi
Sun Herald
BILOXI -- The Commission on Marine Resources voted unanimously Friday
evening to suspend Department of Marine Resources Executive Director Bill
Walker indefinitely without pay, pending the outcome of an investigation by
the FBI and State Auditor's Office.
Commission Chairman Vernon Asper said the Federal Bureau of Investigation
has joined a state auditor's probe of DMR spending. Asper said the
investigation could be completed as early as February.
Walker sat, expressionless, on the dais with the five commissioners while
his suspension was announced. Walker was briefly called in to a three-hour
closed session, where DMR attorneysSandy Chesnut and Joseph Runnels
reviewed emails, contracts, receipts and other documents with the
commissioners, Asper said.
Some of the documents they reviewed, Asper said, were first reported on in
the Sun Herald, including an oil company check made out to the Mississippi
Marine Resources Foundation, anonprofit Walker also directs.
DMR records show that, from 2000 to 2009, oil companies donated rigs to the
DMR, along with more than $7 million the agency could use to maintain the
rigs as fishing reefs.
One donation was different. When Chevron U.S.A. Inc. donated a rig to DMR
in October 2009, the oil company's $115,000 check for maintenance was made
out to Walker's foundation.
Asper said commissioners reviewed the paperwork associated with that
donation, first reported in the Sun Herald. If Chevron also wrote a check
to DMR, as Walker once indicated, that check has not been found, Asper
said.
He said the commissioners are frustrated because they were unaware of what,
if anything, has been going on in the agency.
After Chesnut announced the decision to suspend Walker, Asper said;
"We considered a reasonable amount of information regarding the allegations
that have been made against the agency and, after careful consideration, we
feel that this decision is warranted, that we need more investigation, and
that the agency would be best served if Dr. Walker stepped aside and
allowed the investigation to proceed.
"We all very much appreciate the work that Dr. Walker has done. We think
the world of him. We think he's just done a fantastic job with the agency
and we hope that in a few weeks we are back here announcing that we were
wrong and that there really was no wrongdoing whatsoever within the agency.
But that's something that will come out in the investigation."
Walker has led the state agency since 2002, overseeing the use of state
Tidelands funding, an array of federal grant resources and millions in BP
cleanup money. It's the only state agency based on the Coast.
DMR is supposed to spend Coastal Impact Assistance Program money
Mississippi receives from the federal government for conservation measures.
The auditor's office has not commented on its investigation. Preliminary
reports from a federal audit question DMR practices, including the lack of
bids for work and high appraisals for land purchases.
The DMR's head of the CIAP program also used federal money she oversees to
buy her parents' property in Pascagoula for the DMR, and federal money was
used to buy property Walker's son owned in the Gulf Hills subdivision north
of Ocean Springs.
The CMR had other questions about Walker's Marine Resources Foundation. The
foundation owns two recreational fishing boats, which the DMR leases. DMR
has spent more than $1.46 million of public money to repair, upgrade and
insure the boats.
The agency also has taken state legislators and other influential folk on
state-sponsored fishing trips.
After the meeting adjourned, Walker told the Sun Herald: "I don't have a
whole lot to say about this. They made this decision. I'll respect it and
deal with this the best I can."
"I'll work with them through this process. And we'll see where it goes."
He said he will take the next few weeks to "think about what I'll do about
retirement."
Walker declined to comment about his foundation.
For the first two hours of the executive session, Walker's wife, Sharon,
and son, Scott, sat in a Land Rover SUV in the parking lot of the Bolton
Building, where the DMR offices are.
Scott Walker said, "We're here waiting, but didn't want to bother going in
there."
Gov. Phil Bryant's office responded to Bill Walker's suspension with a
short statement. "The Governor supports the decision of the commission and
continues to instruct the agency to cooperate with authorities and be
transparent throughout the investigative process," it said.
Cynthia Sarthou, executive director of the Gulf Restoration Network, said
late Friday, "We've been concerned since we had heard there was an audit
and that there may have been some misuse of funds.
"And we have been concerned for awhile about the expenditure of CIAP funds
in Mississippi on projects we felt might not have been appropriate."
http://www.sunherald.com/2012/12/28/4378855/cmr-again-behind-closed-doors.html
Bill Walker suspended as head of Department of Marine Resources
Mississippi Press
By Warren Kulo | GulfLive.com
updated December 28, 2012 at 7:59 PM
BILOXI -- Bill Walker has been suspended without pay as the Executive
Director of the Mississippi Department of Marine Resources, the Commission
on Marine Resources announced after an executive session Friday afternoon.
After commission attorney Sandy Chesnut announced the commissioner's
unanimous vote to suspend Walker, chairman Vernon Asper said the decision
was a "difficult" one to make.
"We appreciate the work Dr. Walker has done for this agency," Asper said.
"The evidence was such that the commission was compelled to take this
action."
Asper said that during the executive session, which lasted more than three
hours, commissioners were presented with evidence regarding allegations
against the DMR, which is under federal and state scrutiny for some of its
spending. Asper would not elaborate on what the evidence was.
He did term some of the evidence as "very suspicious."
But Asper, who was appointed spokesperson for the commission, also said he
hopes further investigation will clear Walker of any wrongdoing
"I hope we're back here in a few weeks saying we were wrong, that there was
no wrongdoing on the part of the agency."
After the meeting, Walker said he understood the commissions' decision.
"I have a tremendous amount of respect for these commissioners," he said.
"This was a hard decision to them to make and I respect the decision they
made. I will do whatever is asked of me to assist in the investigation.
"We're just going to have to let this thing play out."
Walker, who was appointed head of the DMR in 2002 by Gov. Ronnie Musgrove,
has come under fire in recent months -- first from a preliminary report in
a federal audit which questioned funds spent on land purchases made through
a federal program funded by offshore money. The report found the department
paid far more in most cases than the estimated value of the properties.
More recently, the DMR has come under scrutiny by the Gulfport-based Sun
Herald, which has reported friends, relatives and local officials have been
hired by the DMR for contract work. The Sun Herald also questioned $1.46
million the department has spent since 2007 to lease two recreational
fishing boats from a foundation meant to support the department. Walker
manages the foundation.
Walker has previously announced his intention to retire at the end of June.
After Friday's meeting, he said he could "retire any time I want, but right
now I'm on leave from the department."
Asper said DMR Deputy Director Danny Guice Jr. would likely take over
Walker's responsibilities, although Asper said that could change. Walker
hired Guice in November and indicated Guice would likely succeed him.
http://blog.gulflive.com/mississippi-press-news/2012/12/bill_walker_suspended_as_head.html#incart_river
Walker suspended indefinitely during DMR investigation
WLOX
BILOXI, MS (WLOX) -
Dr. Bill Walker has been suspended without pay indefinitely while an
investigation goes forth. Federal investigation are looking into
allegations of misspending and favoritism at the Department of Marine
Resources, the agency run by Dr. Walker.
DMR attorneys were expected to share information they've learned about that
investigation with commissioners at Friday's closed door meeting.
Terrance Friday will have more on the decision to suspend Dr. Walker and
the related investigation tonight on WLOX News at 10pm.
http://www.wlox.com/story/20451519/walker-suspended-indefinitely-during-dmr-investigation
Saturday, December 29, 2012
Friday, December 28, 2012
News Clippings 12/28/12
12.28.12
State News
Marine Resources board to meet Friday to discuss personnel matters
(updated)
AP
JACKSON, Mississippi --Mississippi's Marine Resources Commission members
say they may decide Executive Director Bill Walker's future when they meet
Friday to discuss "personnel matters."
http://blog.gulflive.com/mississippi-press-news/2012/12/marine_resources_board_to_meet.html#incart_river
MCMR to discuss DMR personnel issues Friday
Sun Herald
By KAREN NELSON — klnelson@sunherald.com
BILOXI -- The state Commission on Marine Resources is set to hold a special
meeting at 3 p.m. today to discuss "personnel matters," but does not plan
to take specific action, according to two commissioners.
http://www.sunherald.com/2012/12/27/4377992/mcmr-to-discuss-dmr-personnel.html
Justice Department files criminal charges against paper mill for Pearl
River spill, fish kill
By The Associated Press
updated December 27, 2012 at 1:16 PM
NEW ORLEANS -- The Justice Department has filed two criminal misdemeanor
charges against a Bogalusa, La., paper mill, saying it violated federal
environmental laws.
http://blog.gulflive.com/mississippi-press-news/2012/12/justice_department_files_crimi.html#incart_river
Grand waterway traced, explored
Visitors are treated to 'Big Muddy' adventure
AP
VICKSBURG — The Lower Mississippi River Museum uses hands-on displays to
help people understand the lore and power of the waterway that has shaped
North American life for centuries.
http://www.clarionledger.com/viewart/20121228/NEWS01/312280022/Grand-waterway-traced-explored
National News
E.P.A. Chief Set to Leave; Term Fell Shy of Early Hope
NY Times
By JOHN M. BRODER
Published: December 27, 2012
Lisa P. Jackson is stepping down as administrator of theEnvironmental
Protection Agency after a four-year tenure that began with high hopes of
sweeping action to address climate changeand other environmental ills but
ended with a series of rear-guard actions to defend the agency against
challenges from industry, Republicans in Congress and, at times, the Obama
White House.
http://www.nytimes.com/2012/12/28/science/earth/lisa-p-jackson-of-epa-to-step-down.html?ref=earth&_r=0
Obama's top environmental watchdog, EPA chief Lisa Jackson, resigns after
nearly 4 years
By Associated Press, Published: December 27
WASHINGTON — EPA Administrator Lisa Jackson, the Obama administration's
chief environmental watchdog, is stepping down after nearly four years
marked by high-profile brawls over global warming pollution, the Keystone
XL oil pipeline, new controls on coal-fired plants and several other
hot-button issues that affect the nation's economy and people's health.
http://www.washingtonpost.com/politics/obamas-top-environmental-watchdog-epa-chief-lisa-jackson-resigns-after-nearly-4-years/2012/12/27/8db247ea-5036-11e2-835b-02f92c0daa43_story.html
EPA head Lisa P. Jackson to resign post
Washington Post
By Juliet Eilperin, Published: December 27
Environmental Protection Agency Administrator Lisa P. Jackson, who pushed
through the most sweeping curbs on air pollution in two decades, announced
Thursday morning that she will resign her post.
http://www.washingtonpost.com/national/health-science/epa-head-jackson-to-resign-post/2012/12/27/50637f50-4fda-11e2-8b49-64675006147f_story.html
EPA chief Lisa Jackson steps down after 4 fiery years
USA Today
What's most notable about Lisa Jackson's four-year tenure as EPA chief?
Environmentalists hail her steps to curb greenhouse gas emissions, opposed
by industry groups and congressional Republicans.
Environmental Protection Agency chief Lisa Jackson announced Thursday that
she's stepping down after a four-year tenure marked by her agency's first
greenhouse gas regulations and repeated battles with industry groups and
GOP lawmakers.
http://www.usatoday.com/story/news/nation/2012/12/27/epa-lisa-jackson-resignation-record/1793979/
Top Environmental Regulator to Step Down
Wall Street Journal
By RYAN TRACY
Environmental Protection Agency chief Lisa Jackson said Thursday she will
leave her post in early 2013, ending almost four years in which she was
lauded by environmentalists for pursuing the first U.S. greenhouse-gas
regulations while battling Republican efforts to limit her agency's
powers.
http://online.wsj.com/article/SB10001424127887323530404578205363670277362.html
|----------------------------------------------------------------------------------|
| |
| Greens praise Jackson despite roller coaster EPA tenure |
| Politico |
| By: Darren Samuelsohn and Erica Martinson |
| December 27, 2012 10:13 AM EST |
| |
|----------------------------------------------------------------------------------|
| |
| |
| Environmental Protection Agency Administrator Lisa Jackson is leaving her post |
| after four years of battling Republicans and industry while also giving the |
| White House some heartburn along the way over her push for new clean air rules. |
| |
|----------------------------------------------------------------------------------|
http://www.politico.com/story/2012/12/epa-administrator-lisa-jackson-resigns-85530.html?hp=l9
EPA Administrator Lisa Jackson to step down
The Hill
By Ben Geman - 12/27/12 10:37 AM ET
Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) Administrator Lisa Jackson, who
rolled out the agency's first greenhouse gas regulations and clashed often
with Capitol Hill Republicans, announced Thursday that she is stepping
down.
http://thehill.com/blogs/e2-wire/e2-wire/274641-epa-chief-lisa-jackson-to-step-down
Acting EPA chief among most likely to succeed Jackson
The Hill
By Ben Geman - 12/27/12 03:07 PM ET
The looming departure of Environmental Protection Agency Administrator Lisa
Jackson is yielding quick speculation about who will replace her, and might
touch off a brutal Senate confirmation fight to lead a department that has
faced constant GOP criticism.
Jackson announced Thursday that she will step down early in 2013. The White
House did not say when President Obama would nominate a replacement.
http://thehill.com/blogs/e2-wire/e2-wire/274687-epa-chiefs-departure-prompts-speculation-on-replacement
Jackson Quitting EPA Hands Successor Fracking Fight
Bloomberg
By Mark Drajem - Dec 28, 2012
Lisa Jackson's exit as head of the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency
leaves her successor to combat global warming and set rules for hydraulic
fracturing over the objections of businesses and Republican lawmakers.
http://www.bloomberg.com/news/2012-12-28/jackson-quitting-epa-hands-successor-fracking-fight.html
Press releases
Updated Damages from Christmas Severe Weather Event
PEARL – Damage assessments continue in counties across the state hit by
severe thunderstorms and tornadoes Tuesday.
Gov. Phil Bryant declared a State of Emergency on Tuesday, which allows
state resources to be used throughout the impacted areas to assist local
governments in responding to this disaster. MEMA Area Coordinators have
deployed to the affected areas.
Sheltering:
· A shelter is open in Pearl River County to house those whose homes
were impacted by this event. The shelter is located at 1376 McNeill
Steephollow Road, Carriere.
Damage:
Twelve counties have reported damages to the State Emergency Operations
Center in Pearl. The damages are as follows:
· Amite: Three homes destroyed, five major damage and two minor.
· Forrest: Four homes destroyed and two homes minor damage. One injury.
· George: Damage to a few homes.
· Greene: Damage to a few homes and one public building.
· Hinds: Damage to homes and a few injuries.
· Jones: One home with major damage, eight homes with minor damage.
· Lawrence: Damage to homes, damage to businesses and several injuries.
· Monroe: Localized flooding.
· Pearl River: Twenty homes destroyed, six homes major damage and 29
homes with minor damage. Ten injuries were reported.
· Perry: Two homes destroyed, two with major damage and 10 with minor
damage.
· Stone: Seven homes destroyed, five homes with major damage and seven
homes with minor damage.
· Wilkinson: Two homes destroyed, four with major damage and 18 homes
with minor damage. Two injuries were reported
Updates of reported damages will be released as they become available.
The public is encouraged to follow MEMA on Twitter and Facebook for
updates.
###
STATEMENT BY EPA ADMINISTRATOR LISA P. JACKSON ANNOUNCING HER LEAVING
CABINET AFTER STATE OF UNION
WASHINGTON -- I want to thank President Obama for the honor he bestowed on
me and the confidence he placed in me four years ago this month when he
announced my nomination as Administrator of the Environmental Protection
Agency. At the time I spoke about the need to address climate change, but
also said: "There is much more on the agenda: air pollution, toxic
chemicals and children's health issues, redevelopment and waste-site
cleanup issues, and justice for the communities who bear disproportionate
risk." As the President said earlier this year when he addressed EPA's
employees, "You help make sure the air we breathe, the water we drink, the
food we eat are safe. You help protect the environment not just for our
children but their children. And you keep us moving toward energy
independence…We have made historic progress on all these fronts." So, I
will leave the EPA confident the ship is sailing in the right direction,
and ready in my own life for new challenges, time with my family and new
opportunities to make a difference.
State News
Marine Resources board to meet Friday to discuss personnel matters
(updated)
AP
JACKSON, Mississippi --Mississippi's Marine Resources Commission members
say they may decide Executive Director Bill Walker's future when they meet
Friday to discuss "personnel matters."
http://blog.gulflive.com/mississippi-press-news/2012/12/marine_resources_board_to_meet.html#incart_river
MCMR to discuss DMR personnel issues Friday
Sun Herald
By KAREN NELSON — klnelson@sunherald.com
BILOXI -- The state Commission on Marine Resources is set to hold a special
meeting at 3 p.m. today to discuss "personnel matters," but does not plan
to take specific action, according to two commissioners.
http://www.sunherald.com/2012/12/27/4377992/mcmr-to-discuss-dmr-personnel.html
Justice Department files criminal charges against paper mill for Pearl
River spill, fish kill
By The Associated Press
updated December 27, 2012 at 1:16 PM
NEW ORLEANS -- The Justice Department has filed two criminal misdemeanor
charges against a Bogalusa, La., paper mill, saying it violated federal
environmental laws.
http://blog.gulflive.com/mississippi-press-news/2012/12/justice_department_files_crimi.html#incart_river
Grand waterway traced, explored
Visitors are treated to 'Big Muddy' adventure
AP
VICKSBURG — The Lower Mississippi River Museum uses hands-on displays to
help people understand the lore and power of the waterway that has shaped
North American life for centuries.
http://www.clarionledger.com/viewart/20121228/NEWS01/312280022/Grand-waterway-traced-explored
National News
E.P.A. Chief Set to Leave; Term Fell Shy of Early Hope
NY Times
By JOHN M. BRODER
Published: December 27, 2012
Lisa P. Jackson is stepping down as administrator of theEnvironmental
Protection Agency after a four-year tenure that began with high hopes of
sweeping action to address climate changeand other environmental ills but
ended with a series of rear-guard actions to defend the agency against
challenges from industry, Republicans in Congress and, at times, the Obama
White House.
http://www.nytimes.com/2012/12/28/science/earth/lisa-p-jackson-of-epa-to-step-down.html?ref=earth&_r=0
Obama's top environmental watchdog, EPA chief Lisa Jackson, resigns after
nearly 4 years
By Associated Press, Published: December 27
WASHINGTON — EPA Administrator Lisa Jackson, the Obama administration's
chief environmental watchdog, is stepping down after nearly four years
marked by high-profile brawls over global warming pollution, the Keystone
XL oil pipeline, new controls on coal-fired plants and several other
hot-button issues that affect the nation's economy and people's health.
http://www.washingtonpost.com/politics/obamas-top-environmental-watchdog-epa-chief-lisa-jackson-resigns-after-nearly-4-years/2012/12/27/8db247ea-5036-11e2-835b-02f92c0daa43_story.html
EPA head Lisa P. Jackson to resign post
Washington Post
By Juliet Eilperin, Published: December 27
Environmental Protection Agency Administrator Lisa P. Jackson, who pushed
through the most sweeping curbs on air pollution in two decades, announced
Thursday morning that she will resign her post.
http://www.washingtonpost.com/national/health-science/epa-head-jackson-to-resign-post/2012/12/27/50637f50-4fda-11e2-8b49-64675006147f_story.html
EPA chief Lisa Jackson steps down after 4 fiery years
USA Today
What's most notable about Lisa Jackson's four-year tenure as EPA chief?
Environmentalists hail her steps to curb greenhouse gas emissions, opposed
by industry groups and congressional Republicans.
Environmental Protection Agency chief Lisa Jackson announced Thursday that
she's stepping down after a four-year tenure marked by her agency's first
greenhouse gas regulations and repeated battles with industry groups and
GOP lawmakers.
http://www.usatoday.com/story/news/nation/2012/12/27/epa-lisa-jackson-resignation-record/1793979/
Top Environmental Regulator to Step Down
Wall Street Journal
By RYAN TRACY
Environmental Protection Agency chief Lisa Jackson said Thursday she will
leave her post in early 2013, ending almost four years in which she was
lauded by environmentalists for pursuing the first U.S. greenhouse-gas
regulations while battling Republican efforts to limit her agency's
powers.
http://online.wsj.com/article/SB10001424127887323530404578205363670277362.html
|----------------------------------------------------------------------------------|
| |
| Greens praise Jackson despite roller coaster EPA tenure |
| Politico |
| By: Darren Samuelsohn and Erica Martinson |
| December 27, 2012 10:13 AM EST |
| |
|----------------------------------------------------------------------------------|
| |
| |
| Environmental Protection Agency Administrator Lisa Jackson is leaving her post |
| after four years of battling Republicans and industry while also giving the |
| White House some heartburn along the way over her push for new clean air rules. |
| |
|----------------------------------------------------------------------------------|
http://www.politico.com/story/2012/12/epa-administrator-lisa-jackson-resigns-85530.html?hp=l9
EPA Administrator Lisa Jackson to step down
The Hill
By Ben Geman - 12/27/12 10:37 AM ET
Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) Administrator Lisa Jackson, who
rolled out the agency's first greenhouse gas regulations and clashed often
with Capitol Hill Republicans, announced Thursday that she is stepping
down.
http://thehill.com/blogs/e2-wire/e2-wire/274641-epa-chief-lisa-jackson-to-step-down
Acting EPA chief among most likely to succeed Jackson
The Hill
By Ben Geman - 12/27/12 03:07 PM ET
The looming departure of Environmental Protection Agency Administrator Lisa
Jackson is yielding quick speculation about who will replace her, and might
touch off a brutal Senate confirmation fight to lead a department that has
faced constant GOP criticism.
Jackson announced Thursday that she will step down early in 2013. The White
House did not say when President Obama would nominate a replacement.
http://thehill.com/blogs/e2-wire/e2-wire/274687-epa-chiefs-departure-prompts-speculation-on-replacement
Jackson Quitting EPA Hands Successor Fracking Fight
Bloomberg
By Mark Drajem - Dec 28, 2012
Lisa Jackson's exit as head of the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency
leaves her successor to combat global warming and set rules for hydraulic
fracturing over the objections of businesses and Republican lawmakers.
http://www.bloomberg.com/news/2012-12-28/jackson-quitting-epa-hands-successor-fracking-fight.html
Press releases
Updated Damages from Christmas Severe Weather Event
PEARL – Damage assessments continue in counties across the state hit by
severe thunderstorms and tornadoes Tuesday.
Gov. Phil Bryant declared a State of Emergency on Tuesday, which allows
state resources to be used throughout the impacted areas to assist local
governments in responding to this disaster. MEMA Area Coordinators have
deployed to the affected areas.
Sheltering:
· A shelter is open in Pearl River County to house those whose homes
were impacted by this event. The shelter is located at 1376 McNeill
Steephollow Road, Carriere.
Damage:
Twelve counties have reported damages to the State Emergency Operations
Center in Pearl. The damages are as follows:
· Amite: Three homes destroyed, five major damage and two minor.
· Forrest: Four homes destroyed and two homes minor damage. One injury.
· George: Damage to a few homes.
· Greene: Damage to a few homes and one public building.
· Hinds: Damage to homes and a few injuries.
· Jones: One home with major damage, eight homes with minor damage.
· Lawrence: Damage to homes, damage to businesses and several injuries.
· Monroe: Localized flooding.
· Pearl River: Twenty homes destroyed, six homes major damage and 29
homes with minor damage. Ten injuries were reported.
· Perry: Two homes destroyed, two with major damage and 10 with minor
damage.
· Stone: Seven homes destroyed, five homes with major damage and seven
homes with minor damage.
· Wilkinson: Two homes destroyed, four with major damage and 18 homes
with minor damage. Two injuries were reported
Updates of reported damages will be released as they become available.
The public is encouraged to follow MEMA on Twitter and Facebook for
updates.
###
STATEMENT BY EPA ADMINISTRATOR LISA P. JACKSON ANNOUNCING HER LEAVING
CABINET AFTER STATE OF UNION
WASHINGTON -- I want to thank President Obama for the honor he bestowed on
me and the confidence he placed in me four years ago this month when he
announced my nomination as Administrator of the Environmental Protection
Agency. At the time I spoke about the need to address climate change, but
also said: "There is much more on the agenda: air pollution, toxic
chemicals and children's health issues, redevelopment and waste-site
cleanup issues, and justice for the communities who bear disproportionate
risk." As the President said earlier this year when he addressed EPA's
employees, "You help make sure the air we breathe, the water we drink, the
food we eat are safe. You help protect the environment not just for our
children but their children. And you keep us moving toward energy
independence…We have made historic progress on all these fronts." So, I
will leave the EPA confident the ship is sailing in the right direction,
and ready in my own life for new challenges, time with my family and new
opportunities to make a difference.
Thursday, December 27, 2012
News Clippings 12.27.12
12/27/12
State News
Poultry holds on to No. 1 spot in state
December 20, 2012
Choctaw Plaindealer
By Susan Collins-Smith MSU Ag Communications
Poultry again took the top spot among Mississippi's agricultural
commodities for 2012, with a preliminary estimated value of $2.5 billion.
http://choctaw.winstonnewsonline.com/2012/12/20/poultry-holds-on-to-no-1-spot-in-state/
National News
EPA officials say toxic sites OK after superstorm; but few actual tests
done
By Associated Press, Published: December 23
OLD BRIDGE, N.J. — For more than a month, the U.S. Environmental Protection
Agency has said that the recent superstorm didn't cause significant
problems at any of the 247 Superfund toxic waste sites it's monitoring in
New York and New Jersey.
http://www.washingtonpost.com/business/epa-officials-say-toxic-sites-ok-after-superstorm-but-few-actual-tests-done/2012/12/23/d4fd525c-4d25-11e2-835b-02f92c0daa43_story.html
2012: Global warming became reality
Record melting of Arctic Ocean ice. Record heat and droughts. New York
under water. Believe climate change now?
BY SETH BORENSTEIN, AP
As 2012 began, winter in the U.S. went AWOL. Spring and summer arrived
early with wildfires, blistering heat and drought. And fall hit the eastern
third of the country with the ferocity of Superstorm Sandy.
http://www.salon.com/2012/12/26/2012_global_warming_became_reality/
Report finds US energy production growing, consumption down
The Hill
By Zack Colman - 12/26/12 12:53 PM ET
A new report shows U.S. energy consumption dropping, even as the industry
experiences a boost in production.
http://thehill.com/blogs/e2-wire/e2-wire/274569-eia-us-energy-consumption-down-production-up
Opinion
'Nutrient reduction strategy' is flawed
Op-Ed
The Gazette
By Neila Seaman
If it weren't so sad, the Iowa Nutrient Reduction Strategy released last
month would be laughable.
http://thegazette.com/2012/12/27/nutrient-reduction-strategy-is-flawed/
Press Releases
Updated Damages from Christmas Severe Weather Event
PEARL – State and local officials continue initial damage assessments from
severe weather that moved through the state on Tuesday.
Gov. Phil Bryant declared a State of Emergency on Tuesday, which allows
state resources to be used throughout the impacted areas to assist local
governments in responding to this disaster. MEMA Area Coordinators have
deployed to the affected areas.
Sheltering:
· A shelter has opened in Pearl River County to house those whose homes
were impacted by this event. The shelter is located at 1376 McNeill
Steephollow Road, Carriere.
Injuries:
· More than 25 injuries have been reported statewide.
Damage:
Twelve counties have reported damages to the State Emergency Operations
Center in Pearl. The damages are as follows:
· Amite: Three homes destroyed, five major damage and two minor.
· Forrest: Four homes destroyed and two homes minor damage. One injury.
· George: Damage to a few homes.
· Greene: Damage to a few homes and one public building.
· Hinds: Damage to homes and a few injuries.
· Jones: Four homes with minor damage.
· Lawrence: Damage to homes, damage to businesses and several injuries.
· Monroe: Localized flooding.
· Pearl River: Damage to homes and multiple injuries.
· Perry: Damage to several homes.
· Stone: Damage to several homes.
· Wilkinson: Damage to homes and businesses, power outages and a few
injuries.
Updates of reported damages will be released as they become available.
The public is encouraged to follow MEMA on Twitter and Facebook for
updates.
###
State News
Poultry holds on to No. 1 spot in state
December 20, 2012
Choctaw Plaindealer
By Susan Collins-Smith MSU Ag Communications
Poultry again took the top spot among Mississippi's agricultural
commodities for 2012, with a preliminary estimated value of $2.5 billion.
http://choctaw.winstonnewsonline.com/2012/12/20/poultry-holds-on-to-no-1-spot-in-state/
National News
EPA officials say toxic sites OK after superstorm; but few actual tests
done
By Associated Press, Published: December 23
OLD BRIDGE, N.J. — For more than a month, the U.S. Environmental Protection
Agency has said that the recent superstorm didn't cause significant
problems at any of the 247 Superfund toxic waste sites it's monitoring in
New York and New Jersey.
http://www.washingtonpost.com/business/epa-officials-say-toxic-sites-ok-after-superstorm-but-few-actual-tests-done/2012/12/23/d4fd525c-4d25-11e2-835b-02f92c0daa43_story.html
2012: Global warming became reality
Record melting of Arctic Ocean ice. Record heat and droughts. New York
under water. Believe climate change now?
BY SETH BORENSTEIN, AP
As 2012 began, winter in the U.S. went AWOL. Spring and summer arrived
early with wildfires, blistering heat and drought. And fall hit the eastern
third of the country with the ferocity of Superstorm Sandy.
http://www.salon.com/2012/12/26/2012_global_warming_became_reality/
Report finds US energy production growing, consumption down
The Hill
By Zack Colman - 12/26/12 12:53 PM ET
A new report shows U.S. energy consumption dropping, even as the industry
experiences a boost in production.
http://thehill.com/blogs/e2-wire/e2-wire/274569-eia-us-energy-consumption-down-production-up
Opinion
'Nutrient reduction strategy' is flawed
Op-Ed
The Gazette
By Neila Seaman
If it weren't so sad, the Iowa Nutrient Reduction Strategy released last
month would be laughable.
http://thegazette.com/2012/12/27/nutrient-reduction-strategy-is-flawed/
Press Releases
Updated Damages from Christmas Severe Weather Event
PEARL – State and local officials continue initial damage assessments from
severe weather that moved through the state on Tuesday.
Gov. Phil Bryant declared a State of Emergency on Tuesday, which allows
state resources to be used throughout the impacted areas to assist local
governments in responding to this disaster. MEMA Area Coordinators have
deployed to the affected areas.
Sheltering:
· A shelter has opened in Pearl River County to house those whose homes
were impacted by this event. The shelter is located at 1376 McNeill
Steephollow Road, Carriere.
Injuries:
· More than 25 injuries have been reported statewide.
Damage:
Twelve counties have reported damages to the State Emergency Operations
Center in Pearl. The damages are as follows:
· Amite: Three homes destroyed, five major damage and two minor.
· Forrest: Four homes destroyed and two homes minor damage. One injury.
· George: Damage to a few homes.
· Greene: Damage to a few homes and one public building.
· Hinds: Damage to homes and a few injuries.
· Jones: Four homes with minor damage.
· Lawrence: Damage to homes, damage to businesses and several injuries.
· Monroe: Localized flooding.
· Pearl River: Damage to homes and multiple injuries.
· Perry: Damage to several homes.
· Stone: Damage to several homes.
· Wilkinson: Damage to homes and businesses, power outages and a few
injuries.
Updates of reported damages will be released as they become available.
The public is encouraged to follow MEMA on Twitter and Facebook for
updates.
###
Wednesday, December 26, 2012
News Clippings 12.26.12
12.26.12
Oil Spill
Judge OKs settlement in BP Gulf class action suit
By JANET McCONNAUGHEY
Associated Press
NEW ORLEANS (AP) - A federal judge has given final approval to BP's
settlement with a bulk of businesses and individuals who lost money because
of the 2010 oil spill in the Gulf of Mexico.
http://www.wlox.com/story/20407240/us-judge-oks-settlement-in-bp-class-action-suit
LSU researchers working on environmentally friendly oil dispersant
Mississippi Press
By Gareth Clary | GulfLive.com
updated December 25, 2012 at 9:57 AM
BATON ROUGE, Louisiana -- LSU AgCenter scientists are partnering with
researchers at Columbia University and Iowa State University on development
of an environmentally friendly substance that could be used to clean up oil
spills.
http://blog.gulflive.com/mississippi-press-news/2012/12/lsu_researchers_working_on_env.html#incart_river
State News
MDEQ approves specifications for Greenwood's $32M wastewater treatment
plant
THE ASSOCIATED PRESS
December 22, 2012 - 6:12 am EST
GREENWOOD, Mississippi ? Greenwood officials say the state has approved the
specifications for the city's new $32 millionwastewater treatment plant.
http://www.therepublic.com/view/story/0e2a0d5140a9455e969570c5eeff47da/MS--Greenwood-Wastewater-Plant
Connections: Neighbors, relatives and politicians land DMR jobs in South
Mississippi
Published: December 22, 2012
Neighbors, relatives and politicians land DMR jobs
By KAREN NELSON and ANITA LEE ? Sun Herald
The Department of Marine Resources has given jobs to Executive Director
Bill Walker's neighbors, his daughter-in-law, local politicians and
relatives of other employees, state records show.
http://www.sunherald.com/2012/12/22/4373655/connections-neighbors-relatives.html
DMR contract workers
Below are details on pay, contract dates and descriptions for some contract
workers at the Mississippi Department of Marine Resources. Pay is presented
as listed on the state's transparency website. The year refers to the
state's fiscal year, which runs from July 1 to June 30. To see the records,
or look up other contract workers, find a link at sunherald.com.
http://www.sunherald.com/2012/12/22/4373730/dmr-contract-workers.html
DMR charters fishing trips in South Mississippi for lawmakers, others
Sun Herald
By MICHAEL NEWSOM ? mmnewsom@sunherald.com
BILOXI -- A photo on Facebook shows a group of Mississippi legislators and
other influential folks grinning with the fish they caught from a boat the
Mississippi Department of Marine Resources charters.
http://www.sunherald.com/2012/12/22/4373641/dmr-charters-fishing-trips-in.html
National News
EPA rules aimed at cutting toxic air pollution target boilers at
refineries, chemical plants
By Associated Press, Published: December 21
WASHINGTON ? The Environmental Protection Agency finalized rules Friday
aimed at reducing toxic air pollution from industrial boilers and
incinerators while offering industry more flexibility and lower costs to
comply with the new standards.
http://www.washingtonpost.com/politics/federal_government/epa-finalizes-rules-aimed-at-reducing-toxic-air-pollution-from-boilers/2012/12/21/cdae0d30-4bb2-11e2-8758-b64a2997a921_print.html
EPA imposes new pollution limits on boilers, cement plants
Washington Post
By Juliet Eilperin, Published: December 21
The Environmental Protection Agency finalized rules late Thursday to curb
pollution from industrial boilers and cement plants, agreeing to give
industry additional time for compliance and easing some emissions limits
from earlier proposals.
http://www.washingtonpost.com/national/health-science/epa-imposes-new-pollution-limits-on-boilers-cement-plants/2012/12/21/4ba43d6c-4aec-11e2-b709-667035ff9029_story.html
EPA drops water pollution order, big fines against W.Va. chicken farm; fate
of lawsuit unclear
By Associated Press, Published: December 21
MORGANTOWN, W.Va. ? The U.S. Environmental Protection Agency has withdrawn
a water-pollution order against a West Virginia chicken farmer who
countered the threat of hefty fines by suing the agency over new rules
aimed at cleaning up the Chesapeake Bay watershed.
http://www.washingtonpost.com/business/epa-drops-water-pollution-order-big-fines-against-wva-chicken-farm-fate-of-lawsuit-unclear/2012/12/21/af33dc58-4b9f-11e2-8758-b64a2997a921_story.html
EPA releases progress report on fracking study
Associated Press
WASHINGTON ? The Environmental Protection Agency has released a progress
report on its research into potential impacts of natural gas hydraulic
fracturing and drilling on drinking water.
http://online.wsj.com/article/AP5f64c830de2547a4976c79225de9e50f.html
EPA details approach to study
Houston Chronicle
By Jennifer A. Dlouhy
The federal government is on track to release its study on whether natural
gas drilling and hydraulic fracturing pollute drinking water in late 2014,
the Environmental Protection Agency said Friday in a progress report on the
closely watched analysis.
http://www.mysanantonio.com/business/article/EPA-outlines-approach-on-study-of-fracking-s-4139296.php
EPA study supports more natural gas
CNN
The Environmental Protection Agency released a progress reportFriday that
reiterated its support for increasing natural gasdevelopment in the United
States.
http://money.cnn.com/2012/12/21/news/economy/epa-fracking/index.html
Forget Fracking: 2012 Was A Powerful Year For Renewables
NPR
by SCOTT DETROW
December 23, 2012 1:16 AM
Natural gas may have reshaped the domestic energy market in 2012, lowering
energy prices and marginalizing the coal industry, but America's shale boom
hasn't undermined renewables.
http://www.npr.org/2012/12/23/167894458/boom-in-fossil-fuels-in-2012-didnt-stymie-growth-of-renewables
Insight: In fracking culture war, celebs, billionaires and banjos
Reuters
Mon, Dec 24 2012
By Joshua Schneyer and Edward McAllister
NEW YORK (Reuters) - Not so long ago, fracking was a technical term little
known beyond the energy industry. Now it's coming to Hollywood, as the
fierce battle between environmentalists and oil firms is played out in
several forthcoming films.
http://www.reuters.com/article/2012/12/24/entertainment-us-fracking-culturewars-idUSBRE8BN02Q20121224
Critical EPA Report Highlighting Chemical Dangers to Kids is Sidetracked
NBC
By Sheila Kaplan
Investigative Reporting Workshop
A landmark Environmental Protection Agency report concluding that children
exposed to toxic substances can develop learning disabilities, asthma and
other health problems has been sidetracked indefinitely amid fierce
opposition from the chemical industry.
http://openchannel.nbcnews.com/_news/2012/12/24/16112404-critical-epa-report-highlighting-chemical-dangers-to-kids-is-sidetracked?lite
WHO'S IN, WHO'S OUT
Many of President Obama's top advisers are unlikely to stick around for a
second term. Use this page to track who's staying, who's going, and who's
coming in -- and what those newcomers might bring to the president's team.
Washington Post
http://www.washingtonpost.com/wp-srv/special/politics/transition-whos-in-whos-out/
Opinion
Commentary: Caledonians should be wary of fracking operations
Commercial Dispatch
Once again, it's the season of joy and light on this little planet of ours.
And please forgive me if it's unseasonal for me to mention this, but
there's a little problem that has come up in Caledonia. It has come without
much fanfare or attention, though it may very well lead to a great deal of
attention if it's not tended to.
http://www.cdispatch.com/opinions/article.asp?aid=21155
Press Releases
Damages Reported from Christmas Severe Weather Event
PEARL ? Gov. Phil Bryant declared a State of Emergency today for the severe
weather system that affected parts of the state today.
The State of Emergency allows state resources to be used throughout the
impacted areas to assist local governments as they respond to this
disaster. MEMA Area Coordinators have deployed to the affected areas.
Several counties have reported damages to the State Emergency Operations
Center in Pearl. The damages are as follows:
* Forrest: Damage to several homes and roads.
* George: Damage to a few homes.
* Greene: Damage to a few homes.
* Hinds: Damage to homes, several injuries and flooding throughout the
county.
* Jones: Damage to homes.
* Lawrence: Damage to homes, damage to businesses and several injuries.
* Pearl River: Damage to homes and several injuries.
* Stone: Damage to several homes.
* Wilkinson: Damage to homes and businesses, power outages.
Updates of reported damages will be released as they become available.
The public is encouraged to follow MEMA on Twitter and Facebook for
updates.
###
GOV. BRYANT DECLARES STATE OF EMERGENCY FOR MISSISSIPPI COUNTIES AFFECTED
BY SEVERE WEATHER
JACKSON ? Gov. Phil Bryant declared a State of Emergency for several
Mississippi counties after severe storms moved through the state today.
"Deborah and I extend our thoughts and prayers to all of those who were
affected by the storms today," Gov. Bryant said. "As local and state
officials work together to assess the damages, this State of Emergency will
help expedite the support needed."
At least eight Mississippi counties have reported damages and some injures
including: Forrest, Greene, Hinds, Jones, Lawrence, Pearl River Stone and
Wilkinson counties. The State of Emergency also covers all counties
affected by this severe weather event.
The State of Emergency is an administrative tool, which allows the state to
offer support to the areas impacted by the severe weather.
###
EPA Releases Update on Ongoing Hydraulic Fracturing Study
WASHINGTON - The U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) today provided
an update on its ongoing national study currently underway to better
understand any potential impacts of hydraulic fracturing on drinking water
resources. Results of the study, which Congress requested EPA to complete,
are expected to be released in a draft for public and peer review in 2014.
The update provided today outlines work currently underway, including the
status of research projects that will inform the final study. It is
important to note that while this progress report outlines the framework
for the final study, it does not draw conclusions about the potential
impacts of hydraulic fracturing on drinking water resources, which will be
made in the final study.
As the administration and EPA has made clear, natural gas has a central
role to play in our energy future, and this important domestic fuel source
has extensive economic, energy security, and environmental benefits. The
study EPA is currently undertaking is part of EPA's focus to ensure that as
the Administration continues to work to expand production of this important
domestic resource safely and responsibly.
Among the information released today are updates on 18 research projects
and details on the agency's research approach as well as next steps for
these ongoing projects and analyses. Today's update follows the public
release, in November 2011, of the agency's final study plan, which
underwent scientific peer review and public comment.
EPA has engaged stakeholders, including industry, to ensure that the study
reflects current practices in hydraulic fracturing. EPA continues to
request data and information from the public and stakeholders and has put
out a formal request for information which can be accessed through the
federal register at:
https://www.federalregister.gov/articles/2012/11/09/2012-27452/request-for-information-to-inform-hydraulic-fracturing-research-related-to-drinking-water-resources
EPA also expects to release a draft report of results from the study in
late 2014. The study has been designated a Highly Influential Scientific
Assessment, meaning it will receive the highest level of peer review in
accordance with EPA's peer review handbook before it is finalized. The 2014
draft report will synthesize the results from the ongoing projects together
with the scientific literature to answer the study's main research
questions.
EPA's Science Advisory Board (SAB) is forming a panel of independent
experts which will review and provide their individual input on the ongoing
study to EPA. The SAB will provide an opportunity for the public to offer
comments for consideration by the individual panel members. For more
information on the SAB process, please visit:
http://yosemite.epa.gov/sab/sabpeople.nsf/WebCommittees/BOARD
More information: www.epa.gov/hfstudy
EPA Finalizes Clean Air Standards for Industrial Boilers, Incinerators and
Cement Kilns
Updated rules provide extensive public health protections, cut costs of
compliance
WASHINGTON ? Today, the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA)
finalized changes to Clean Air Act standards for boilers and certain
incinerators that will achieve extensive public health protections by
slashing toxic air pollution, including mercury and particle pollution,
while at the same addressing feedback provided by industry and labor
groups, increasing the rule's flexibility and dramatically reducing costs.
As a result, 99 percent of the approximately 1.5 million boilers in the
U.S. are not covered or can meet the new standards by conducting periodic
maintenance or regular tune-ups.
The final adjustments to the standards are based on an extensive analysis
of data and input from states, environmental groups, industry, lawmakers
and the public. As a result of information gathered through this review,
including significant dialogue and meetings with public health groups,
industry, and the public, the final rule dramatically cuts the cost of
implementation by individual boilers that EPA proposed in 2010. At the same
time, these rules will continue to deliver significant public health
benefits. EPA estimates that for every dollar spent to reduce these
pollutants, the public will see $13 to $29 in health benefits, including
fewer instances of asthma, heart attacks, as well as premature deaths.
Today's rules set numerical emission limits for less than one percent of
boilers - those that emit the majority of pollution from this sector. For
these high emitting boilers and incinerators, typically operating at
refineries, chemical plants and other industrial facilities, EPA is
establishing more targeted emissions limits that protect public health and
provide industry with practical, cost-effective options to meet the
standards.
EPA has also finalized revisions to the Non-Hazardous Secondary Materials
Rule to provide clarity on what types of secondary materials are considered
non-waste fuels and provide greater flexibility in rule implementation.
This final rule classifies a number of secondary materials as categorical
non-wastes when used as a fuel and allows for operators to request that EPA
identify specific materials through rulemaking as a categorical non-waste
fuel.
Particle pollution and other harmful pollutants released by boilers and
incinerators can lead to adverse health effects including cancer, heart
disease, aggravated asthma and premature death. In addition, toxic
pollutants such as mercury and lead that will be reduced by this rule are
linked to developmental disabilities in children. These standards will
avoid up to 8,100 premature deaths, prevent 5,100 heart attacks and avert
52,000 asthma attacks per year in 2015.
In a separate EPA action today, to meet a court deadline, the agency issued
final amendments to the 2010 clean air standards for the cement
manufacturing industry. The final amendments maintain the significant
emission reductions from the 2010 standards, while providing industry
additional time to implement the revised rules. More information:
http://www.epa.gov/airquality/cement
More detailed information on the final standards for boilers and
incinerators: www.epa.gov/airquality/combustion
Deepwater Horizon Oil Spill Natural Resource Trustees
Approve Two More Early Restoration Projects for Gulf Coast
Projects in Florida, Alabama and Mississippi will help beach-nesting birds
and sea turtles
GULF COAST (Friday, Dec. 21, 2012) ? Additional early restoration projects
totaling about $9 million will begin along the Gulf Coast in 2013,
according to the Deepwater Horizon oil spill Natural Resource Damage
Assessment (NRDA) trustees (trustees).
Following a 30-day public comment period on the "Deepwater Horizon Oil
Spill Phase II Early Restoration Plan & Environmental Review" (Phase II),
the NRDA trustees have finalized plans allowing for the initiation of two
additional early restoration projects. These Phase II projects will help
restore nesting habitats for beach-nesting birds and sea turtles impacted
as a result of Deepwater Horizon oil spill response activities.
The Phase II projects, which are located within the Florida panhandle,
state and federal lands in Alabama, and federal lands in Mississippi, were
the focus of a public meeting held in Pensacola, Fla. on Nov. 13, 2012.
During the comment period, more than 1,000 individuals and organizations
submitted comments, which the NRDA trustees carefully considered. The
comments, as well as the trustees' responses to those comments, are
included in the final Phase II plan, which can be viewed at
www.gulfspillrestoration.noaa.gov and www.doi.gov/deepwaterhorizon or at
repositories located in communities throughout the Gulf Region. A list of
the repository locations is located online.
These two newly approved projects, described below, are planned to be
implemented prior to the spring 2013 nesting season.
● Enhanced Management of Avian Breeding Habitat Injuries by Response in the
Florida Panhandle, Alabama and Mississippi. This project will protect
nesting habitat for beach-nesting birds from disturbance in order to
restore habitat impaired by disturbance from oil spill response activities.
It is to be conducted on sandy beaches in Escambia, Santa Rosa, Okaloosa,
Walton, Bay, Gulf, and Franklin counties, Florida; Bon Secour National
Wildlife Refuge (NWR) in Baldwin and Mobile counties, Alabama; and the Gulf
Islands National Seashore (GUIS) ? Mississippi District.
● Improving Habitat Injured by Spill Response: Restoring the Night Sky.
This project will reduce artificial lighting impacts on nesting habitat for
sea turtles, specifically loggerhead turtles, to restore habitat impaired
by disturbance from oil spill response activities. It is being conducted on
Gulf State Park in Baldwin County, Alabama; and in Escambia, Santa Rosa,
Okaloosa, Walton, Bay, Gulf, and Franklin counties, Florida.
Phase II is the second phase of early restoration developed by the NRDA
trustees under the April 2011 Framework for Early Restoration Addressing
Injuries Resulting from the Deepwater Horizon Oil Spill (Framework
Agreement) with BP to fund $1 billion in NRDA early restoration projects.
Early restoration projects represent an initial step toward fulfilling the
responsible parties' obligation to fund the complete restoration of injured
natural resources and the services they provide. Early restoration provides
an opportunity to implement restoration projects agreed upon by the NRDA
trustees and BP under the Framework Agreement prior to the completion of
the NRDA. The damage assessment continues and currently approved early
restoration projects are being implemented while additional early
restoration planning is under way. BP and other
responsible parties are obligated to compensate the public for the full
scope of the natural resource injury caused by the Deepwater Horizon oil
spill, including the cost of assessing such injury and planning for
restoration.
Eight early restoration projects are already in various stages of
implementation as part of Phase I of early restoration under the Framework
Agreement. Updates on the eight Phase I projects are available at
www.gulfspillrestoration.noaa.gov.
"These additional projects are important steps in recovering from the oil
spill, but they, along with the other Phase I projects, are just first
steps," said Trudy D. Fisher, Chair of the NRDA Trustee Council and
Mississippi's trustee. "Use of the early restoration funding has not moved
quickly enough to suit any of us. I want to stress that the NRDA trustees
are working hard to see that restoration funding is used in a way that is
in the best interest of our natural resources."
"The Phase II projects were selected at this time to allow their
implementation prior to this spring's nesting seasons for sea turtles and
beach-nesting birds," said Rachel Jacobson, the Department of the
Interior's Principal Deputy Assistant Secretary for Fish and Wildlife and
Parks. "We greatly appreciate both the public's engagement in this process
and their support for these projects. Implementing projects as quickly as
possible will benefit our precious natural resources, the uses they support
and the local economy to which they are linked."
"I appreciate the overwhelming support we have received from the public for
these projects which go to the heart of the spill impact on nesting birds
and sea turtles," said Florida trustee representative Mimi A. Drew, special
advisor to the Florida Department of Environmental Protection Secretary
Herschel T. Vinyard, Jr. "My fellow trustees worked hard with us to ensure
project approval in time for the 2013 nesting season."
"These projects will continue the process of restoring Alabama's unique
coastal resources from injuries sustained by the Deepwater Horizon oil
spill. We look forward to initiating these projects quickly in order to
take advantage of the upcoming nesting seasons," said N. Gunter Guy, Jr.,
Commissioner of the Alabama Department of Conservation and Natural
Resources.
-30-
Oil Spill
Judge OKs settlement in BP Gulf class action suit
By JANET McCONNAUGHEY
Associated Press
NEW ORLEANS (AP) - A federal judge has given final approval to BP's
settlement with a bulk of businesses and individuals who lost money because
of the 2010 oil spill in the Gulf of Mexico.
http://www.wlox.com/story/20407240/us-judge-oks-settlement-in-bp-class-action-suit
LSU researchers working on environmentally friendly oil dispersant
Mississippi Press
By Gareth Clary | GulfLive.com
updated December 25, 2012 at 9:57 AM
BATON ROUGE, Louisiana -- LSU AgCenter scientists are partnering with
researchers at Columbia University and Iowa State University on development
of an environmentally friendly substance that could be used to clean up oil
spills.
http://blog.gulflive.com/mississippi-press-news/2012/12/lsu_researchers_working_on_env.html#incart_river
State News
MDEQ approves specifications for Greenwood's $32M wastewater treatment
plant
THE ASSOCIATED PRESS
December 22, 2012 - 6:12 am EST
GREENWOOD, Mississippi ? Greenwood officials say the state has approved the
specifications for the city's new $32 millionwastewater treatment plant.
http://www.therepublic.com/view/story/0e2a0d5140a9455e969570c5eeff47da/MS--Greenwood-Wastewater-Plant
Connections: Neighbors, relatives and politicians land DMR jobs in South
Mississippi
Published: December 22, 2012
Neighbors, relatives and politicians land DMR jobs
By KAREN NELSON and ANITA LEE ? Sun Herald
The Department of Marine Resources has given jobs to Executive Director
Bill Walker's neighbors, his daughter-in-law, local politicians and
relatives of other employees, state records show.
http://www.sunherald.com/2012/12/22/4373655/connections-neighbors-relatives.html
DMR contract workers
Below are details on pay, contract dates and descriptions for some contract
workers at the Mississippi Department of Marine Resources. Pay is presented
as listed on the state's transparency website. The year refers to the
state's fiscal year, which runs from July 1 to June 30. To see the records,
or look up other contract workers, find a link at sunherald.com.
http://www.sunherald.com/2012/12/22/4373730/dmr-contract-workers.html
DMR charters fishing trips in South Mississippi for lawmakers, others
Sun Herald
By MICHAEL NEWSOM ? mmnewsom@sunherald.com
BILOXI -- A photo on Facebook shows a group of Mississippi legislators and
other influential folks grinning with the fish they caught from a boat the
Mississippi Department of Marine Resources charters.
http://www.sunherald.com/2012/12/22/4373641/dmr-charters-fishing-trips-in.html
National News
EPA rules aimed at cutting toxic air pollution target boilers at
refineries, chemical plants
By Associated Press, Published: December 21
WASHINGTON ? The Environmental Protection Agency finalized rules Friday
aimed at reducing toxic air pollution from industrial boilers and
incinerators while offering industry more flexibility and lower costs to
comply with the new standards.
http://www.washingtonpost.com/politics/federal_government/epa-finalizes-rules-aimed-at-reducing-toxic-air-pollution-from-boilers/2012/12/21/cdae0d30-4bb2-11e2-8758-b64a2997a921_print.html
EPA imposes new pollution limits on boilers, cement plants
Washington Post
By Juliet Eilperin, Published: December 21
The Environmental Protection Agency finalized rules late Thursday to curb
pollution from industrial boilers and cement plants, agreeing to give
industry additional time for compliance and easing some emissions limits
from earlier proposals.
http://www.washingtonpost.com/national/health-science/epa-imposes-new-pollution-limits-on-boilers-cement-plants/2012/12/21/4ba43d6c-4aec-11e2-b709-667035ff9029_story.html
EPA drops water pollution order, big fines against W.Va. chicken farm; fate
of lawsuit unclear
By Associated Press, Published: December 21
MORGANTOWN, W.Va. ? The U.S. Environmental Protection Agency has withdrawn
a water-pollution order against a West Virginia chicken farmer who
countered the threat of hefty fines by suing the agency over new rules
aimed at cleaning up the Chesapeake Bay watershed.
http://www.washingtonpost.com/business/epa-drops-water-pollution-order-big-fines-against-wva-chicken-farm-fate-of-lawsuit-unclear/2012/12/21/af33dc58-4b9f-11e2-8758-b64a2997a921_story.html
EPA releases progress report on fracking study
Associated Press
WASHINGTON ? The Environmental Protection Agency has released a progress
report on its research into potential impacts of natural gas hydraulic
fracturing and drilling on drinking water.
http://online.wsj.com/article/AP5f64c830de2547a4976c79225de9e50f.html
EPA details approach to study
Houston Chronicle
By Jennifer A. Dlouhy
The federal government is on track to release its study on whether natural
gas drilling and hydraulic fracturing pollute drinking water in late 2014,
the Environmental Protection Agency said Friday in a progress report on the
closely watched analysis.
http://www.mysanantonio.com/business/article/EPA-outlines-approach-on-study-of-fracking-s-4139296.php
EPA study supports more natural gas
CNN
The Environmental Protection Agency released a progress reportFriday that
reiterated its support for increasing natural gasdevelopment in the United
States.
http://money.cnn.com/2012/12/21/news/economy/epa-fracking/index.html
Forget Fracking: 2012 Was A Powerful Year For Renewables
NPR
by SCOTT DETROW
December 23, 2012 1:16 AM
Natural gas may have reshaped the domestic energy market in 2012, lowering
energy prices and marginalizing the coal industry, but America's shale boom
hasn't undermined renewables.
http://www.npr.org/2012/12/23/167894458/boom-in-fossil-fuels-in-2012-didnt-stymie-growth-of-renewables
Insight: In fracking culture war, celebs, billionaires and banjos
Reuters
Mon, Dec 24 2012
By Joshua Schneyer and Edward McAllister
NEW YORK (Reuters) - Not so long ago, fracking was a technical term little
known beyond the energy industry. Now it's coming to Hollywood, as the
fierce battle between environmentalists and oil firms is played out in
several forthcoming films.
http://www.reuters.com/article/2012/12/24/entertainment-us-fracking-culturewars-idUSBRE8BN02Q20121224
Critical EPA Report Highlighting Chemical Dangers to Kids is Sidetracked
NBC
By Sheila Kaplan
Investigative Reporting Workshop
A landmark Environmental Protection Agency report concluding that children
exposed to toxic substances can develop learning disabilities, asthma and
other health problems has been sidetracked indefinitely amid fierce
opposition from the chemical industry.
http://openchannel.nbcnews.com/_news/2012/12/24/16112404-critical-epa-report-highlighting-chemical-dangers-to-kids-is-sidetracked?lite
WHO'S IN, WHO'S OUT
Many of President Obama's top advisers are unlikely to stick around for a
second term. Use this page to track who's staying, who's going, and who's
coming in -- and what those newcomers might bring to the president's team.
Washington Post
http://www.washingtonpost.com/wp-srv/special/politics/transition-whos-in-whos-out/
Opinion
Commentary: Caledonians should be wary of fracking operations
Commercial Dispatch
Once again, it's the season of joy and light on this little planet of ours.
And please forgive me if it's unseasonal for me to mention this, but
there's a little problem that has come up in Caledonia. It has come without
much fanfare or attention, though it may very well lead to a great deal of
attention if it's not tended to.
http://www.cdispatch.com/opinions/article.asp?aid=21155
Press Releases
Damages Reported from Christmas Severe Weather Event
PEARL ? Gov. Phil Bryant declared a State of Emergency today for the severe
weather system that affected parts of the state today.
The State of Emergency allows state resources to be used throughout the
impacted areas to assist local governments as they respond to this
disaster. MEMA Area Coordinators have deployed to the affected areas.
Several counties have reported damages to the State Emergency Operations
Center in Pearl. The damages are as follows:
* Forrest: Damage to several homes and roads.
* George: Damage to a few homes.
* Greene: Damage to a few homes.
* Hinds: Damage to homes, several injuries and flooding throughout the
county.
* Jones: Damage to homes.
* Lawrence: Damage to homes, damage to businesses and several injuries.
* Pearl River: Damage to homes and several injuries.
* Stone: Damage to several homes.
* Wilkinson: Damage to homes and businesses, power outages.
Updates of reported damages will be released as they become available.
The public is encouraged to follow MEMA on Twitter and Facebook for
updates.
###
GOV. BRYANT DECLARES STATE OF EMERGENCY FOR MISSISSIPPI COUNTIES AFFECTED
BY SEVERE WEATHER
JACKSON ? Gov. Phil Bryant declared a State of Emergency for several
Mississippi counties after severe storms moved through the state today.
"Deborah and I extend our thoughts and prayers to all of those who were
affected by the storms today," Gov. Bryant said. "As local and state
officials work together to assess the damages, this State of Emergency will
help expedite the support needed."
At least eight Mississippi counties have reported damages and some injures
including: Forrest, Greene, Hinds, Jones, Lawrence, Pearl River Stone and
Wilkinson counties. The State of Emergency also covers all counties
affected by this severe weather event.
The State of Emergency is an administrative tool, which allows the state to
offer support to the areas impacted by the severe weather.
###
EPA Releases Update on Ongoing Hydraulic Fracturing Study
WASHINGTON - The U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) today provided
an update on its ongoing national study currently underway to better
understand any potential impacts of hydraulic fracturing on drinking water
resources. Results of the study, which Congress requested EPA to complete,
are expected to be released in a draft for public and peer review in 2014.
The update provided today outlines work currently underway, including the
status of research projects that will inform the final study. It is
important to note that while this progress report outlines the framework
for the final study, it does not draw conclusions about the potential
impacts of hydraulic fracturing on drinking water resources, which will be
made in the final study.
As the administration and EPA has made clear, natural gas has a central
role to play in our energy future, and this important domestic fuel source
has extensive economic, energy security, and environmental benefits. The
study EPA is currently undertaking is part of EPA's focus to ensure that as
the Administration continues to work to expand production of this important
domestic resource safely and responsibly.
Among the information released today are updates on 18 research projects
and details on the agency's research approach as well as next steps for
these ongoing projects and analyses. Today's update follows the public
release, in November 2011, of the agency's final study plan, which
underwent scientific peer review and public comment.
EPA has engaged stakeholders, including industry, to ensure that the study
reflects current practices in hydraulic fracturing. EPA continues to
request data and information from the public and stakeholders and has put
out a formal request for information which can be accessed through the
federal register at:
https://www.federalregister.gov/articles/2012/11/09/2012-27452/request-for-information-to-inform-hydraulic-fracturing-research-related-to-drinking-water-resources
EPA also expects to release a draft report of results from the study in
late 2014. The study has been designated a Highly Influential Scientific
Assessment, meaning it will receive the highest level of peer review in
accordance with EPA's peer review handbook before it is finalized. The 2014
draft report will synthesize the results from the ongoing projects together
with the scientific literature to answer the study's main research
questions.
EPA's Science Advisory Board (SAB) is forming a panel of independent
experts which will review and provide their individual input on the ongoing
study to EPA. The SAB will provide an opportunity for the public to offer
comments for consideration by the individual panel members. For more
information on the SAB process, please visit:
http://yosemite.epa.gov/sab/sabpeople.nsf/WebCommittees/BOARD
More information: www.epa.gov/hfstudy
EPA Finalizes Clean Air Standards for Industrial Boilers, Incinerators and
Cement Kilns
Updated rules provide extensive public health protections, cut costs of
compliance
WASHINGTON ? Today, the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA)
finalized changes to Clean Air Act standards for boilers and certain
incinerators that will achieve extensive public health protections by
slashing toxic air pollution, including mercury and particle pollution,
while at the same addressing feedback provided by industry and labor
groups, increasing the rule's flexibility and dramatically reducing costs.
As a result, 99 percent of the approximately 1.5 million boilers in the
U.S. are not covered or can meet the new standards by conducting periodic
maintenance or regular tune-ups.
The final adjustments to the standards are based on an extensive analysis
of data and input from states, environmental groups, industry, lawmakers
and the public. As a result of information gathered through this review,
including significant dialogue and meetings with public health groups,
industry, and the public, the final rule dramatically cuts the cost of
implementation by individual boilers that EPA proposed in 2010. At the same
time, these rules will continue to deliver significant public health
benefits. EPA estimates that for every dollar spent to reduce these
pollutants, the public will see $13 to $29 in health benefits, including
fewer instances of asthma, heart attacks, as well as premature deaths.
Today's rules set numerical emission limits for less than one percent of
boilers - those that emit the majority of pollution from this sector. For
these high emitting boilers and incinerators, typically operating at
refineries, chemical plants and other industrial facilities, EPA is
establishing more targeted emissions limits that protect public health and
provide industry with practical, cost-effective options to meet the
standards.
EPA has also finalized revisions to the Non-Hazardous Secondary Materials
Rule to provide clarity on what types of secondary materials are considered
non-waste fuels and provide greater flexibility in rule implementation.
This final rule classifies a number of secondary materials as categorical
non-wastes when used as a fuel and allows for operators to request that EPA
identify specific materials through rulemaking as a categorical non-waste
fuel.
Particle pollution and other harmful pollutants released by boilers and
incinerators can lead to adverse health effects including cancer, heart
disease, aggravated asthma and premature death. In addition, toxic
pollutants such as mercury and lead that will be reduced by this rule are
linked to developmental disabilities in children. These standards will
avoid up to 8,100 premature deaths, prevent 5,100 heart attacks and avert
52,000 asthma attacks per year in 2015.
In a separate EPA action today, to meet a court deadline, the agency issued
final amendments to the 2010 clean air standards for the cement
manufacturing industry. The final amendments maintain the significant
emission reductions from the 2010 standards, while providing industry
additional time to implement the revised rules. More information:
http://www.epa.gov/airquality/cement
More detailed information on the final standards for boilers and
incinerators: www.epa.gov/airquality/combustion
Deepwater Horizon Oil Spill Natural Resource Trustees
Approve Two More Early Restoration Projects for Gulf Coast
Projects in Florida, Alabama and Mississippi will help beach-nesting birds
and sea turtles
GULF COAST (Friday, Dec. 21, 2012) ? Additional early restoration projects
totaling about $9 million will begin along the Gulf Coast in 2013,
according to the Deepwater Horizon oil spill Natural Resource Damage
Assessment (NRDA) trustees (trustees).
Following a 30-day public comment period on the "Deepwater Horizon Oil
Spill Phase II Early Restoration Plan & Environmental Review" (Phase II),
the NRDA trustees have finalized plans allowing for the initiation of two
additional early restoration projects. These Phase II projects will help
restore nesting habitats for beach-nesting birds and sea turtles impacted
as a result of Deepwater Horizon oil spill response activities.
The Phase II projects, which are located within the Florida panhandle,
state and federal lands in Alabama, and federal lands in Mississippi, were
the focus of a public meeting held in Pensacola, Fla. on Nov. 13, 2012.
During the comment period, more than 1,000 individuals and organizations
submitted comments, which the NRDA trustees carefully considered. The
comments, as well as the trustees' responses to those comments, are
included in the final Phase II plan, which can be viewed at
www.gulfspillrestoration.noaa.gov and www.doi.gov/deepwaterhorizon or at
repositories located in communities throughout the Gulf Region. A list of
the repository locations is located online.
These two newly approved projects, described below, are planned to be
implemented prior to the spring 2013 nesting season.
● Enhanced Management of Avian Breeding Habitat Injuries by Response in the
Florida Panhandle, Alabama and Mississippi. This project will protect
nesting habitat for beach-nesting birds from disturbance in order to
restore habitat impaired by disturbance from oil spill response activities.
It is to be conducted on sandy beaches in Escambia, Santa Rosa, Okaloosa,
Walton, Bay, Gulf, and Franklin counties, Florida; Bon Secour National
Wildlife Refuge (NWR) in Baldwin and Mobile counties, Alabama; and the Gulf
Islands National Seashore (GUIS) ? Mississippi District.
● Improving Habitat Injured by Spill Response: Restoring the Night Sky.
This project will reduce artificial lighting impacts on nesting habitat for
sea turtles, specifically loggerhead turtles, to restore habitat impaired
by disturbance from oil spill response activities. It is being conducted on
Gulf State Park in Baldwin County, Alabama; and in Escambia, Santa Rosa,
Okaloosa, Walton, Bay, Gulf, and Franklin counties, Florida.
Phase II is the second phase of early restoration developed by the NRDA
trustees under the April 2011 Framework for Early Restoration Addressing
Injuries Resulting from the Deepwater Horizon Oil Spill (Framework
Agreement) with BP to fund $1 billion in NRDA early restoration projects.
Early restoration projects represent an initial step toward fulfilling the
responsible parties' obligation to fund the complete restoration of injured
natural resources and the services they provide. Early restoration provides
an opportunity to implement restoration projects agreed upon by the NRDA
trustees and BP under the Framework Agreement prior to the completion of
the NRDA. The damage assessment continues and currently approved early
restoration projects are being implemented while additional early
restoration planning is under way. BP and other
responsible parties are obligated to compensate the public for the full
scope of the natural resource injury caused by the Deepwater Horizon oil
spill, including the cost of assessing such injury and planning for
restoration.
Eight early restoration projects are already in various stages of
implementation as part of Phase I of early restoration under the Framework
Agreement. Updates on the eight Phase I projects are available at
www.gulfspillrestoration.noaa.gov.
"These additional projects are important steps in recovering from the oil
spill, but they, along with the other Phase I projects, are just first
steps," said Trudy D. Fisher, Chair of the NRDA Trustee Council and
Mississippi's trustee. "Use of the early restoration funding has not moved
quickly enough to suit any of us. I want to stress that the NRDA trustees
are working hard to see that restoration funding is used in a way that is
in the best interest of our natural resources."
"The Phase II projects were selected at this time to allow their
implementation prior to this spring's nesting seasons for sea turtles and
beach-nesting birds," said Rachel Jacobson, the Department of the
Interior's Principal Deputy Assistant Secretary for Fish and Wildlife and
Parks. "We greatly appreciate both the public's engagement in this process
and their support for these projects. Implementing projects as quickly as
possible will benefit our precious natural resources, the uses they support
and the local economy to which they are linked."
"I appreciate the overwhelming support we have received from the public for
these projects which go to the heart of the spill impact on nesting birds
and sea turtles," said Florida trustee representative Mimi A. Drew, special
advisor to the Florida Department of Environmental Protection Secretary
Herschel T. Vinyard, Jr. "My fellow trustees worked hard with us to ensure
project approval in time for the 2013 nesting season."
"These projects will continue the process of restoring Alabama's unique
coastal resources from injuries sustained by the Deepwater Horizon oil
spill. We look forward to initiating these projects quickly in order to
take advantage of the upcoming nesting seasons," said N. Gunter Guy, Jr.,
Commissioner of the Alabama Department of Conservation and Natural
Resources.
-30-
Friday, December 21, 2012
MDEQ Promotes Tips for a Green Holiday Season
STATE OF MISSISSIPPI
Phil Bryant, GOVERNOR
MISSISSIPPI DEPARTMENT OF ENVIRONMENTAL QUALITY
Trudy D. Fisher, EXECUTIVE DIRECTOR
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE Contact: Robbie Wilbur
December 21, 2012 601/961-5277
MDEQ Promotes Tips for a Green Holiday Season
(JACKSON, Miss.) -- MDEQ encourages Mississippians to remember the
environment this holiday season through waste reduction, reuse, and
recycling practices to "green up" the holiday season. According to the U.S.
Environmental Protection Agency, the amount of household trash increases by
25 percent ? or 25 million tons nationally? between Thanksgiving and the
New Year. Trimming the holiday waste stream doesn't require much effort.
MDEQ suggests the following green practices:
Decorating Ideas
●Consider having a potted Christmas tree that can be replanted in the wild,
in your yard or kept and re-used the next year.
●Recycle your Christmas tree if the service is offered in your community or
consider using an artificial tree that can be used year after year.
●Use trimmed branches from your Christmas tree for wreaths or hearth or
table decorations rather than discarding them immediately.
●Decorate your home, tree, and centerpiece with holly, cedar, berries,
cranberries, popcorn, fruits and nuts - some which can be consumed and all
of which can be composted.
Gift Shopping and Wrapping
●When you do your holiday shopping, bring your own re-usable canvas tote
bags and avoid using plastic bags, particularly for just one item.
●Consider re-using wrapping or other reusable paper when wrapping Christmas
gifts. If every American family wrapped just three presents in re-used
materials, that would save enough paper to cover 45,000 football fields.
●Have children make their own wrapping paper by designing and coloring
brown paper grocery bags, using old homework pages, old Christmas Cards, or
hand drawn pictures to wrap gifts in. Grandparents will appreciate the
special touch of a grandchild to any gift.
●Consider using commonly discarded paper items for wrapping gifts?Sunday
comics, old posters, maps, discarded sheet music, and wallpaper scraps for
wrapping paper.
●Use and re-use gift bags instead of wrapping paper.
●Avoid using metallic gift wrapping paper because this paper is generally
not recyclable.
●Choose products that use less packaging material.
●Look for products with the U.S. EPA's Energy Star logo. These items have
been evaluated and rated for their energy efficiency.
Gift Ideas
●Home-baked cookies, bread, or jams or a plant or tree that can be planted
in the recipient's yard.
●Consider gifts that keep on giving such as a compost bin, battery charger,
rechargeable batteries, compact fluorescent light bulbs, a perpetual
calendar, or an erasable message board.
●Give two gifts in one by using baskets, scarves, or pillowcases to wrap
gifts.
●Give gifts that don't create wastes such as passes to the zoo or an
amusement park, music lessons, tennis, golf, or other sports lessons,
memberships to an organization, tickets to a concert or movie, dinner at a
restaurant, a subscription to an online magazine or newspaper, an IOU to
help rake leaves or repair a leaky faucet.
●Give gifts that get "used up" such as candles, soap, or seeds for the
garden.
●Give durable toys for gifts that are made from wood or metal so that they
can be passed down, even becoming collectible items.
●If purchasing electronic items such as a computer, television, cell phone
or gaming station, find a retailer that will take back the outdated or
obsolete item being replaced and that will recycle the obsolete item.
●If you cannot find retailers with take back programs, recycle the obsolete
electronic devices through local community recycling programs or donate
computers or televisions that have useful life to community groups, local
schools, or nonprofit organizations. (Please don't burden organizations
with extremely old or non-functioning electronic items.)
After The Holidays
●Clean out the closets and donate used toys and clothing to charitable
organizations.
●Recycle your Christmas tree if the service is offered in your community.
Christmas trees can be used for fish spawning habitats, for mulch for
public landscaping projects and homeowner use, for boiler fuel, and for
lake, river, and beach front stabilization.
●Save wrapping paper, bows, and ribbons to use for the next holiday season.
If you can't re-use these items, try to recycle as much of the wrapping
paper, gift boxes, bags, and gift packaging materials as possible.
●Make a New Year's resolution to start a recycling program at home or at
work. Call your city or county to find out more information about recycling
opportunities.
●Remove yourself from mailing lists for catalogs and other similar mail
order circulars. Most of these catalogs and retail items can be found and
ordered from retailers' websites.
For more information on waste reduction, re-use and recycling programs or
ideas, contact your local solid waste department, Keep Mississippi
Beautiful affiliate, County Extension Service agents or the MDEQ. Simple,
common sense steps can provide an inexpensive and enduring gift to our
natural resources as well as leave more "green" in your checkbook.
MDEQ Social Media Connections for Information/Press Releases:
●If you would like to receive press releases on MDEQ issues, meetings,
beach advisories, and other info that affect the Gulf Coast via text
message, then text "coastmedia" to 601-863-8082.
●If you would like to receive press releases on MDEQ issues that affect the
Jackson area, then text "jxnmedia" to 601-863-8082.
●Follow MDEQ on Twitter
http://twitter.com/#!/MDEQ
●Connect with MDEQ on Facebook
http://www.facebook.com/pages/MDEQ/118172664880239?v=wall
# # #
(See attached file: christmas.pdf)
Mr. Robbie Wilbur
Communications Director
Mississippi Department of Environmental Quality
Post Office Box 2261
Jackson, Mississippi 39225
601/961-5277
601/421-5699 (c)
601/961-5715 (f)
rwilbur@deq.state.ms.us
Connect with MDEQ on Facebook
http://www.facebook.com/pages/MDEQ/118172664880239?v=wall
Follow MDEQ on Twitter
http://twitter.com/#!/MDEQ
News Clippings 12.21.12
12.21.12
Oil Spill
Gulf Shores gearing up for BP grants as 2012 oil cleanup tops 1.7 million
pounds
Press Register
By Marc D. Anderson | manderson@al.com
updated December 19, 2012 at 2:38 PM
GULF SHORES, Alabama -- More than 1.7 million pounds of oil material have
been collected along the north Gulf Coast this year, with 21 percent of
that found on Alabama beaches.
http://blog.al.com/live/2012/12/gulf_shores_gears_up_for_bp_gr.html
State News
EPA denies appeals, rules Memphis area in violation of air-pollution
standards
Commercial Appeal
By Tom Charlier
Thursday, December 20, 2012
Rejecting appeals by state officials, the U.S. Environmental Protection
Agency has ruled that three Memphis-area counties, as well as three others
in East Tennessee, violate federal air-quality standards for ozone
pollution.
http://www.commercialappeal.com/news/2012/dec/20/epa-denies-appeals-rules-memphis-area-in-of-air/?print=1
EPA refuses to change ruling on air quality rating
by Associated Press
Published: December 21,2012
DESOTO COUNTY — The Environmental Protection Agency has rejected appeals
from state officials over air quality listings.
http://msbusiness.com/blog/2012/12/21/epa-refuses-to-change-ruling-on-air-quality-rating/
Jackson County to begin Christmas tree recycling program on Wednesday
By Mississippi Press Staff
updated December 20, 2012 at 2:31 PM
PASCAGOULA, Mississippi -- Jackson County's Solid Waste Department will
again collect and recycle Christmas trees starting Wednesday at five
locations:
http://blog.gulflive.com/mississippi-press-living/2012/12/jackson_county_to_begin_christ.html#incart_river
Officials: Recycle bins are better than burglars
WTVA
TUPELO, Miss. (WTVA) -- Tupelo Police Officer Alan Chavers said all too
often, he sees very trustinghomeowners who have no idea they are being
watched.
http://www.wtva.com/news/local/story/Officials-Recycle-bins-are-better-than-burglars/wSn04UED30O4c4yNes8gag.cspx
A green Christmas: Extra bins to handle post-holiday recycling
by M. Scott Morris
NEMS Daily Journal
12.21.12 - 07:25 am
TUPELO – Christmas presents inevitably lead to Christmas trash, but there's
a new plan to handle this year's yuletide rubbish.
http://djournal.com/view/full_story/21206443/article-A-green-Christmas--Extra-bins-to-handle-post-holiday-recycling?instance=secondary_stories_left_column
National News
Appeals upholds EPA authority over emissions
Politico
By: Erica Martinson
December 21, 2012 04:15 AM EST
An appeals court on Thursday denied a request from industry groups to
rehear a case in which the court upheld the Environmental Protection
Agency's climate change regulations.
http://www.politico.com/story/2012/12/appeals-upholds-epa-authority-over-emissions-85381.html?hp=r9
Industry Seen Winning as EPA Weighs Weaker Boiler Rules
Bloomberg
By Mark Drajem - Dec 21, 2012
The U.S. Environmental Protection Agency is expected to release new
pollution caps for industrial boilers and cement plants, as it bows to
industry pressure to delay their effective date and ease some standards,
according to environmental and business groups.
http://www.bloomberg.com/news/2012-12-20/relaxed-pollution-rules-on-boilers-said-to-be-considered-by-epa.html
House Natural Resources subcommittee to sharpen focus on environmental
reviews
The Hill
By Zack Colman - 12/20/12 03:51 PM ET
The House Natural Resources committee will devote more attention to
environmental reviews and their effects on advancing energy development in
a new subcommittee next Congress.
http://thehill.com/blogs/e2-wire/e2-wire/274079-house-natural-resources-subcommittee-to-sharpen-focus-on-environmental-reviews
Fracking industry worried Matt Damon's 'Promised Land' will be hatchet job
Published December 20, 2012
FoxNews.com
advertisement
NEW YORK – Matt Damon is throwing his two cents into the debate about
fracking with his upcoming film "Promised Land," but critics are worried it
will be nothing more than a hatchet job on the entire fracking industry.
http://www.foxnews.com/entertainment/2012/12/20/matt-damon-promised-land-addresses-fracking-debate/
EPA building to be named after Bill Clinton
By James Rosen — McClatchy Newspapers
WASHINGTON — Fourteen years after his impeachment, former President Bill
Clinton is about to get a big building named after him in Washington.
http://www.sunherald.com/2012/12/20/4370264/epa-building-to-be-named-after.html
Press Releases
EPA Updates Rule for Pathogens in Drinking Water, Sets Limit for E. Coli
WASHINGTON - The U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) has updated the
rule for pathogens in drinking water, including setting a limit for the
bacteria E. coli to better protect public health.
The Revised Total Coliform Rule ensures that all of the approximately
155,000 public water systems in the United States, which provide drinking
water to more than 310 million people, take steps to prevent exposure to
pathogens like E. coli. Pathogens like E. coli can cause a variety of
illnesses with symptoms such as acute abdominal discomfort or, in more
extreme cases, kidney failure or hepatitis.
Under the revised rule, public drinking water systems are required to
notify the public if a test exceeds the maximum contaminant level (MCL) for
E. coli in drinking water. If E. coli or other indications of drinking
water contamination are detected above a certain level, drinking water
facilities must assess the system and fix potential sources and pathways of
contamination. High-risk drinking water systems with a history of
non-compliance must perform more frequent monitoring. The revised rule
provides incentives for small drinking water systems that consistently meet
certain measures of water quality and system performance.
Public water systems and the state and local agencies that oversee them
must comply with the requirements of the Revised Total Coliform Rule
beginning April 1, 2016. Until then, public water systems and primacy
agencies must continue to comply with the 1989 version of the rule.
The Safe Drinking Water Act requires that EPA review each National Primary
Drinking Water Regulation, such as the Total Coliform Rule, at least once
every six years. The outcome of the review of the 1989 Total Coliform Rule
determined that there was an opportunity to reduce implementation burden
and improve rule effectiveness while at the same time increasing public
health protection against pathogens in the drinking water distribution
systems. EPA's revised rule incorporates recommendations from a federal
advisory committee comprised of a broad range of stakeholders and considers
public comments received during a public comment period held in fall 2010.
For more information:
http://water.epa.gov/lawsregs/rulesregs/sdwa/tcr/regulation.cfm
EPA & National Science Foundation Support Research for Safer Chemical
Design
WASHINGTON - Today the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA), in
collaboration with the National Science Foundation (NSF), announced two
funding opportunities for up to ten grants totaling up to $32 million for
research on the design of safer chemicals. These two Requests for
Applications (RFAs), which focus on sustainable chemical design and
assessment of the life cycle impacts of chemicals from production to
disposal, will support research to create chemicals that are safer for
people and the environment.
"Changes in our economy, society, technology and the environment itself are
presenting the EPA with new challenges and opportunities," said Lek Kadeli,
principal deputy assistant administrator of EPA's Office of Research and
Development. "This joint effort with the National Science Foundation is an
important step forward in realizing that vision and creating a more
sustainable future."
The research resulting from these two solicitations, "Networks for
Sustainable Molecular Design and Synthesis" and "Networks for
Characterizing Chemical Life Cycle" will enhance cooperation among the
chemical sciences, materials research, geosciences, engineering, and
biomedical and public health communities. The two RFAs are now open for
submissions.
The sustainable chemical design solicitation requests applications from
trans-disciplinary research teams who want to replace toxic and expensive
chemicals with greener, safer alternatives. These safer chemical design
processes could, for example, consume less water, generate less waste, or
use less energy than current practices.
The chemical life cycle solicitation seeks research to further the
understanding of chemicals (including nanomaterials, materials produced at
the nano-scale) throughout the life cycle at the systems and molecular
levels. As chemicals are manufactured and used, they may be altered through
their interactions with people and the environment, potentially resulting
in unforeseen health and environmental impacts. This research has the
potential to provide tools to characterize and predict these health and
environmental effects.
More information on the RFAs: http://epa.gov/ncer/rfa/
More information on EPA's chemical safety research:
http://www.epa.gov/research/chemicalscience/
More about the National Science Foundation: http://www.nsf.gov/
EPA Withdraws Order In the Face of Farmer's Lawsuit
WASHINGTON, D.C., December 20, 2012 – In a surprise about-face, the
Environmental ProtectionAgency has withdrawn an order demanding that West
Virginia poultry grower Lois Alt obtain a Clean Water Act discharge
permit for stormwater runoff from her farmyard or face up to $37,500 per
day in penalties. While the action is a great victory for Alt, it leaves
unresolved a major legal issue with serious implications for other
livestock and poultry farmers that must be addressed, according to the
American Farm Bureau Federation.
The U.S. District Court for the Northern District of West Virginia ruled
in October that AFBF and West Virginia Farm Bureau have the right to join
Alt's lawsuit. EPA had aggressively opposed the Farm Bureaus'
participation. EPA's withdrawal of the order comes six months after Alt
filed her legal action and a mere six weeks before Alt and AFBF are
scheduled to file briefs challenging EPA's interpretation of the law.
In withdrawing its order, EPA cited new management practices identified
during a May 2012 re-inspection of the farm. However, EPA's inspection
report also states that dust, feathers and small amounts of manure were
still observed on the ground at the farm – which was the very same basis
of EPA's original order, according to AFBF General Counsel Ellen Steen.
"EPA still has not backed away from its position that any amount of
pollutant on the ground at a livestock or poultry farm requires a Clean
Water Act permit," according to Steen. "The more likely reason for EPA's
withdrawal is that it does not want to defend its position in court."
"This is a personal victory for Lois Alt, but it should not have taken a
federal lawsuit to convince EPA to withdraw an order that was illegal
from the start," said American Farm Bureau Federation President Bob
Stallman. "EPA's withdrawal of the Alt order without correcting its legal
position still leaves other farmers and ranchers hanging in uncertainty,
vulnerable to the same threats that Ms. Alt faced."
EPA's November 2011 order threatened Alt with $37,500 in fines for each
time stormwater came into contact with dust, feathers or small amounts of
manure on the ground outside of her poultry houses as a result of normal
poultry farming operations. EPA also threatened separate fines of $37,500
per day if Alt failed to apply for a National Pollutant Discharge
Elimination System permit. Alt responded by filing her own legal
challenge to the EPA order in June 2012.
"EPA says its withdrawal is based on a May 2012 re-inspection of the
farm, but I can't help but notice that EPA only withdrew the order after
Farm Bureau was granted intervention in October," Steen explained. "It's
like upsetting the chess board when you know you are in danger of losing.
All signs are that EPA does not want to defend its position in court."
"EPA knows very well that most farmers lack the resources to fight back
when they face an EPA order – even if the order has no legal basis,"
noted Stallman. "We are happy for Ms. Alt that EPA has flinched, but the
principles for which she stood remain in danger."
-30-
http://www.fb.org/index.php?action=newsroom.news&year=2012&file=nr1220.html
Oil Spill
Gulf Shores gearing up for BP grants as 2012 oil cleanup tops 1.7 million
pounds
Press Register
By Marc D. Anderson | manderson@al.com
updated December 19, 2012 at 2:38 PM
GULF SHORES, Alabama -- More than 1.7 million pounds of oil material have
been collected along the north Gulf Coast this year, with 21 percent of
that found on Alabama beaches.
http://blog.al.com/live/2012/12/gulf_shores_gears_up_for_bp_gr.html
State News
EPA denies appeals, rules Memphis area in violation of air-pollution
standards
Commercial Appeal
By Tom Charlier
Thursday, December 20, 2012
Rejecting appeals by state officials, the U.S. Environmental Protection
Agency has ruled that three Memphis-area counties, as well as three others
in East Tennessee, violate federal air-quality standards for ozone
pollution.
http://www.commercialappeal.com/news/2012/dec/20/epa-denies-appeals-rules-memphis-area-in-of-air/?print=1
EPA refuses to change ruling on air quality rating
by Associated Press
Published: December 21,2012
DESOTO COUNTY — The Environmental Protection Agency has rejected appeals
from state officials over air quality listings.
http://msbusiness.com/blog/2012/12/21/epa-refuses-to-change-ruling-on-air-quality-rating/
Jackson County to begin Christmas tree recycling program on Wednesday
By Mississippi Press Staff
updated December 20, 2012 at 2:31 PM
PASCAGOULA, Mississippi -- Jackson County's Solid Waste Department will
again collect and recycle Christmas trees starting Wednesday at five
locations:
http://blog.gulflive.com/mississippi-press-living/2012/12/jackson_county_to_begin_christ.html#incart_river
Officials: Recycle bins are better than burglars
WTVA
TUPELO, Miss. (WTVA) -- Tupelo Police Officer Alan Chavers said all too
often, he sees very trustinghomeowners who have no idea they are being
watched.
http://www.wtva.com/news/local/story/Officials-Recycle-bins-are-better-than-burglars/wSn04UED30O4c4yNes8gag.cspx
A green Christmas: Extra bins to handle post-holiday recycling
by M. Scott Morris
NEMS Daily Journal
12.21.12 - 07:25 am
TUPELO – Christmas presents inevitably lead to Christmas trash, but there's
a new plan to handle this year's yuletide rubbish.
http://djournal.com/view/full_story/21206443/article-A-green-Christmas--Extra-bins-to-handle-post-holiday-recycling?instance=secondary_stories_left_column
National News
Appeals upholds EPA authority over emissions
Politico
By: Erica Martinson
December 21, 2012 04:15 AM EST
An appeals court on Thursday denied a request from industry groups to
rehear a case in which the court upheld the Environmental Protection
Agency's climate change regulations.
http://www.politico.com/story/2012/12/appeals-upholds-epa-authority-over-emissions-85381.html?hp=r9
Industry Seen Winning as EPA Weighs Weaker Boiler Rules
Bloomberg
By Mark Drajem - Dec 21, 2012
The U.S. Environmental Protection Agency is expected to release new
pollution caps for industrial boilers and cement plants, as it bows to
industry pressure to delay their effective date and ease some standards,
according to environmental and business groups.
http://www.bloomberg.com/news/2012-12-20/relaxed-pollution-rules-on-boilers-said-to-be-considered-by-epa.html
House Natural Resources subcommittee to sharpen focus on environmental
reviews
The Hill
By Zack Colman - 12/20/12 03:51 PM ET
The House Natural Resources committee will devote more attention to
environmental reviews and their effects on advancing energy development in
a new subcommittee next Congress.
http://thehill.com/blogs/e2-wire/e2-wire/274079-house-natural-resources-subcommittee-to-sharpen-focus-on-environmental-reviews
Fracking industry worried Matt Damon's 'Promised Land' will be hatchet job
Published December 20, 2012
FoxNews.com
advertisement
NEW YORK – Matt Damon is throwing his two cents into the debate about
fracking with his upcoming film "Promised Land," but critics are worried it
will be nothing more than a hatchet job on the entire fracking industry.
http://www.foxnews.com/entertainment/2012/12/20/matt-damon-promised-land-addresses-fracking-debate/
EPA building to be named after Bill Clinton
By James Rosen — McClatchy Newspapers
WASHINGTON — Fourteen years after his impeachment, former President Bill
Clinton is about to get a big building named after him in Washington.
http://www.sunherald.com/2012/12/20/4370264/epa-building-to-be-named-after.html
Press Releases
EPA Updates Rule for Pathogens in Drinking Water, Sets Limit for E. Coli
WASHINGTON - The U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) has updated the
rule for pathogens in drinking water, including setting a limit for the
bacteria E. coli to better protect public health.
The Revised Total Coliform Rule ensures that all of the approximately
155,000 public water systems in the United States, which provide drinking
water to more than 310 million people, take steps to prevent exposure to
pathogens like E. coli. Pathogens like E. coli can cause a variety of
illnesses with symptoms such as acute abdominal discomfort or, in more
extreme cases, kidney failure or hepatitis.
Under the revised rule, public drinking water systems are required to
notify the public if a test exceeds the maximum contaminant level (MCL) for
E. coli in drinking water. If E. coli or other indications of drinking
water contamination are detected above a certain level, drinking water
facilities must assess the system and fix potential sources and pathways of
contamination. High-risk drinking water systems with a history of
non-compliance must perform more frequent monitoring. The revised rule
provides incentives for small drinking water systems that consistently meet
certain measures of water quality and system performance.
Public water systems and the state and local agencies that oversee them
must comply with the requirements of the Revised Total Coliform Rule
beginning April 1, 2016. Until then, public water systems and primacy
agencies must continue to comply with the 1989 version of the rule.
The Safe Drinking Water Act requires that EPA review each National Primary
Drinking Water Regulation, such as the Total Coliform Rule, at least once
every six years. The outcome of the review of the 1989 Total Coliform Rule
determined that there was an opportunity to reduce implementation burden
and improve rule effectiveness while at the same time increasing public
health protection against pathogens in the drinking water distribution
systems. EPA's revised rule incorporates recommendations from a federal
advisory committee comprised of a broad range of stakeholders and considers
public comments received during a public comment period held in fall 2010.
For more information:
http://water.epa.gov/lawsregs/rulesregs/sdwa/tcr/regulation.cfm
EPA & National Science Foundation Support Research for Safer Chemical
Design
WASHINGTON - Today the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA), in
collaboration with the National Science Foundation (NSF), announced two
funding opportunities for up to ten grants totaling up to $32 million for
research on the design of safer chemicals. These two Requests for
Applications (RFAs), which focus on sustainable chemical design and
assessment of the life cycle impacts of chemicals from production to
disposal, will support research to create chemicals that are safer for
people and the environment.
"Changes in our economy, society, technology and the environment itself are
presenting the EPA with new challenges and opportunities," said Lek Kadeli,
principal deputy assistant administrator of EPA's Office of Research and
Development. "This joint effort with the National Science Foundation is an
important step forward in realizing that vision and creating a more
sustainable future."
The research resulting from these two solicitations, "Networks for
Sustainable Molecular Design and Synthesis" and "Networks for
Characterizing Chemical Life Cycle" will enhance cooperation among the
chemical sciences, materials research, geosciences, engineering, and
biomedical and public health communities. The two RFAs are now open for
submissions.
The sustainable chemical design solicitation requests applications from
trans-disciplinary research teams who want to replace toxic and expensive
chemicals with greener, safer alternatives. These safer chemical design
processes could, for example, consume less water, generate less waste, or
use less energy than current practices.
The chemical life cycle solicitation seeks research to further the
understanding of chemicals (including nanomaterials, materials produced at
the nano-scale) throughout the life cycle at the systems and molecular
levels. As chemicals are manufactured and used, they may be altered through
their interactions with people and the environment, potentially resulting
in unforeseen health and environmental impacts. This research has the
potential to provide tools to characterize and predict these health and
environmental effects.
More information on the RFAs: http://epa.gov/ncer/rfa/
More information on EPA's chemical safety research:
http://www.epa.gov/research/chemicalscience/
More about the National Science Foundation: http://www.nsf.gov/
EPA Withdraws Order In the Face of Farmer's Lawsuit
WASHINGTON, D.C., December 20, 2012 – In a surprise about-face, the
Environmental ProtectionAgency has withdrawn an order demanding that West
Virginia poultry grower Lois Alt obtain a Clean Water Act discharge
permit for stormwater runoff from her farmyard or face up to $37,500 per
day in penalties. While the action is a great victory for Alt, it leaves
unresolved a major legal issue with serious implications for other
livestock and poultry farmers that must be addressed, according to the
American Farm Bureau Federation.
The U.S. District Court for the Northern District of West Virginia ruled
in October that AFBF and West Virginia Farm Bureau have the right to join
Alt's lawsuit. EPA had aggressively opposed the Farm Bureaus'
participation. EPA's withdrawal of the order comes six months after Alt
filed her legal action and a mere six weeks before Alt and AFBF are
scheduled to file briefs challenging EPA's interpretation of the law.
In withdrawing its order, EPA cited new management practices identified
during a May 2012 re-inspection of the farm. However, EPA's inspection
report also states that dust, feathers and small amounts of manure were
still observed on the ground at the farm – which was the very same basis
of EPA's original order, according to AFBF General Counsel Ellen Steen.
"EPA still has not backed away from its position that any amount of
pollutant on the ground at a livestock or poultry farm requires a Clean
Water Act permit," according to Steen. "The more likely reason for EPA's
withdrawal is that it does not want to defend its position in court."
"This is a personal victory for Lois Alt, but it should not have taken a
federal lawsuit to convince EPA to withdraw an order that was illegal
from the start," said American Farm Bureau Federation President Bob
Stallman. "EPA's withdrawal of the Alt order without correcting its legal
position still leaves other farmers and ranchers hanging in uncertainty,
vulnerable to the same threats that Ms. Alt faced."
EPA's November 2011 order threatened Alt with $37,500 in fines for each
time stormwater came into contact with dust, feathers or small amounts of
manure on the ground outside of her poultry houses as a result of normal
poultry farming operations. EPA also threatened separate fines of $37,500
per day if Alt failed to apply for a National Pollutant Discharge
Elimination System permit. Alt responded by filing her own legal
challenge to the EPA order in June 2012.
"EPA says its withdrawal is based on a May 2012 re-inspection of the
farm, but I can't help but notice that EPA only withdrew the order after
Farm Bureau was granted intervention in October," Steen explained. "It's
like upsetting the chess board when you know you are in danger of losing.
All signs are that EPA does not want to defend its position in court."
"EPA knows very well that most farmers lack the resources to fight back
when they face an EPA order – even if the order has no legal basis,"
noted Stallman. "We are happy for Ms. Alt that EPA has flinched, but the
principles for which she stood remain in danger."
-30-
http://www.fb.org/index.php?action=newsroom.news&year=2012&file=nr1220.html
Thursday, December 20, 2012
News Clippings 12.20.12
12.20.12
State News
DeSoto water-treatment board rolls with process plan for Short Fork
Commercial Appeal
By Henry Bailey
Wednesday, December 19, 2012
The DeSoto County Regional Utility Authority board on Wednesday approved an
enhanced process for water treatment as part of the future expansion of the
Short Fork plant on the eastern side of the county. The Phase II price tag
is estimated to start at about $10 million.
http://www.commercialappeal.com/news/2012/dec/19/desoto-water-treatment-board-rolls-with-process/?print=1
Pearl River levels close oyster reefs
WLOX
The Mississippi Department of Marine Resources closed three areas to the
harvest of oysters due to the Pearl River stage exceeding the 10-foot
management plan criteria.
http://www.wlox.com/story/20386764/pearl-river-levels-close-oyster-reefs
MDEQ awards solid waste assistance grant to Ackerman
December 13, 2012
Choctaw Plaindealer
The Mississippi Department of Environmental Quality (MDEQ) has awarded the
Town of Ackerman a solid waste assistance grant of $15,000 that will be
used for a wood waste recycling program.
http://choctaw.winstonnewsonline.com/2012/12/13/mdeq-awards-solid-waste-assistance-grant-to-ackerman/
Energy savings benefit Oxford schools
WTVA
OXFORD, Miss. (WTVA) -- Oxford School District received a check Wednesday
for $126,477 as part of a program offered by the Tennessee Valley Authority
and Oxford Electric Department to save energy and money for the schools and
enhance students' understanding of energy efficiency.
http://www.wtva.com/news/local/story/Energy-savings-benefit-Oxford-schools/5VtBG3jOB0aBZsyhqqC4xA.cspx
Recycling off to good start in city
By CALEB BEDILLION
DAILY LEADER
Wednesday, December 19, 2012 11:01 am
Curbside recycling remains moderately successful in the city but with
plenty of room for growth, according to a report aldermen heard at their
Tuesday night board meeting.
http://www.dailyleader.com/news/article_bec6e528-49fd-11e2-87a5-001a4bcf887a.html
Hinds sheriff's department going green
Clarion Ledger
The Hinds County Sheriff's Department is going green.
It's courtesy of a special lease agreement with Cannon Nissan for a 2012
Nissan Leaf, an electric vehicle fitted with a lithium ion battery.
http://www.clarionledger.com/article/20121219/news/312190042?cid=dlvr.it
Economics and availability of crude make oil refining a tough industry to
sell in Winston County
December 13, 2012
By Joseph McCain The Winston County Journal
An invitation only event was held to discuss an oil refinery project in
Winston County and in spite of the promises made at the meeting and in the
other media coverage, the chances of anything happening in Winston County
is remote at best because of the economics and environmental issues.
http://winston.winstonnewsonline.com/?p=2601
Oil refinery in Winston County has same chance as me getting a gift from
Santa Claus
December 13, 2012
While several media outlets ran articles about an oil refinery in Winston
County and the feasibility of such, let's logically examine this:
http://winston.winstonnewsonline.com/?p=2598
North Lee water presses ahead
by Patsy R. Brumfield
NEMS Daily Journal
12.20.12 - 06:25 am
North Lee County Water Association customers are likely to see improved
service as time goes on, but they may wait a bit longer for decisions about
criminal charges associated with a 2011 scandal that brought down the
organization's power structure.
http://djournal.com/view/full_story/21190572/article-North-Lee-water-presses-ahead?instance=lead_story_left_column
Mississippi scores among highest in emergency readiness survey
By The Associated Press
LAS VEGAS -- Maryland, Mississippi, North Carolina, Vermont and Wisconsin
scored highest and Nevada scores near the bottom of a national survey
looking at public health and emergency preparedness.
http://blog.gulflive.com/mississippi-press-news/2012/12/mississippi_scores_among_highe.html#incart_river
Funding PERS will be up to departments in 2013
MBJ
by Ted Carter
Published: December 14,2012
Directors of state departments and agencies must find a way to pay for a
10.4 percent increase in the employer share of the PERS of Mississippi
retirement starting in July.
http://msbusiness.com/blog/2012/12/14/funding-pers-is-up-to-departments/
National News
Obama: Climate change among top three priorities for second term
The Hill
By Zack Colman - 12/19/12 12:13 PM ET
President Obama has identified climate change as one of his top three
priorities in his second term after coming under fire from
environmentalists for giving the issue short shrift during the campaign.
http://thehill.com/blogs/e2-wire/e2-wire/273737-obama-climate-change-one-of-top-three-priorities
Interior urges 'safety culture' among offshore drillers
The Hill
By Ben Geman - 12/19/12 11:48 AM ET
Interior Department offshore drilling regulators, in a new policy
statement, will press oil-and-gas companies to adopt a "safety culture" in
the wake of the massive 2010 BP oil spill.
http://thehill.com/blogs/e2-wire/e2-wire/273729-interior-to-demand-safety-culture-among-offshore-drillers
Study: Fracking process created jobs in Michigan in 2012
・ By Michael Martinez
・ The Detroit News
The controversial fracking process ― tapping natural gas by blasting water,
chemicals and sand into rocks underground to unlock resources ― accounted
for 38,000 direct or spinoff jobs in Michigan in 2012 and will create
79,000 jobs and contribute more than $8 billion to the economy, according
to a study released Wednesday by Colorado-based IHS Global Insight.
http://www.detroitnews.com/article/20121219/BIZ/212190400/1361/Study--Fracking-process-created-jobs-in-Michigan-in-2012
Opinion
New EPA rules signal stronger scientific backbone from Obama
The Hill
By Michael Halpern, Center for Science and Democracy, Union of Concerned
Scientists - 12/19/12 10:00 AM ET
The Environmental Protection Agency just revised air pollution standards
for particulate matter, the primary component of soot. The new rules are
based on the best available science and it is encouraging to see the agency
following the Clean Air Act, especially in the face of strong industry
pressure to ignore science again.
http://thehill.com/blogs/congress-blog/energy-a-environment/273543-new-epa-rules-signal-stronger-scientific-backbone-from-obama
Press Releases
ROV wraps up investigation
12/18/2012 03:40 PM EST
NEW ORLEANS ―Remote operated vehicles (ROV) investigating the recurring
sheen near the MC 252 wellhead concluded operations Saturday, Dec. 15,
2012. ROVs inspected the sunken Deepwater Horizon Platform wreckage and the
surrounding area.
No sources of leaking oil were identified. During operations, an
unidentified substance inconsistent with oil was seen emitting from several
areas of the rig wreckage, and samples were collected for further lab
analysis.
"No apparent source of the surface sheen has been discovered by this
effort," said Capt. Duke Walker, Federal On-Scene Coordinator for Deepwater
Horizon. "Next steps are being considered as we await the lab results of
the surface and subsurface samples and more detailed analysis of the video
shot during the mission."
Out of an abundance of caution, the Macondo wellhead was also observed and,
as expected, was found to be secure. On September 19, 2010 the well was
closed off and cemented.
Satellite surveillance will continue to monitor the sheen while future
steps are being considered.
The real time ROV operations were observed remotely by the Coast Guard,
Bureau of Ocean Energy Management, Bureau of Safety and Environmental
Enforcement, BP, Transocean and state on�scene coordinators from Louisiana,
Mississippi and Florida. Additionally, the Coast Guard had observers
onboard the Olympic Triton which launched and controlled the ROVs during
the operation.
Video of the ROV inspections will be made available shortly and posted on
www.restorethegulf.gov.
The Gulf Coast Incident Management Team remains committed to the continued
cleanup of the Gulf Coast and all shorelines affected as a result of the
Deepwater Horizon oil rig explosion. The FOSC is determined to continue
response activities to remove all oil where it is technologically feasible,
environmentally beneficial and safe for workers to perform recovery
operations.
The public is reminded to contact the National Response Center at
1-800-424-8802 to report all pollution incidents or the Coast Guard 8th
District command center at 504-589-6225 in the event of any marine
emergencies.
EPA Study Reveals Shift in Housing Developments Across the U.S.
More communities embrace redevelopment
WASHINGTON � The U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) released a new
report examining residential construction trends in America's metropolitan
regions, which finds that nearly three out of four large metropolitan
regions saw an increased share of new housing development in previously
developed areas during 2005 - 2009 compared to 2000 - 2004.
Known as infill housing, this type of development provides economic and
public health benefits to metropolitan areas while protecting the local
environment. Infill housing saves money and energy by taking advantage of
previous investments in existing infrastructure (such as water, sewer, and
roads). This type of development can also help preserve open space, protect
natural resources, and reduce transportation emissions and the amount of
polluted stormwater washing off new roadways and other paved surfaces.
Infill housing has also been shown to help raise property values, increase
a community's tax base, and attract retail businesses to serve the larger
residential population.
This report examines data on the location of new home development in
metropolitan regions, as well as data on pre-existing land cover. The
report also includes a listing of resources available to local, regional,
and state leaders who wish to coordinate land use, housing, and
transportation policies.
The findings of the report demonstrate that infill has become a significant
portion of the U.S. housing market. Among all 209 metropolitan regions
examined, 21 percent of new homes were infill, while the remaining share
was built on undeveloped land outside existing communities. Seventy-one
percent of large metropolitan regions saw an increased share of infill
housing development. Among 51 large metropolitan regions examined in this
study, 36 saw an increased share of infill housing development during
2005-2009 compared to 2000-2004. For example, eight out of ten new homes in
San Jose, Calif. were infill. New York, Los Angeles, and San Francisco all
saw a majority of new home construction in previously developed areas
during the same time period.
EPA published the first and second editions of Residential Construction
Trends in America's Metropolitan Regions in 2009 and 2010. This 2012 report
builds on previous work with the HUD-DOT-EPA Partnership for Sustainable
Communities to measure metropolitan development trends.
More information on the report, prior studies, and a map showing regional
trends: http://www.epa.gov/smartgrowth/construction_trends.htm
More information on the Partnership for Sustainable Communities:
http://www.sustainablecommunities.gov/index.html
State News
DeSoto water-treatment board rolls with process plan for Short Fork
Commercial Appeal
By Henry Bailey
Wednesday, December 19, 2012
The DeSoto County Regional Utility Authority board on Wednesday approved an
enhanced process for water treatment as part of the future expansion of the
Short Fork plant on the eastern side of the county. The Phase II price tag
is estimated to start at about $10 million.
http://www.commercialappeal.com/news/2012/dec/19/desoto-water-treatment-board-rolls-with-process/?print=1
Pearl River levels close oyster reefs
WLOX
The Mississippi Department of Marine Resources closed three areas to the
harvest of oysters due to the Pearl River stage exceeding the 10-foot
management plan criteria.
http://www.wlox.com/story/20386764/pearl-river-levels-close-oyster-reefs
MDEQ awards solid waste assistance grant to Ackerman
December 13, 2012
Choctaw Plaindealer
The Mississippi Department of Environmental Quality (MDEQ) has awarded the
Town of Ackerman a solid waste assistance grant of $15,000 that will be
used for a wood waste recycling program.
http://choctaw.winstonnewsonline.com/2012/12/13/mdeq-awards-solid-waste-assistance-grant-to-ackerman/
Energy savings benefit Oxford schools
WTVA
OXFORD, Miss. (WTVA) -- Oxford School District received a check Wednesday
for $126,477 as part of a program offered by the Tennessee Valley Authority
and Oxford Electric Department to save energy and money for the schools and
enhance students' understanding of energy efficiency.
http://www.wtva.com/news/local/story/Energy-savings-benefit-Oxford-schools/5VtBG3jOB0aBZsyhqqC4xA.cspx
Recycling off to good start in city
By CALEB BEDILLION
DAILY LEADER
Wednesday, December 19, 2012 11:01 am
Curbside recycling remains moderately successful in the city but with
plenty of room for growth, according to a report aldermen heard at their
Tuesday night board meeting.
http://www.dailyleader.com/news/article_bec6e528-49fd-11e2-87a5-001a4bcf887a.html
Hinds sheriff's department going green
Clarion Ledger
The Hinds County Sheriff's Department is going green.
It's courtesy of a special lease agreement with Cannon Nissan for a 2012
Nissan Leaf, an electric vehicle fitted with a lithium ion battery.
http://www.clarionledger.com/article/20121219/news/312190042?cid=dlvr.it
Economics and availability of crude make oil refining a tough industry to
sell in Winston County
December 13, 2012
By Joseph McCain The Winston County Journal
An invitation only event was held to discuss an oil refinery project in
Winston County and in spite of the promises made at the meeting and in the
other media coverage, the chances of anything happening in Winston County
is remote at best because of the economics and environmental issues.
http://winston.winstonnewsonline.com/?p=2601
Oil refinery in Winston County has same chance as me getting a gift from
Santa Claus
December 13, 2012
While several media outlets ran articles about an oil refinery in Winston
County and the feasibility of such, let's logically examine this:
http://winston.winstonnewsonline.com/?p=2598
North Lee water presses ahead
by Patsy R. Brumfield
NEMS Daily Journal
12.20.12 - 06:25 am
North Lee County Water Association customers are likely to see improved
service as time goes on, but they may wait a bit longer for decisions about
criminal charges associated with a 2011 scandal that brought down the
organization's power structure.
http://djournal.com/view/full_story/21190572/article-North-Lee-water-presses-ahead?instance=lead_story_left_column
Mississippi scores among highest in emergency readiness survey
By The Associated Press
LAS VEGAS -- Maryland, Mississippi, North Carolina, Vermont and Wisconsin
scored highest and Nevada scores near the bottom of a national survey
looking at public health and emergency preparedness.
http://blog.gulflive.com/mississippi-press-news/2012/12/mississippi_scores_among_highe.html#incart_river
Funding PERS will be up to departments in 2013
MBJ
by Ted Carter
Published: December 14,2012
Directors of state departments and agencies must find a way to pay for a
10.4 percent increase in the employer share of the PERS of Mississippi
retirement starting in July.
http://msbusiness.com/blog/2012/12/14/funding-pers-is-up-to-departments/
National News
Obama: Climate change among top three priorities for second term
The Hill
By Zack Colman - 12/19/12 12:13 PM ET
President Obama has identified climate change as one of his top three
priorities in his second term after coming under fire from
environmentalists for giving the issue short shrift during the campaign.
http://thehill.com/blogs/e2-wire/e2-wire/273737-obama-climate-change-one-of-top-three-priorities
Interior urges 'safety culture' among offshore drillers
The Hill
By Ben Geman - 12/19/12 11:48 AM ET
Interior Department offshore drilling regulators, in a new policy
statement, will press oil-and-gas companies to adopt a "safety culture" in
the wake of the massive 2010 BP oil spill.
http://thehill.com/blogs/e2-wire/e2-wire/273729-interior-to-demand-safety-culture-among-offshore-drillers
Study: Fracking process created jobs in Michigan in 2012
・ By Michael Martinez
・ The Detroit News
The controversial fracking process ― tapping natural gas by blasting water,
chemicals and sand into rocks underground to unlock resources ― accounted
for 38,000 direct or spinoff jobs in Michigan in 2012 and will create
79,000 jobs and contribute more than $8 billion to the economy, according
to a study released Wednesday by Colorado-based IHS Global Insight.
http://www.detroitnews.com/article/20121219/BIZ/212190400/1361/Study--Fracking-process-created-jobs-in-Michigan-in-2012
Opinion
New EPA rules signal stronger scientific backbone from Obama
The Hill
By Michael Halpern, Center for Science and Democracy, Union of Concerned
Scientists - 12/19/12 10:00 AM ET
The Environmental Protection Agency just revised air pollution standards
for particulate matter, the primary component of soot. The new rules are
based on the best available science and it is encouraging to see the agency
following the Clean Air Act, especially in the face of strong industry
pressure to ignore science again.
http://thehill.com/blogs/congress-blog/energy-a-environment/273543-new-epa-rules-signal-stronger-scientific-backbone-from-obama
Press Releases
ROV wraps up investigation
12/18/2012 03:40 PM EST
NEW ORLEANS ―Remote operated vehicles (ROV) investigating the recurring
sheen near the MC 252 wellhead concluded operations Saturday, Dec. 15,
2012. ROVs inspected the sunken Deepwater Horizon Platform wreckage and the
surrounding area.
No sources of leaking oil were identified. During operations, an
unidentified substance inconsistent with oil was seen emitting from several
areas of the rig wreckage, and samples were collected for further lab
analysis.
"No apparent source of the surface sheen has been discovered by this
effort," said Capt. Duke Walker, Federal On-Scene Coordinator for Deepwater
Horizon. "Next steps are being considered as we await the lab results of
the surface and subsurface samples and more detailed analysis of the video
shot during the mission."
Out of an abundance of caution, the Macondo wellhead was also observed and,
as expected, was found to be secure. On September 19, 2010 the well was
closed off and cemented.
Satellite surveillance will continue to monitor the sheen while future
steps are being considered.
The real time ROV operations were observed remotely by the Coast Guard,
Bureau of Ocean Energy Management, Bureau of Safety and Environmental
Enforcement, BP, Transocean and state on�scene coordinators from Louisiana,
Mississippi and Florida. Additionally, the Coast Guard had observers
onboard the Olympic Triton which launched and controlled the ROVs during
the operation.
Video of the ROV inspections will be made available shortly and posted on
www.restorethegulf.gov.
The Gulf Coast Incident Management Team remains committed to the continued
cleanup of the Gulf Coast and all shorelines affected as a result of the
Deepwater Horizon oil rig explosion. The FOSC is determined to continue
response activities to remove all oil where it is technologically feasible,
environmentally beneficial and safe for workers to perform recovery
operations.
The public is reminded to contact the National Response Center at
1-800-424-8802 to report all pollution incidents or the Coast Guard 8th
District command center at 504-589-6225 in the event of any marine
emergencies.
EPA Study Reveals Shift in Housing Developments Across the U.S.
More communities embrace redevelopment
WASHINGTON � The U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) released a new
report examining residential construction trends in America's metropolitan
regions, which finds that nearly three out of four large metropolitan
regions saw an increased share of new housing development in previously
developed areas during 2005 - 2009 compared to 2000 - 2004.
Known as infill housing, this type of development provides economic and
public health benefits to metropolitan areas while protecting the local
environment. Infill housing saves money and energy by taking advantage of
previous investments in existing infrastructure (such as water, sewer, and
roads). This type of development can also help preserve open space, protect
natural resources, and reduce transportation emissions and the amount of
polluted stormwater washing off new roadways and other paved surfaces.
Infill housing has also been shown to help raise property values, increase
a community's tax base, and attract retail businesses to serve the larger
residential population.
This report examines data on the location of new home development in
metropolitan regions, as well as data on pre-existing land cover. The
report also includes a listing of resources available to local, regional,
and state leaders who wish to coordinate land use, housing, and
transportation policies.
The findings of the report demonstrate that infill has become a significant
portion of the U.S. housing market. Among all 209 metropolitan regions
examined, 21 percent of new homes were infill, while the remaining share
was built on undeveloped land outside existing communities. Seventy-one
percent of large metropolitan regions saw an increased share of infill
housing development. Among 51 large metropolitan regions examined in this
study, 36 saw an increased share of infill housing development during
2005-2009 compared to 2000-2004. For example, eight out of ten new homes in
San Jose, Calif. were infill. New York, Los Angeles, and San Francisco all
saw a majority of new home construction in previously developed areas
during the same time period.
EPA published the first and second editions of Residential Construction
Trends in America's Metropolitan Regions in 2009 and 2010. This 2012 report
builds on previous work with the HUD-DOT-EPA Partnership for Sustainable
Communities to measure metropolitan development trends.
More information on the report, prior studies, and a map showing regional
trends: http://www.epa.gov/smartgrowth/construction_trends.htm
More information on the Partnership for Sustainable Communities:
http://www.sustainablecommunities.gov/index.html
Wednesday, December 19, 2012
Gulf Coast media texting group
You're on my email list receiving press releases on MDEQ issues, meetings,
beach advisories, and other info that affect the Gulf Coast.
MDEQ has set up a texting group for media on the Gulf Coast. If you would
like to be on the list and receive info via text, then text "coastmedia" to
601-863-8082.
Standard texting rates will apply depending on your plan.
I will continue to email info and use our twitter account, but I thought
this would be another way to reach you all quickly.
Thanks.
Mr. Robbie Wilbur
Communications Director
Mississippi Department of Environmental Quality
Post Office Box 2261
Jackson, Mississippi 39225
601/961-5277
601/421-5699 (c)
601/961-5715 (f)
rwilbur@deq.state.ms.us
Connect with MDEQ on Facebook
http://www.facebook.com/pages/MDEQ/118172664880239?v=wall
Follow MDEQ on Twitter
http://twitter.com/#!/MDEQ
beach advisories, and other info that affect the Gulf Coast.
MDEQ has set up a texting group for media on the Gulf Coast. If you would
like to be on the list and receive info via text, then text "coastmedia" to
601-863-8082.
Standard texting rates will apply depending on your plan.
I will continue to email info and use our twitter account, but I thought
this would be another way to reach you all quickly.
Thanks.
Mr. Robbie Wilbur
Communications Director
Mississippi Department of Environmental Quality
Post Office Box 2261
Jackson, Mississippi 39225
601/961-5277
601/421-5699 (c)
601/961-5715 (f)
rwilbur@deq.state.ms.us
Connect with MDEQ on Facebook
http://www.facebook.com/pages/MDEQ/118172664880239?v=wall
Follow MDEQ on Twitter
http://twitter.com/#!/MDEQ
MDEQ December 2012 Newsletter
Please use the link below to access the December 2012 Newsletter from the
Mississippi Department of Environmental Quality:
http://bit.ly/RElRwd
Connect with MDEQ on Facebook
http://www.facebook.com/pages/MDEQ/118172664880239?v=wall
Follow MDEQ on Twitter
http://twitter.com/#!/MDEQ
Mr. Robbie Wilbur
Communications Director
Mississippi Department of Environmental Quality
Post Office Box 2261
Jackson, Mississippi 39225
601/961-5277
601/421-5699 (c)
601/961-5715 (f)
rwilbur@deq.state.ms.us
Mississippi Department of Environmental Quality:
http://bit.ly/RElRwd
Connect with MDEQ on Facebook
http://www.facebook.com/pages/MDEQ/118172664880239?v=wall
Follow MDEQ on Twitter
http://twitter.com/#!/MDEQ
Mr. Robbie Wilbur
Communications Director
Mississippi Department of Environmental Quality
Post Office Box 2261
Jackson, Mississippi 39225
601/961-5277
601/421-5699 (c)
601/961-5715 (f)
rwilbur@deq.state.ms.us
News Clippings 12.19.12
12.19.12
Oil Spill
Source of persistent Gulf sheen remains a mystery
By The Associated Press
updated December 18, 2012 at 4:25 PM
NEW ORLEANS -- Officials say underwater inspections at the site of BP's
Deepwater Horizon rig disaster have failed to identify the source of a
persistent sheen on the surface of the Gulf of Mexico.
http://blog.gulflive.com/mississippi-press-news/2012/12/source_of_persistent_gulf_shee.html#incart_river
BP, Coast Guard say 4-day inspection of Macondo well, Deepwater Horizon
debris turns up no oil
By Mark Schleifstein, NOLA.com | The Times-Picayune
updated December 18, 2012 at 4:09 PM
A fourth underwater inspection of the BP Macondo well and the underwater
debris field from the Deepwater Horizon explosion and fire found no signs
of oil, news releases issued Tuesday by BP and the U.S. Coast Guard say.
The four-day survey by remotely operated vehicles of the sea floor,
triggered by repeated sightings of oil sheen on the surface at the well
site 50 miles southeast of Venice, was conducted by contractors for BP and
Transocean, the owner of the Deepwater Horizon drillship, under a plan
approved by the Coast Guard.
http://www.nola.com/environment/index.ssf/2012/12/bp_coast_guard_say_4-day_inspe.html
Rig Worker's Father Seeks to Derail $4 Billion BP Deal
Bloomberg
By Laurel Brubaker Calkins and Margaret Cronin Fisk - Dec 18, 2012
The father of a man killed in the 2010 Deepwater Horizon drilling rig
explosion has asked a U.S. judge to reject BP Plc (BP/)'s $4 billion
criminal plea deal as insufficient.
http://www.bloomberg.com/news/2012-12-18/deepwater-horizon-relative-seeks-to-derail-bp-criminal-plea-1-.html
Judge delays trial for BP Deepwater Horizon rig employees until 2014
By The Associated Press
updated December 18, 2012 at 9:40 PM
NEW ORLEANS ? Two BP rig supervisors charged with manslaughter in the death
of 11 workers on the Deepwater Horizon will go on trial in 2014.
http://blog.al.com/wire/2012/12/judge_delays_trial_for_bp_deep.html#incart_river
Offshore drilling regulator calls agency 'powerhouse' enforcer
The Hill
By Zack Colman - 12/18/12 12:34 PM ET
The head federal offshore drilling regulator said his agency's handling of
BP's 2010 Gulf of Mexico disaster shows it is "becoming a powerhouse" with
which industry must reckon.
http://thehill.com/blogs/e2-wire/e2-wire/273475-offshore-drilling-regulator-agency-becoming-a-powerhouse
State News
'A lot of accusations' yield no action on DMR
Sun Herald
By MICHAEL NEWSOM ? mmnewsom@sunherald.com
BILOXI -- The Mississippi Commission on Marine Resources met for nearly
two-and-a-half hours behind closed doors Tuesday to discuss issues raised
in federal and state probes of the Department of Marine Resources, but
ultimately took no action.
http://www.sunherald.com/2012/12/18/4364811/cmr-behind-closed-doors-to-talk.html
CMR goes behind closed doors to discuss audit
WLOX
The federal audit and ongoing state investigation into the DMR was the main
subject of a two hour plus executive session on Tuesday.
http://www.wlox.com/story/20373025/cmr-takes-no-action-after-2-hour-executive-session
Judge Dismisses Challenge to Kemper Power Plant
MPB
BY DANIEL CHERRY | PUBLISHED 18 DEC 2012
A recent court ruling means Mississippi Power Company's 2 point 8 billion
dollar Kemper County power plant is one step closer to having legal
approval. MPB's Daniel Cherry reports, a south Mississippi judge has denied
a challenge of the project.
http://mpbonline.org/News/article/763judge_dismisses_challenge_to_kemper_power_plant
After two-year-closure, state lake ready for re-stocking
by Associated Press
Published: December 18,2012
SALTILLO ? It may not look ready, but according to state wildlife
officials, Lake Lamar Bruce is ready to be stocked with fish ? very small
bluegill and redear sunfish as well as catfish fingerlings.
http://msbusiness.com/blog/2012/12/18/after-two-year-closure-state-lake-ready-to-be-stocked/
Southaven Mayor Greg Davis indicted on three charges
Commercial Appeal
By Yolanda Jones
Updated 05:20 p.m., December 18, 2012
Southaven Mayor Greg Davis, under fire for more than a year over his use of
city funds and other alleged improprieties, has been indicted by a DeSoto
County grand jury on three counts related to his city-leased vehicle, the
use of city gasoline and a check he received from the city for a personal
expense.
http://www.commercialappeal.com/news/2012/dec/18/southaven-mayor-davis-indicted/?print=1
National News
EPA Initiating Fewer Civil Enforcement Cases, Prioritizing Larger, More
Complex Cases
Bloomberg
Tuesday, December 18, 2012
The Environmental Protection Agency initiated 3,027 civil enforcement cases
in fiscal year 2012, continuing a downward trend that reflects the agency's
prioritization of large cases, the agency said Dec. 17 while releasing its
annual report on enforcement and compliance.
http://www.bna.com/epa-initiating-fewer-n17179871475/
Calif. Gov. Jerry Brown releases new 'fracking' regulations proposal
By David Siders ? The Sacramento Bee
The Brown administration on Tuesday released draft regulations that would
require oil companies for the first time to disclose where in California
they use hydraulic fracturing, a controversial but little regulated method
of oil extraction.
http://www.sunherald.com/2012/12/19/4366448/calif-gov-jerry-brown-releases.html
Old lead factories may stick taxpayers with cleanup costs
Alison Young, USA TODAY6:04a.m. EST December 19, 2012
Making polluters pay for cleanups is a cornerstone of environmental laws.
But in the case of old smelter sites, some firms have either reorganized or
used bankruptcy to shed financial responsibility.
PHILADELPHIA ? Several companies manufactured lead for more than 140 years
at a massive factory surrounded by homes in the city's Port Richmond area:
John T. Lewis & Bros., National Lead, Anzon and others. The factory is long
gone, and tests show dangerous levels of lead in nearby yards ? putting
children at risk of being poisoned by playing in the dirt.
http://www.usatoday.com/story/news/nation/2012/12/19/lead-smelter-cleanup-liabilities/1766747/
Defense bill preserves military biofuels program
The Hill
By Zack Colman - 12/18/12 05:39 PM ET
A House-Senate deal on defense legislation omits a GOP-backed plan to
thwart military purchases of biofuels.
http://thehill.com/blogs/e2-wire/e2-wire/273575-defense-bill-preserves-military-biofuels-program
Wyden open to moving nuclear waste to interim storage sites
The Hill
By Zack Colman - 12/18/12 04:43 PM ET
Sen. Ron Wyden (D-Ore.) says he would be open to moving nuclear waste from
high-risk reactors to interim storage sites.
http://thehill.com/blogs/e2-wire/e2-wire/273551-sen-wyden-take-on-nuclear-waste-storage-raises-hopes-next-congress
NCBA Concerned About EPA Changing Conservation Program
WNAX
National Cattlemen Beef Association officials are concerned about a
possible guideline revision for an important environmental conservation
program administered by the Environmental Protection Agency.
http://wnax.com/NCBA-Concerned-About-EPA-Changing-Conservation-Pro/15066117
Press Releases
ROV wraps up investigation
12/18/2012 03:40 PM EST
NEW ORLEANS ?Remote operated vehicles (ROV) investigating the recurring
sheen near the MC 252 wellhead concluded operations Saturday, Dec. 16,
2012. ROVs inspected the sunken Deepwater Horizon Platform wreckage and the
surrounding area.
No sources of leaking oil were identified. During operations, an
unidentified substance inconsistent with oil was seen emitting from several
areas of the rig wreckage, and samples were collected for further lab
analysis.
"No apparent source of the surface sheen has been discovered by this
effort," said Capt. Duke Walker, Federal On-Scene Coordinator for Deepwater
Horizon. "Next steps are being considered as we await the lab results of
the surface and subsurface samples and more detailed analysis of the video
shot during the mission."
Out of an abundance of caution, the Macondo wellhead was also observed and,
as expected, was found to be secure. On September 19, 2010 the well was
closed off and cemented.
Satellite surveillance will continue to monitor the sheen while future
steps are being considered.
The real time ROV operations were observed remotely by the Coast Guard,
Bureau of Ocean Energy Management, Bureau of Safety and Environmental
Enforcement, BP, Transocean and state on‐scene coordinators from Louisiana,
Mississippi and Florida. Additionally, the Coast Guard had observers
onboard the Olympic Triton which launched and controlled the ROVs during
the operation.
Video of the ROV inspections will be made available shortly and posted on
www.restorethegulf.gov.
The Gulf Coast Incident Management Team remains committed to the continued
cleanup of the Gulf Coast and all shorelines affected as a result of the
Deepwater Horizon oil rig explosion. The FOSC is determined to continue
response activities to remove all oil where it is technologically feasible,
environmentally beneficial and safe for workers to perform recovery
operations.
The public is reminded to contact the National Response Center at
1-800-424-8802 to report all pollution incidents or the Coast Guard 8th
District command center at 504-589-6225 in the event of any marine
emergencies.
Oil Spill
Source of persistent Gulf sheen remains a mystery
By The Associated Press
updated December 18, 2012 at 4:25 PM
NEW ORLEANS -- Officials say underwater inspections at the site of BP's
Deepwater Horizon rig disaster have failed to identify the source of a
persistent sheen on the surface of the Gulf of Mexico.
http://blog.gulflive.com/mississippi-press-news/2012/12/source_of_persistent_gulf_shee.html#incart_river
BP, Coast Guard say 4-day inspection of Macondo well, Deepwater Horizon
debris turns up no oil
By Mark Schleifstein, NOLA.com | The Times-Picayune
updated December 18, 2012 at 4:09 PM
A fourth underwater inspection of the BP Macondo well and the underwater
debris field from the Deepwater Horizon explosion and fire found no signs
of oil, news releases issued Tuesday by BP and the U.S. Coast Guard say.
The four-day survey by remotely operated vehicles of the sea floor,
triggered by repeated sightings of oil sheen on the surface at the well
site 50 miles southeast of Venice, was conducted by contractors for BP and
Transocean, the owner of the Deepwater Horizon drillship, under a plan
approved by the Coast Guard.
http://www.nola.com/environment/index.ssf/2012/12/bp_coast_guard_say_4-day_inspe.html
Rig Worker's Father Seeks to Derail $4 Billion BP Deal
Bloomberg
By Laurel Brubaker Calkins and Margaret Cronin Fisk - Dec 18, 2012
The father of a man killed in the 2010 Deepwater Horizon drilling rig
explosion has asked a U.S. judge to reject BP Plc (BP/)'s $4 billion
criminal plea deal as insufficient.
http://www.bloomberg.com/news/2012-12-18/deepwater-horizon-relative-seeks-to-derail-bp-criminal-plea-1-.html
Judge delays trial for BP Deepwater Horizon rig employees until 2014
By The Associated Press
updated December 18, 2012 at 9:40 PM
NEW ORLEANS ? Two BP rig supervisors charged with manslaughter in the death
of 11 workers on the Deepwater Horizon will go on trial in 2014.
http://blog.al.com/wire/2012/12/judge_delays_trial_for_bp_deep.html#incart_river
Offshore drilling regulator calls agency 'powerhouse' enforcer
The Hill
By Zack Colman - 12/18/12 12:34 PM ET
The head federal offshore drilling regulator said his agency's handling of
BP's 2010 Gulf of Mexico disaster shows it is "becoming a powerhouse" with
which industry must reckon.
http://thehill.com/blogs/e2-wire/e2-wire/273475-offshore-drilling-regulator-agency-becoming-a-powerhouse
State News
'A lot of accusations' yield no action on DMR
Sun Herald
By MICHAEL NEWSOM ? mmnewsom@sunherald.com
BILOXI -- The Mississippi Commission on Marine Resources met for nearly
two-and-a-half hours behind closed doors Tuesday to discuss issues raised
in federal and state probes of the Department of Marine Resources, but
ultimately took no action.
http://www.sunherald.com/2012/12/18/4364811/cmr-behind-closed-doors-to-talk.html
CMR goes behind closed doors to discuss audit
WLOX
The federal audit and ongoing state investigation into the DMR was the main
subject of a two hour plus executive session on Tuesday.
http://www.wlox.com/story/20373025/cmr-takes-no-action-after-2-hour-executive-session
Judge Dismisses Challenge to Kemper Power Plant
MPB
BY DANIEL CHERRY | PUBLISHED 18 DEC 2012
A recent court ruling means Mississippi Power Company's 2 point 8 billion
dollar Kemper County power plant is one step closer to having legal
approval. MPB's Daniel Cherry reports, a south Mississippi judge has denied
a challenge of the project.
http://mpbonline.org/News/article/763judge_dismisses_challenge_to_kemper_power_plant
After two-year-closure, state lake ready for re-stocking
by Associated Press
Published: December 18,2012
SALTILLO ? It may not look ready, but according to state wildlife
officials, Lake Lamar Bruce is ready to be stocked with fish ? very small
bluegill and redear sunfish as well as catfish fingerlings.
http://msbusiness.com/blog/2012/12/18/after-two-year-closure-state-lake-ready-to-be-stocked/
Southaven Mayor Greg Davis indicted on three charges
Commercial Appeal
By Yolanda Jones
Updated 05:20 p.m., December 18, 2012
Southaven Mayor Greg Davis, under fire for more than a year over his use of
city funds and other alleged improprieties, has been indicted by a DeSoto
County grand jury on three counts related to his city-leased vehicle, the
use of city gasoline and a check he received from the city for a personal
expense.
http://www.commercialappeal.com/news/2012/dec/18/southaven-mayor-davis-indicted/?print=1
National News
EPA Initiating Fewer Civil Enforcement Cases, Prioritizing Larger, More
Complex Cases
Bloomberg
Tuesday, December 18, 2012
The Environmental Protection Agency initiated 3,027 civil enforcement cases
in fiscal year 2012, continuing a downward trend that reflects the agency's
prioritization of large cases, the agency said Dec. 17 while releasing its
annual report on enforcement and compliance.
http://www.bna.com/epa-initiating-fewer-n17179871475/
Calif. Gov. Jerry Brown releases new 'fracking' regulations proposal
By David Siders ? The Sacramento Bee
The Brown administration on Tuesday released draft regulations that would
require oil companies for the first time to disclose where in California
they use hydraulic fracturing, a controversial but little regulated method
of oil extraction.
http://www.sunherald.com/2012/12/19/4366448/calif-gov-jerry-brown-releases.html
Old lead factories may stick taxpayers with cleanup costs
Alison Young, USA TODAY6:04a.m. EST December 19, 2012
Making polluters pay for cleanups is a cornerstone of environmental laws.
But in the case of old smelter sites, some firms have either reorganized or
used bankruptcy to shed financial responsibility.
PHILADELPHIA ? Several companies manufactured lead for more than 140 years
at a massive factory surrounded by homes in the city's Port Richmond area:
John T. Lewis & Bros., National Lead, Anzon and others. The factory is long
gone, and tests show dangerous levels of lead in nearby yards ? putting
children at risk of being poisoned by playing in the dirt.
http://www.usatoday.com/story/news/nation/2012/12/19/lead-smelter-cleanup-liabilities/1766747/
Defense bill preserves military biofuels program
The Hill
By Zack Colman - 12/18/12 05:39 PM ET
A House-Senate deal on defense legislation omits a GOP-backed plan to
thwart military purchases of biofuels.
http://thehill.com/blogs/e2-wire/e2-wire/273575-defense-bill-preserves-military-biofuels-program
Wyden open to moving nuclear waste to interim storage sites
The Hill
By Zack Colman - 12/18/12 04:43 PM ET
Sen. Ron Wyden (D-Ore.) says he would be open to moving nuclear waste from
high-risk reactors to interim storage sites.
http://thehill.com/blogs/e2-wire/e2-wire/273551-sen-wyden-take-on-nuclear-waste-storage-raises-hopes-next-congress
NCBA Concerned About EPA Changing Conservation Program
WNAX
National Cattlemen Beef Association officials are concerned about a
possible guideline revision for an important environmental conservation
program administered by the Environmental Protection Agency.
http://wnax.com/NCBA-Concerned-About-EPA-Changing-Conservation-Pro/15066117
Press Releases
ROV wraps up investigation
12/18/2012 03:40 PM EST
NEW ORLEANS ?Remote operated vehicles (ROV) investigating the recurring
sheen near the MC 252 wellhead concluded operations Saturday, Dec. 16,
2012. ROVs inspected the sunken Deepwater Horizon Platform wreckage and the
surrounding area.
No sources of leaking oil were identified. During operations, an
unidentified substance inconsistent with oil was seen emitting from several
areas of the rig wreckage, and samples were collected for further lab
analysis.
"No apparent source of the surface sheen has been discovered by this
effort," said Capt. Duke Walker, Federal On-Scene Coordinator for Deepwater
Horizon. "Next steps are being considered as we await the lab results of
the surface and subsurface samples and more detailed analysis of the video
shot during the mission."
Out of an abundance of caution, the Macondo wellhead was also observed and,
as expected, was found to be secure. On September 19, 2010 the well was
closed off and cemented.
Satellite surveillance will continue to monitor the sheen while future
steps are being considered.
The real time ROV operations were observed remotely by the Coast Guard,
Bureau of Ocean Energy Management, Bureau of Safety and Environmental
Enforcement, BP, Transocean and state on‐scene coordinators from Louisiana,
Mississippi and Florida. Additionally, the Coast Guard had observers
onboard the Olympic Triton which launched and controlled the ROVs during
the operation.
Video of the ROV inspections will be made available shortly and posted on
www.restorethegulf.gov.
The Gulf Coast Incident Management Team remains committed to the continued
cleanup of the Gulf Coast and all shorelines affected as a result of the
Deepwater Horizon oil rig explosion. The FOSC is determined to continue
response activities to remove all oil where it is technologically feasible,
environmentally beneficial and safe for workers to perform recovery
operations.
The public is reminded to contact the National Response Center at
1-800-424-8802 to report all pollution incidents or the Coast Guard 8th
District command center at 504-589-6225 in the event of any marine
emergencies.
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