Oil Spill
U.S. Nears BP Settlements
Wall Street Journal
By TOM FOWLER
The Justice Department is drawing closer to civil and criminal settlements
with BPBP.LN +2.10% PLC and Transocean Ltd. RIG -0.63% over the Deepwater
Horizon disaster, deals that will likely include billions of dollars in
fines and penalties.
http://online.wsj.com/article/SB10001424052702304830704577494864058303808.html
Scientists researching effect of oil spill on endangered turtles
Houston Chronicle
By Harvey Rice
NORTH PADRE ISLAND - Ninety-four tiny members of the world's most
endangered sea turtle species struggled across the beach to reach the Gulf
of Mexico Thursday as park rangers waved away seagulls looking for a quick
meal.
http://www.chron.com/news/houston-texas/article/Scientists-researching-effect-of-oil-spill-on-3671568.php
BP agrees to $5.4 million settlement of complaints of gender bias in oil
spill cleanup hiring
By Mark Schleifstein
The Times-Picayune
BP Exploration and Production Inc. and the Equal Employment Opportunity
Commission announced Thursday that they have entered into a voluntary
resolution of an EEOC investigation of allegations that the companies
participated in discriminatory practices in hiring women as temporary
laborers during the 2010 response to the Deepwater Horizon oil spill in the
Gulf of Mexico.
http://www.nola.com/news/gulf-oil-spill/index.ssf/2012/06/bp_agrees_to_54_million_settle.html
State News
County funded for tire disposal
Bolivar Commercial
by Rory Doyle
06.28.12 - 01:03 pm
Bolivar County received a waste tire grant for just over $40,000 this week,
thanks to the Mississippi Department of Environmental Quality.
http://www.bolivarcom.com/view/full_story/19145197/article-County-funded-for-tire-disposal?instance=homethirdleft
Rollover shuts down highway
By Brian Livingston
The Meridian Star
MERIDIAN — An 18-wheeler carrying a full tanker of automobile fuel
overturned on Highway 45 North Thursday afternoon effectively halting
traffic for hours in both directions.
http://meridianstar.com/local/x1501682419/Rollover-shuts-down-highway
South Mississippi coalition continues fight against offshore drilling
Sun Herald
GULFPORT -- Mississippi is risking billions of dollars in tourism income
for, at best, a fraction of that in natural gas revenue, opponents of
offshore drilling said at a public forum Thursday night.
http://www.sunherald.com/2012/06/28/4036772/south-mississippi-coalition-continues.html
Report rates South Mississippi beaches about average
Sun Herald
South Mississippi beaches run about middle of the pack when it comes to
water quality and testing, according to a report released this week.
http://www.sunherald.com/2012/06/28/4034986/report-rates-south-mississippi.html
Hancock Co. beach work leaves little room for holiday tourists
WLOX
Hancock County leaders are worried that the county will lose a lot of much
needed tourism dollars this fourth of July holiday weekend.
http://www.wlox.com/story/18899041/hancock-co-beach-work-leaves-little-room-for-holiday-tourists
Nissan in Canton to Begin Production of Sentra
MPB
PUBLISHED BY DANIEL CHERRY ON 28 JUN 2012 04:55PM
The Nissan plant in Canton is stepping up production. MPB's Daniel Cherry
reports how one of Nissan's most popular models will now be manufactured in
the Magnolia State, and that means jobs for Mississippians.
http://mpbonline.org/News/article/528nissan_in_canton_to_begin_production_of_sentra1
MEMA To See Big Budget Cuts
WJTV
When the Mississippi's new budget year takes effect this weekend some
critical agencies will have a lot fewer dollars to work with.
http://www2.wjtv.com/news/2012/jun/28/state-budget-cuts-hurt-mema-ar-4057982/
National News
Debby damages turtle nests
But it could have been worse, official says
Panama City News Herald
PANAMA CITY BEACH — Local beaches are experiencing a record turtle nesting
season, but Tropical Storm Debby destroyed loggerhead sea turtle nests on
her way through.
http://www.newsherald.com/articles/nests-103739-panama-beach.html
Appropriators send bill slashing EPA to floor
The HIll
By Erik Wasson - 06/28/12 11:47 AM ET
The House Appropriations Committee on Thursday sent a bill slashing funding
for the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) to the House floor for
consideration on a 26-19 vote.
The bill would cut the EPA budget by $1.4 billion.
http://thehill.com/blogs/on-the-money/appropriations/235349-appropriators-send-bill-slashing-epa-to-floor
Enviros decry loss of conservation funds in highway bill compromise
The Hill
By Keith Laing - 06/28/12 01:48 PM ET
An environmental group said Thursday that the agreement reached by
lawmakers on a $120 billion surface transportation bill made "unacceptable
changes to landmark environmental protections and wastes taxpayer dollars
by ignoring environmental impacts that could be avoided."
http://thehill.com/blogs/transportation-report/highways-bridges-and-roads/235405-enviros-decry-loss-of-conservation-funds-in-highway-bill-compromise
Friday, June 29, 2012
News Clippings 6/28/12
Oil Spill
First of oil spill restoration projects in line for start this year
By Harlan Kirgan
Mississippi Press
PASCAGOULA, Mississippi -- The first phase of an $11 million oyster cultch
restoration project, which is part of the Natural Resource Damage
Assessment process stemming from the BP oil spill, is slated to be done by
the fall oyster season, said a state official.
The Mississippi Department of Environmental Quality has received bids for
the first phase of the project to cost $3 million project, said Richard
Harrell, director of DEQ's Office of Pollution Control.
http://blog.gulflive.com/mississippi-press-news/2012/06/first_of_oil_spill_restoration.html
RESTORE Act deal reached
Coastal states could receive billions for oil spill recovery
Clarion Ledger
WASHINGTON — More than two years after the BP oil spill ravaged the Gulf
Coast, lawmakers reached a deal Wednesday that could spend billions to
boost the region's economy and restore its environment.
http://www.clarionledger.com/article/20120628/NEWS/206280338/RESTORE-Act-deal-reached
RESTORE Act about to become law; provision for Gulf Coast survives final
Capitol Hill negotiations
By Mary Orndorff
Press Register -- Washington Bureau
WASHINGTON - The RESTORE Act, a major legislative initiative for the
Alabama Gulf Coast because of the windfall it presents for economic and
environmental restoration, was included in a final compromise announced
today and expected to pass Congress by the end of the week.
Sen. Richard Shelby, R-Ala., was a leading advocate for the plan that will
divide 80 percent of the Clean Water Act fines levied after the BP
Deepwater Horizon oil spill to the five most affected states, including
Alabama.
http://blog.al.com/sweethome/2012/06/restore_act_about_to_become_la.html
Former BP engineer will be allowed to disclose evidence
By Richard Thompson
The Times-Picayune
A former BP engineer who remains the only person criminally charged in
connection with the 2010 BP oil spill in the Gulf of Mexico will be allowed
to disclose evidence that he claims will exonerate him, a district court
judge ruled Tuesday.
http://www.nola.com/news/gulf-oil-spill/index.ssf/2012/06/former_bp_engineer_will_be_all.html
State News
Water Quality at Mississippi Beaches Earns Average Rating
MPB
PUBLISHED BY RHONDA MILLER ON 27 JUN 2012 08:01PM
The traditional July 4th vacation time means lots of people will be
spending time on the Gulf Coast. MPB's Rhonda Miller reports a national
study of water quality found Mississippi beaches are, basically, good to
go.
http://mpbonline.org/News/article/water_quality_at_mississippi_beaches_earns_average_rating
Work at Superfund site progressing
By Jeremy Pittari
The Picayune Item
PICAYUNE — Construction of two cells and caps to contain creosote pollution
at Picayune's Superfund site is ahead of schedule.
http://picayuneitem.com/local/x546487397/Work-at-Superfund-site-progressing
Roads to close as $19 million cleanup begins in earnest at superfund site
June 21, 2012
By Joseph McCain
The Winston County Journal
The cleanup of the American Creosote Superfund Site in Louisville is
underway and neighbors to the site will be pleased when the cleanup is
completed but will have to deal with a few inconveniences during the
cleanup.
http://winston.winstonnewsonline.com/?p=1423
Adams County throws out old trash
AP
NATCHEZ, MISS. — Adams County is going to be sending its garbage to
Jefferson County.
http://www.sunherald.com/2012/06/28/4034342/adams-county-throws-out-old-trash.html
Percy Quin lake to be drained for dam, spillway repairs
by Associated Press
MCCOMB — Visitors to Percy Quin State Park will see a rare sight this fall
— the bottom of the lake.
http://msbusiness.com/2012/06/percy-quin-lake-to-be-drained-for-dam-spillway-repairs/
Mine begins quail restoration project
By Amanda McBride
The Choctaw Plaindealer
The Red Hills Mine is committed to restoring the quail population in
Choctaw County. The mine recently released their first quail onto their
reclamation area.
http://choctaw.winstonnewsonline.com/2012/06/21/mine-begins-quail-restoration-project-2/
National News
America's cleanest and dirtiest beaches
By Giovanna Giampa
FoxNews.com
advertisement
Before you take that plane, train, or car ride this summer to the seaside,
you may want to make sure the beach you are planning to visit is clean.
http://www.foxnews.com/travel/2012/06/27/cleanest-and-dirtiest-beaches-in-america/?intcmp=features
Court ruling to shift greenhouse gas fight back to Congress
Reuters
By Valerie Volcovici
WASHINGTON, June 28 (Reuters Point Carbon) - An appeals court decision to
uphold proposed federal greenhouse gas rules may shift the fight over
regulating the heat-trapping emissions back to Congress, where lawmakers
may step up efforts to diminish the EPA's power or renew efforts to set a
price on carbon, experts said.
http://www.reuters.com/article/2012/06/28/us-emissions-court-idUSBRE85R0C120120628
Manure Regulation Faces EPA Control Under the'Superfund Act
Committee hearings regarding legislation to limit the EPA from regulating
animal waste
under the 1980 Superfund act provide hope for ag groups.
Published: Jun 28, 2012
Almost eight months after its introduction, the U.S. House Energy and
Commerce
Committee on Wednesday deliberated the "Superfund Common-Sense Act," which
aims
to prevent the Environmental Protection Agency from using the Superfund Act
to
regulate animal waste. The bill is sponsored by Rep. Billy Long (R-Mo.).
http://farmfutures.com/story.aspx/manure-regulation-faces-epa-control-under-superfund-act-/10/60982
Cities Get So Close to Recycling Ideal, They Can Smell It
NY Times
By WILLIAM YARDLEY
PORTLAND, Ore. — Stephanie and Matt Murphy plan on using cloth diapers
instead of disposable ones once their first baby arrives next month. They
want to be good environmental citizens and reduce what they send to
landfills, but there is another incentive, too.
http://www.nytimes.com/2012/06/28/us/a-recycling-ideal-so-close-cities-can-smell-it.html?ref=earth&gwh=E385488EC2B0D85C14C6CA56BE759262&pagewanted=print
First of oil spill restoration projects in line for start this year
By Harlan Kirgan
Mississippi Press
PASCAGOULA, Mississippi -- The first phase of an $11 million oyster cultch
restoration project, which is part of the Natural Resource Damage
Assessment process stemming from the BP oil spill, is slated to be done by
the fall oyster season, said a state official.
The Mississippi Department of Environmental Quality has received bids for
the first phase of the project to cost $3 million project, said Richard
Harrell, director of DEQ's Office of Pollution Control.
http://blog.gulflive.com/mississippi-press-news/2012/06/first_of_oil_spill_restoration.html
RESTORE Act deal reached
Coastal states could receive billions for oil spill recovery
Clarion Ledger
WASHINGTON — More than two years after the BP oil spill ravaged the Gulf
Coast, lawmakers reached a deal Wednesday that could spend billions to
boost the region's economy and restore its environment.
http://www.clarionledger.com/article/20120628/NEWS/206280338/RESTORE-Act-deal-reached
RESTORE Act about to become law; provision for Gulf Coast survives final
Capitol Hill negotiations
By Mary Orndorff
Press Register -- Washington Bureau
WASHINGTON - The RESTORE Act, a major legislative initiative for the
Alabama Gulf Coast because of the windfall it presents for economic and
environmental restoration, was included in a final compromise announced
today and expected to pass Congress by the end of the week.
Sen. Richard Shelby, R-Ala., was a leading advocate for the plan that will
divide 80 percent of the Clean Water Act fines levied after the BP
Deepwater Horizon oil spill to the five most affected states, including
Alabama.
http://blog.al.com/sweethome/2012/06/restore_act_about_to_become_la.html
Former BP engineer will be allowed to disclose evidence
By Richard Thompson
The Times-Picayune
A former BP engineer who remains the only person criminally charged in
connection with the 2010 BP oil spill in the Gulf of Mexico will be allowed
to disclose evidence that he claims will exonerate him, a district court
judge ruled Tuesday.
http://www.nola.com/news/gulf-oil-spill/index.ssf/2012/06/former_bp_engineer_will_be_all.html
State News
Water Quality at Mississippi Beaches Earns Average Rating
MPB
PUBLISHED BY RHONDA MILLER ON 27 JUN 2012 08:01PM
The traditional July 4th vacation time means lots of people will be
spending time on the Gulf Coast. MPB's Rhonda Miller reports a national
study of water quality found Mississippi beaches are, basically, good to
go.
http://mpbonline.org/News/article/water_quality_at_mississippi_beaches_earns_average_rating
Work at Superfund site progressing
By Jeremy Pittari
The Picayune Item
PICAYUNE — Construction of two cells and caps to contain creosote pollution
at Picayune's Superfund site is ahead of schedule.
http://picayuneitem.com/local/x546487397/Work-at-Superfund-site-progressing
Roads to close as $19 million cleanup begins in earnest at superfund site
June 21, 2012
By Joseph McCain
The Winston County Journal
The cleanup of the American Creosote Superfund Site in Louisville is
underway and neighbors to the site will be pleased when the cleanup is
completed but will have to deal with a few inconveniences during the
cleanup.
http://winston.winstonnewsonline.com/?p=1423
Adams County throws out old trash
AP
NATCHEZ, MISS. — Adams County is going to be sending its garbage to
Jefferson County.
http://www.sunherald.com/2012/06/28/4034342/adams-county-throws-out-old-trash.html
Percy Quin lake to be drained for dam, spillway repairs
by Associated Press
MCCOMB — Visitors to Percy Quin State Park will see a rare sight this fall
— the bottom of the lake.
http://msbusiness.com/2012/06/percy-quin-lake-to-be-drained-for-dam-spillway-repairs/
Mine begins quail restoration project
By Amanda McBride
The Choctaw Plaindealer
The Red Hills Mine is committed to restoring the quail population in
Choctaw County. The mine recently released their first quail onto their
reclamation area.
http://choctaw.winstonnewsonline.com/2012/06/21/mine-begins-quail-restoration-project-2/
National News
America's cleanest and dirtiest beaches
By Giovanna Giampa
FoxNews.com
advertisement
Before you take that plane, train, or car ride this summer to the seaside,
you may want to make sure the beach you are planning to visit is clean.
http://www.foxnews.com/travel/2012/06/27/cleanest-and-dirtiest-beaches-in-america/?intcmp=features
Court ruling to shift greenhouse gas fight back to Congress
Reuters
By Valerie Volcovici
WASHINGTON, June 28 (Reuters Point Carbon) - An appeals court decision to
uphold proposed federal greenhouse gas rules may shift the fight over
regulating the heat-trapping emissions back to Congress, where lawmakers
may step up efforts to diminish the EPA's power or renew efforts to set a
price on carbon, experts said.
http://www.reuters.com/article/2012/06/28/us-emissions-court-idUSBRE85R0C120120628
Manure Regulation Faces EPA Control Under the'Superfund Act
Committee hearings regarding legislation to limit the EPA from regulating
animal waste
under the 1980 Superfund act provide hope for ag groups.
Published: Jun 28, 2012
Almost eight months after its introduction, the U.S. House Energy and
Commerce
Committee on Wednesday deliberated the "Superfund Common-Sense Act," which
aims
to prevent the Environmental Protection Agency from using the Superfund Act
to
regulate animal waste. The bill is sponsored by Rep. Billy Long (R-Mo.).
http://farmfutures.com/story.aspx/manure-regulation-faces-epa-control-under-superfund-act-/10/60982
Cities Get So Close to Recycling Ideal, They Can Smell It
NY Times
By WILLIAM YARDLEY
PORTLAND, Ore. — Stephanie and Matt Murphy plan on using cloth diapers
instead of disposable ones once their first baby arrives next month. They
want to be good environmental citizens and reduce what they send to
landfills, but there is another incentive, too.
http://www.nytimes.com/2012/06/28/us/a-recycling-ideal-so-close-cities-can-smell-it.html?ref=earth&gwh=E385488EC2B0D85C14C6CA56BE759262&pagewanted=print
News Clippings 6/27/12
Oil Spill
Deal tying BP oil spill fines to transportation bill getting close
By Bruce Alpert
Times-Picayune
WASHINGTON -- Senate and House negotiators are nearing agreement on a
two-year transportation bill that includes key components of legislation
that would funnel billions of dollars in fines from the 2010 BP oil spill
to the five Gulf States.
http://www.nola.com/politics/index.ssf/2012/06/deal_tying_bp_oil_spill_fines.html
State News
City receives $75,000 grant
Hattiesburg American
Hattiesburg residents will continue to have the annual opportunity to
dispose of hazardous household waste, thanks in part to a $75,000 grant the
city recently received from the Mississippi Department of Environmental
Quality.
http://www.hattiesburgamerican.com/article/20120627/NEWS01/206270319/City-receives-75-000-grant
Officials warn of poor air quality Wednesday
WMC
(WMC-TV) ? Forecasters are warning people with asthma or other respiratory
problems to be careful Wednesday.
The Mississippi Department of Environmental Quality, in conjunction with
other agencies, has issued a Code Orange ozone advisory.
http://southaven-hornlake.wmctv.com/news/environment/78289-officials-warn-poor-air-quality-wednesday
Supers hope beaches will be ready by July 4
Sea Coast Echo
By JACE PONDER
Jun 26, 2012, 17:33
As the Fourth of July holiday approaches, half of Hancock County's beaches
are closed due to the potential of quicksand and high bacteria levels.
The Mississippi Dept. of Environmental Quality issued beach closures from
Washington Street in Bay St. Louis to Nicholson Avenue in Waveland, and the
Lakeshore beach. The two sections potentially have of high levels of
bacteria from dredged sand and dangerous physical conditions due
unpredictable terrain and quicksand and the presence of heavy equipment.
http://12.68.233.230/40/article_6053.shtml
Graveline Bayou targeted for restoration, improvement
By Harlan Kirgan
Mississippi Press
GAUTIER, Mississippi -- A $250,000 Tidelands grant is sought by the city of
Gautier to begin a process that may cost up to $4 million to restore and
improve the Bayou Graveline watershed.
http://blog.gulflive.com/mississippi-press-news/2012/06/graveline_bayou_targeted_for_r.html
Company optimistic on area oil
By Matt Williamson
Enterprise-Journal
The president of a major oil company operating in the Tuscaloosa Marine
Shale Formation says initial production signs are promising and likely to
result in ramped-up activity in the months to come.
http://www.enterprise-journal.com/news/article_f067b094-bfb0-11e1-8db8-0019bb2963f4.html
National News
D.C. appeals court upholds EPA regulations to fight global warming
Washington Post
By Darryl Fears, Published: June 26
A federal appeals court on Tuesday upheld the Environmental Protection
Agency's finding that greenhouse gases contribute to global warming and are
a threat to public health, a major victory for the Obama administration and
a setback to states and trade groups that oppose government regulations on
carbon emissions.
http://www.washingtonpost.com/national/health-science/dc-appeals-court-upholds-epa-regulations-to-fight-global-warming/2012/06/26/gJQAcZHX5V_story.html
Court Backs EPA on Warming
Decision on Greenhouse-Gas Rules Is Victory for Obama, Blow to Coal
Industry
Wall Street Journal
By BRENT KENDALL
A federal appeals court backed the Obama administration's campaign to
limit greenhouse-gas emissions, in a blow to the coal industry and other
companies that say regulators acted without a scientific basis and are
stifling job creation.
http://online.wsj.com/article/SB10001424052702303640804577490572237074442.html?mod=googlenews_wsj
Federal court upholds Obama EPA's climate change regulations
The Hill
By Ben Geman - 06/26/12 12:11 PM ET
A federal appeals court has upheld Environmental Protection Agency (EPA)
greenhouse gas regulations, a victory for the Obama administration that's
also sure to inflame election-year political battles over the White House
green agenda.
http://thehill.com/blogs/e2-wire/e2-wire/234779-federal-court-upholds-epas-climate-change-regulations
Could your favorite beach make you sick?
By Laura Bly
USA TODAY
Bacterial contamination from stormwater runoff and sewage helped make 2011
one of the worst years in more than two decades for health-related closings
and warnings at U.S. beaches, a major environmental group says.
http://travel.usatoday.com/destinations/dispatches/post/2012/06/survey-clean-beaches-national-resources-defense-council/789540/1
Obama's Interior chief: State regulation of fracking 'not good enough for
me'
The Hill
By Ben Geman - 06/26/12 09:59 AM ET
Interior Secretary Ken Salazar is striking back at oil-and-gas companies
that claim state-level regulation of "fracking" is strong enough to render
federal rules that he's crafting a pointless layer of red tape.
http://thehill.com/blogs/e2-wire/e2-wire/234737-salazar-state-fracking-oversight-is-not-good-enough-for-me
Opinion
GWYNNE DYER: As with genocide, it may take time to make 'ecocide' a crime
There was no law against genocide in the early 1940s; it only became an
internationally recognized crime after the worst genocide of modern history
had actually happened. Similarly, there is no law against "ecocide" now.
That will only come to pass when the damage to the environment has become
so extreme that large numbers of people are dying from it even in rich and
powerful countries.
http://www.sunherald.com/2012/06/26/4031114/gwynne-dyer-as-with-genocide-it.html
Press Releases
EPA Awarding $2.7 Million to Revitalize Urban Waters
WASHINGTON - The U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) today announced
it is awarding $2.7 million to 46 organizations in 32 states and Puerto
Rico to help restore urban waters, support community revitalization and
protect Americans' health. Nancy Stoner made the announcement today in
Atlanta and awarded a grant to the Upper Chattahoochee Riverkeeper
organization. The group will use the funds to expand its Water Watch
program to improve water quality and human health in local metro Atlanta
neighborhoods.
EPA's Urban Waters program funding supports communities' efforts to access,
improve and benefit from their urban waters and the surrounding land. Urban
waters include canals, rivers, lakes, wetlands, aquifers, estuaries, bays
and oceans in urbanized areas. The grants range from $30,000 to $60,000 for
projects across the country, including in a number of underserved
communities. Recipients will promote the restoration of urban waters
through community engagement and outreach, water quality monitoring and
studies, and environmental education and training. To view a list of the
projects that will be funded, visit http://www.epa.gov/urbanwaters/funding
Many urban waterways have been polluted for years by sewage, runoff from
city streets and contamination from abandoned industrial facilities.
Healthy and accessible urban waters can help grow local businesses and
enhance educational, economic, recreational, employment and social
opportunities in nearby communities. By promoting public access to urban
waterways, EPA will help communities become active participants in
restoring urban waters while improving and protecting their neighborhoods.
EPA's Urban Waters program supports the goals and principles of the Urban
Waters Federal Partnership, a partnership of 12 federal agencies working to
reconnect urban communities with their waterways by improving coordination
among federal agencies and collaborating with community‐led revitalization
efforts.
The Urban Waters Federal Partnership closely aligns with and advances the
work of the White House's place‐based efforts, including the Partnership
for Sustainable Communities, to revitalize communities, create jobs and
improve the quality of life in cities and towns across the nation. The
Urban Waters Federal Partnership also advances the work of President
Obama's America's Great Outdoors Initiative.
Information on EPA's Urban Waters program:
http://www.epa.gov/urbanwaters/index.html
Information on the Urban Waters Federal Partnership:
http://urbanwaters.gov/
EPA Releases Guidance on Fuel Availability Provisions for Ships Operating
Off the Coast of North America
WASHINGTON ? The U.S. Environmental Protection Agency released interim
guidance for ship owners and operators clarifying how the U.S. government
will implement fuel availability provisions when ships are unable to obtain
fuel that meets standards protecting against sulfur pollution along the
coast. Sulfur pollution has been linked to respiratory illnesses,
particularly in at-risk populations including children, the elderly, and
asthmatics. The International Maritime Organization (IMO) has officially
designated waters off of the coast of North America, known as the North
American Emission Control Area (North American ECA), as areas where
stringent international pollution standards apply for ships, including fuel
sulfur limits. The guidance provides background information on the North
American ECA fuel sulfur standards, explains how owners and operators of
vessels can establish compliance with these requirements, and describes how
an owner or operator of a vessel who cannot obtain compliant fuel oil can
make a fuel oil non-availability claim.
The IMO is a United Nations agency that deals with marine safety, security,
and the prevention of marine pollution from ships. The International
Convention for the Prevention of Pollution from Ships (MARPOL) is a treaty
designed to minimize pollution on the seas including dumping waste, oil,
and exhaust pollution. MARPOL Annex VI sets out air emissions standards,
including fuel sulfur limits, for ships. The United States implemented
Annex VI in 2008 when Congress amended the Act to Prevent Pollution from
Ships (APPS).
Annex VI requires ships operating in designated geographical areas, the
ECAs, to meet the most advanced standards for fuel sulfur and other
pollutants. The North American ECA will come into force on August 1, 2012.
At that time, the maximum sulfur content of fuel oil used by ships in the
ECA will be limited to 1.00 percent m/m (10,000 ppm). This standard will
change on January 1, 2015, to 0.10 percent m/m (1,000 ppm).
Compliance with both the Annex VI air emissions standards for ships and the
Clean Air Act standards applicable to U.S. ships are expected to reduce the
annual emissions of sulfur oxides by 1.3 million tons by 2030.
Read the interim guidance:
http://www.epa.gov/compliance/civil/caa/caaenfprog.html
Deal tying BP oil spill fines to transportation bill getting close
By Bruce Alpert
Times-Picayune
WASHINGTON -- Senate and House negotiators are nearing agreement on a
two-year transportation bill that includes key components of legislation
that would funnel billions of dollars in fines from the 2010 BP oil spill
to the five Gulf States.
http://www.nola.com/politics/index.ssf/2012/06/deal_tying_bp_oil_spill_fines.html
State News
City receives $75,000 grant
Hattiesburg American
Hattiesburg residents will continue to have the annual opportunity to
dispose of hazardous household waste, thanks in part to a $75,000 grant the
city recently received from the Mississippi Department of Environmental
Quality.
http://www.hattiesburgamerican.com/article/20120627/NEWS01/206270319/City-receives-75-000-grant
Officials warn of poor air quality Wednesday
WMC
(WMC-TV) ? Forecasters are warning people with asthma or other respiratory
problems to be careful Wednesday.
The Mississippi Department of Environmental Quality, in conjunction with
other agencies, has issued a Code Orange ozone advisory.
http://southaven-hornlake.wmctv.com/news/environment/78289-officials-warn-poor-air-quality-wednesday
Supers hope beaches will be ready by July 4
Sea Coast Echo
By JACE PONDER
Jun 26, 2012, 17:33
As the Fourth of July holiday approaches, half of Hancock County's beaches
are closed due to the potential of quicksand and high bacteria levels.
The Mississippi Dept. of Environmental Quality issued beach closures from
Washington Street in Bay St. Louis to Nicholson Avenue in Waveland, and the
Lakeshore beach. The two sections potentially have of high levels of
bacteria from dredged sand and dangerous physical conditions due
unpredictable terrain and quicksand and the presence of heavy equipment.
http://12.68.233.230/40/article_6053.shtml
Graveline Bayou targeted for restoration, improvement
By Harlan Kirgan
Mississippi Press
GAUTIER, Mississippi -- A $250,000 Tidelands grant is sought by the city of
Gautier to begin a process that may cost up to $4 million to restore and
improve the Bayou Graveline watershed.
http://blog.gulflive.com/mississippi-press-news/2012/06/graveline_bayou_targeted_for_r.html
Company optimistic on area oil
By Matt Williamson
Enterprise-Journal
The president of a major oil company operating in the Tuscaloosa Marine
Shale Formation says initial production signs are promising and likely to
result in ramped-up activity in the months to come.
http://www.enterprise-journal.com/news/article_f067b094-bfb0-11e1-8db8-0019bb2963f4.html
National News
D.C. appeals court upholds EPA regulations to fight global warming
Washington Post
By Darryl Fears, Published: June 26
A federal appeals court on Tuesday upheld the Environmental Protection
Agency's finding that greenhouse gases contribute to global warming and are
a threat to public health, a major victory for the Obama administration and
a setback to states and trade groups that oppose government regulations on
carbon emissions.
http://www.washingtonpost.com/national/health-science/dc-appeals-court-upholds-epa-regulations-to-fight-global-warming/2012/06/26/gJQAcZHX5V_story.html
Court Backs EPA on Warming
Decision on Greenhouse-Gas Rules Is Victory for Obama, Blow to Coal
Industry
Wall Street Journal
By BRENT KENDALL
A federal appeals court backed the Obama administration's campaign to
limit greenhouse-gas emissions, in a blow to the coal industry and other
companies that say regulators acted without a scientific basis and are
stifling job creation.
http://online.wsj.com/article/SB10001424052702303640804577490572237074442.html?mod=googlenews_wsj
Federal court upholds Obama EPA's climate change regulations
The Hill
By Ben Geman - 06/26/12 12:11 PM ET
A federal appeals court has upheld Environmental Protection Agency (EPA)
greenhouse gas regulations, a victory for the Obama administration that's
also sure to inflame election-year political battles over the White House
green agenda.
http://thehill.com/blogs/e2-wire/e2-wire/234779-federal-court-upholds-epas-climate-change-regulations
Could your favorite beach make you sick?
By Laura Bly
USA TODAY
Bacterial contamination from stormwater runoff and sewage helped make 2011
one of the worst years in more than two decades for health-related closings
and warnings at U.S. beaches, a major environmental group says.
http://travel.usatoday.com/destinations/dispatches/post/2012/06/survey-clean-beaches-national-resources-defense-council/789540/1
Obama's Interior chief: State regulation of fracking 'not good enough for
me'
The Hill
By Ben Geman - 06/26/12 09:59 AM ET
Interior Secretary Ken Salazar is striking back at oil-and-gas companies
that claim state-level regulation of "fracking" is strong enough to render
federal rules that he's crafting a pointless layer of red tape.
http://thehill.com/blogs/e2-wire/e2-wire/234737-salazar-state-fracking-oversight-is-not-good-enough-for-me
Opinion
GWYNNE DYER: As with genocide, it may take time to make 'ecocide' a crime
There was no law against genocide in the early 1940s; it only became an
internationally recognized crime after the worst genocide of modern history
had actually happened. Similarly, there is no law against "ecocide" now.
That will only come to pass when the damage to the environment has become
so extreme that large numbers of people are dying from it even in rich and
powerful countries.
http://www.sunherald.com/2012/06/26/4031114/gwynne-dyer-as-with-genocide-it.html
Press Releases
EPA Awarding $2.7 Million to Revitalize Urban Waters
WASHINGTON - The U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) today announced
it is awarding $2.7 million to 46 organizations in 32 states and Puerto
Rico to help restore urban waters, support community revitalization and
protect Americans' health. Nancy Stoner made the announcement today in
Atlanta and awarded a grant to the Upper Chattahoochee Riverkeeper
organization. The group will use the funds to expand its Water Watch
program to improve water quality and human health in local metro Atlanta
neighborhoods.
EPA's Urban Waters program funding supports communities' efforts to access,
improve and benefit from their urban waters and the surrounding land. Urban
waters include canals, rivers, lakes, wetlands, aquifers, estuaries, bays
and oceans in urbanized areas. The grants range from $30,000 to $60,000 for
projects across the country, including in a number of underserved
communities. Recipients will promote the restoration of urban waters
through community engagement and outreach, water quality monitoring and
studies, and environmental education and training. To view a list of the
projects that will be funded, visit http://www.epa.gov/urbanwaters/funding
Many urban waterways have been polluted for years by sewage, runoff from
city streets and contamination from abandoned industrial facilities.
Healthy and accessible urban waters can help grow local businesses and
enhance educational, economic, recreational, employment and social
opportunities in nearby communities. By promoting public access to urban
waterways, EPA will help communities become active participants in
restoring urban waters while improving and protecting their neighborhoods.
EPA's Urban Waters program supports the goals and principles of the Urban
Waters Federal Partnership, a partnership of 12 federal agencies working to
reconnect urban communities with their waterways by improving coordination
among federal agencies and collaborating with community‐led revitalization
efforts.
The Urban Waters Federal Partnership closely aligns with and advances the
work of the White House's place‐based efforts, including the Partnership
for Sustainable Communities, to revitalize communities, create jobs and
improve the quality of life in cities and towns across the nation. The
Urban Waters Federal Partnership also advances the work of President
Obama's America's Great Outdoors Initiative.
Information on EPA's Urban Waters program:
http://www.epa.gov/urbanwaters/index.html
Information on the Urban Waters Federal Partnership:
http://urbanwaters.gov/
EPA Releases Guidance on Fuel Availability Provisions for Ships Operating
Off the Coast of North America
WASHINGTON ? The U.S. Environmental Protection Agency released interim
guidance for ship owners and operators clarifying how the U.S. government
will implement fuel availability provisions when ships are unable to obtain
fuel that meets standards protecting against sulfur pollution along the
coast. Sulfur pollution has been linked to respiratory illnesses,
particularly in at-risk populations including children, the elderly, and
asthmatics. The International Maritime Organization (IMO) has officially
designated waters off of the coast of North America, known as the North
American Emission Control Area (North American ECA), as areas where
stringent international pollution standards apply for ships, including fuel
sulfur limits. The guidance provides background information on the North
American ECA fuel sulfur standards, explains how owners and operators of
vessels can establish compliance with these requirements, and describes how
an owner or operator of a vessel who cannot obtain compliant fuel oil can
make a fuel oil non-availability claim.
The IMO is a United Nations agency that deals with marine safety, security,
and the prevention of marine pollution from ships. The International
Convention for the Prevention of Pollution from Ships (MARPOL) is a treaty
designed to minimize pollution on the seas including dumping waste, oil,
and exhaust pollution. MARPOL Annex VI sets out air emissions standards,
including fuel sulfur limits, for ships. The United States implemented
Annex VI in 2008 when Congress amended the Act to Prevent Pollution from
Ships (APPS).
Annex VI requires ships operating in designated geographical areas, the
ECAs, to meet the most advanced standards for fuel sulfur and other
pollutants. The North American ECA will come into force on August 1, 2012.
At that time, the maximum sulfur content of fuel oil used by ships in the
ECA will be limited to 1.00 percent m/m (10,000 ppm). This standard will
change on January 1, 2015, to 0.10 percent m/m (1,000 ppm).
Compliance with both the Annex VI air emissions standards for ships and the
Clean Air Act standards applicable to U.S. ships are expected to reduce the
annual emissions of sulfur oxides by 1.3 million tons by 2030.
Read the interim guidance:
http://www.epa.gov/compliance/civil/caa/caaenfprog.html
News Clippings 6/25/12
Oil Spill
Some oil effects escape the naked eye
Daily Comet
By Nikki Buskey
While many have focused on oiled birds and sick fish as the obvious impacts
of the 2010 BP oil spill, new research shows oil had a significant impact
on microscopic creatures below the beach sands.
http://www.dailycomet.com/article/20120622/ARTICLES/120629845?Title=Some-oil-effects-escape-the-naked-eye
BP cash to revamp beach dunes and boat ramps
Pensacola News Journal
Two years after the BP oil slicked local beaches and ruined tourism,
construction is set to begin on the first of two major projects in Escambia
County to help restore the environment and provide access to waterways.
http://www.pnj.com/article/20120623/NEWS01/306230017/BP-cash-revamp-beach-dunes-boat-ramps
State News
Water, wastewater projects to be well used in Jackson County, utility
director says
By April M. Havens
The Mississippi Press
JACKSON COUNTY, Mississippi -- The Jackson County Utility Authority has
spent its Hurricane Katrina recovery project funds on water and wastewater
projects that will be well utilized across the county, leaders said this
week.
A recent Associated Press investigation revealed that the Harrison County
Utility Authority used millions of dollars to build sewage plants that are
underused or sitting completely idle.
That's not a problem in Jackson County, JCUA Executive Director Tommy
Fairfield said.
http://blog.gulflive.com/mississippi-press-news/2012/06/water_wastewater_projects_to_b.html
PSC awards PRCUA with sewer systems
By Jeremy Pittari
The Picayune Item
PICAYUNE — Round Rock, Wildwood and Hunter's Trace sewer systems were
awarded to the Pearl River County Utility Authority by the Public Service
Commission on Friday.
http://picayuneitem.com/local/x1254880956/PSC-awards-PRCUA-with-sewer-systems
Utility Authority discusses projects
By Jeremy Pittari
The Picayune Item
PICAYUNE — Work to provide Hide-A-Way Lake with sewer service is nearing
completion and several other projects are underway in other areas served by
the Pearl River County Utility Authority.
http://picayuneitem.com/local/x1767478314/Utility-Authority-discusses-projects
Coalition aims to reverse state plan for offshore oil and gas activity
By Harlan Kirgan
Mississippi Press
GULFPORT, Mississippi-- The Mississippi Development Authority's plan to
permit seismic testing in state waters may be rolling ahead, but a member
of a coalition opposing oil and gas activity said MDA's direction is
reversible.
http://blog.gulflive.com/mississippi-press-news/2012/06/coalition_aims_to_reverse_stat.html
Hernando Mayor Chip Johnson stepping up to lead Mississippi Municipal Lead
Rikard: 'It's good to have someone from DeSoto at the helm'
Commercial Appeal
By Henry Bailey
Sunday, June 24, 2012
After seven years as Hernando mayor and two as understudy to the top spot
in the Mississippi Municipal League, Chip Johnson is taking his leadership
style statewide this week as he becomes MML president.
…He'll be leading a session on "Issues Facing Cities Over 10,000
Population" with Ocean Springs Mayor Connie Moran and moderating a
discussion of the state Department of Environmental Quality's EnHance
program.
Hernando's director of community development, Shelly Johnstone, will be a
presenter at the latter event, on environmental projects to benefit the
community. Examples from Hernando, such as curbside recycling, farmers
market and its tree ordinance, and from DeSoto neighbor Southaven will be
aired.
"The networking and interaction are invaluable, too," said the mayor.
"Shelly's connections with MDEQ through these conferences helped us get a
$400,000 'brownfields' grant from the Environmental Protection Agency to
assess and identify areas for clean-up."
http://www.commercialappeal.com/news/2012/jun/24/hernando-mayor-steps-into-top-job/?print=1
City nears start of recycling program
By CALEB BEDILLION
DAILY LEADER
City leaders are ready to roll out recycling this summer and are working to
foster strong participation by Brookhaven residents.
… However, a grant from the Department of Environmental Quality will
be covering much of the cost for that second bin, at least for a while. The
city has received a grant totaling $23,900.
"The people at DEQ are very excited about us recycling," Phillips
said.
http://www.dailyleader.com/topstories/article_51251ed6-bdad-11e1-82d9-0019bb2963f4.html
Smell around Wilkes Bridge in Gulfport is underground sewage
Sun Herald
GULFPORT -- A smell lingering around the Wilkes Bridge on Lorraine Road is
coming from sewage piped from the beach to the Gulfport North Wastewater
Treatment Facility, an official said.
http://www.sunherald.com/2012/06/22/4024863/smell-around-wilkes-bridge-is.html
Regulators turn down Mississippi Power rate hike request
By The Associated Press
JACKSON, Mississippi -- Mississippi Power Co. may someday collect more
money to pay for the generating plant it's building in Kemper County.
But not yet.
http://blog.gulflive.com/mississippi-press-news/2012/06/regulators_turn_down_mississip.html
In-state oil/gas leases to go up for sale in September
by Associated Press
AROUND MISSISSIPPI — The Bureau of Land Management-Eastern States will hold
an oil and gas lease sale for tracts in Louisiana and Mississippi Sept. 13
at its offices in Springfield, Va.
Federal mineral lands in Mississippi and Louisiana totaling 34,630 acres
will be offered.
Mississippi parcels are in Smith, Scott and Franklin counties. In
Louisiana, the tracts are in Grant, Vernon, and Natchitoches parishes.
http://msbusiness.com/2012/06/in-state-oilgas-leases-to-go-up-for-sale-in-september/
First Jackson County Bicentennial Duathlon draws about 80 participants
By Harlan Kirgan
Mississippi Press
OCEAN SPRINGS, Mississippi - Organizers of the first South Coast SummerFest
said they were pleased with the outcome of the 10-day event, as the Fort
Maurepas Kayak Festival and Outdoor Expo unfolded Saturday morning.
…The 10-day event has been sponsored in part by a grant from the Gulf Coast
Regional Tourism Partnership and BP, and by city of Ocean Springs, Ocean
Springs Chamber of Commerce, city of Pascagoula, city of D'Iberville,
Mississippi Department of Environmental Quality, Mississippi Department of
Marine Resources, Mississippi Gulf Coast National Heritage Area and the
Land Trust for the Mississippi Coastal Plain, Gulf Hills Hotel, Mississippi
Power Co., South Mississippi Urgent Care, Orange Grove Urgent Care, The
Shed BBQ & Blues Joint, VT Halter Marine and Miller 64.
http://blog.gulflive.com/mississippi-press-news/2012/06/first_jackson_county_bicentenn.html
Some oil effects escape the naked eye
Daily Comet
By Nikki Buskey
While many have focused on oiled birds and sick fish as the obvious impacts
of the 2010 BP oil spill, new research shows oil had a significant impact
on microscopic creatures below the beach sands.
http://www.dailycomet.com/article/20120622/ARTICLES/120629845?Title=Some-oil-effects-escape-the-naked-eye
BP cash to revamp beach dunes and boat ramps
Pensacola News Journal
Two years after the BP oil slicked local beaches and ruined tourism,
construction is set to begin on the first of two major projects in Escambia
County to help restore the environment and provide access to waterways.
http://www.pnj.com/article/20120623/NEWS01/306230017/BP-cash-revamp-beach-dunes-boat-ramps
State News
Water, wastewater projects to be well used in Jackson County, utility
director says
By April M. Havens
The Mississippi Press
JACKSON COUNTY, Mississippi -- The Jackson County Utility Authority has
spent its Hurricane Katrina recovery project funds on water and wastewater
projects that will be well utilized across the county, leaders said this
week.
A recent Associated Press investigation revealed that the Harrison County
Utility Authority used millions of dollars to build sewage plants that are
underused or sitting completely idle.
That's not a problem in Jackson County, JCUA Executive Director Tommy
Fairfield said.
http://blog.gulflive.com/mississippi-press-news/2012/06/water_wastewater_projects_to_b.html
PSC awards PRCUA with sewer systems
By Jeremy Pittari
The Picayune Item
PICAYUNE — Round Rock, Wildwood and Hunter's Trace sewer systems were
awarded to the Pearl River County Utility Authority by the Public Service
Commission on Friday.
http://picayuneitem.com/local/x1254880956/PSC-awards-PRCUA-with-sewer-systems
Utility Authority discusses projects
By Jeremy Pittari
The Picayune Item
PICAYUNE — Work to provide Hide-A-Way Lake with sewer service is nearing
completion and several other projects are underway in other areas served by
the Pearl River County Utility Authority.
http://picayuneitem.com/local/x1767478314/Utility-Authority-discusses-projects
Coalition aims to reverse state plan for offshore oil and gas activity
By Harlan Kirgan
Mississippi Press
GULFPORT, Mississippi-- The Mississippi Development Authority's plan to
permit seismic testing in state waters may be rolling ahead, but a member
of a coalition opposing oil and gas activity said MDA's direction is
reversible.
http://blog.gulflive.com/mississippi-press-news/2012/06/coalition_aims_to_reverse_stat.html
Hernando Mayor Chip Johnson stepping up to lead Mississippi Municipal Lead
Rikard: 'It's good to have someone from DeSoto at the helm'
Commercial Appeal
By Henry Bailey
Sunday, June 24, 2012
After seven years as Hernando mayor and two as understudy to the top spot
in the Mississippi Municipal League, Chip Johnson is taking his leadership
style statewide this week as he becomes MML president.
…He'll be leading a session on "Issues Facing Cities Over 10,000
Population" with Ocean Springs Mayor Connie Moran and moderating a
discussion of the state Department of Environmental Quality's EnHance
program.
Hernando's director of community development, Shelly Johnstone, will be a
presenter at the latter event, on environmental projects to benefit the
community. Examples from Hernando, such as curbside recycling, farmers
market and its tree ordinance, and from DeSoto neighbor Southaven will be
aired.
"The networking and interaction are invaluable, too," said the mayor.
"Shelly's connections with MDEQ through these conferences helped us get a
$400,000 'brownfields' grant from the Environmental Protection Agency to
assess and identify areas for clean-up."
http://www.commercialappeal.com/news/2012/jun/24/hernando-mayor-steps-into-top-job/?print=1
City nears start of recycling program
By CALEB BEDILLION
DAILY LEADER
City leaders are ready to roll out recycling this summer and are working to
foster strong participation by Brookhaven residents.
… However, a grant from the Department of Environmental Quality will
be covering much of the cost for that second bin, at least for a while. The
city has received a grant totaling $23,900.
"The people at DEQ are very excited about us recycling," Phillips
said.
http://www.dailyleader.com/topstories/article_51251ed6-bdad-11e1-82d9-0019bb2963f4.html
Smell around Wilkes Bridge in Gulfport is underground sewage
Sun Herald
GULFPORT -- A smell lingering around the Wilkes Bridge on Lorraine Road is
coming from sewage piped from the beach to the Gulfport North Wastewater
Treatment Facility, an official said.
http://www.sunherald.com/2012/06/22/4024863/smell-around-wilkes-bridge-is.html
Regulators turn down Mississippi Power rate hike request
By The Associated Press
JACKSON, Mississippi -- Mississippi Power Co. may someday collect more
money to pay for the generating plant it's building in Kemper County.
But not yet.
http://blog.gulflive.com/mississippi-press-news/2012/06/regulators_turn_down_mississip.html
In-state oil/gas leases to go up for sale in September
by Associated Press
AROUND MISSISSIPPI — The Bureau of Land Management-Eastern States will hold
an oil and gas lease sale for tracts in Louisiana and Mississippi Sept. 13
at its offices in Springfield, Va.
Federal mineral lands in Mississippi and Louisiana totaling 34,630 acres
will be offered.
Mississippi parcels are in Smith, Scott and Franklin counties. In
Louisiana, the tracts are in Grant, Vernon, and Natchitoches parishes.
http://msbusiness.com/2012/06/in-state-oilgas-leases-to-go-up-for-sale-in-september/
First Jackson County Bicentennial Duathlon draws about 80 participants
By Harlan Kirgan
Mississippi Press
OCEAN SPRINGS, Mississippi - Organizers of the first South Coast SummerFest
said they were pleased with the outcome of the 10-day event, as the Fort
Maurepas Kayak Festival and Outdoor Expo unfolded Saturday morning.
…The 10-day event has been sponsored in part by a grant from the Gulf Coast
Regional Tourism Partnership and BP, and by city of Ocean Springs, Ocean
Springs Chamber of Commerce, city of Pascagoula, city of D'Iberville,
Mississippi Department of Environmental Quality, Mississippi Department of
Marine Resources, Mississippi Gulf Coast National Heritage Area and the
Land Trust for the Mississippi Coastal Plain, Gulf Hills Hotel, Mississippi
Power Co., South Mississippi Urgent Care, Orange Grove Urgent Care, The
Shed BBQ & Blues Joint, VT Halter Marine and Miller 64.
http://blog.gulflive.com/mississippi-press-news/2012/06/first_jackson_county_bicentenn.html
News Clippings 6/21/12
Oil Spill
Report details how BP money is fueling coast tourism
WLOX
A new report details where some of the $16 million BP gave Mississippi to
bolster tourism has been spent.
http://www.wlox.com/story/18840840/report-details-how-bp-money-is-fueling-coast-tourism
No deal has been struck on sending BP oil spill fines to Gulf Coast
By Bruce Alpert
Times-Picayune
Washington -- With time running out, House-Senate negotiators still haven't
reached a deal on a transportation spending bill that Louisiana lawmakers
hope will designate 80 percent of BP oil spillfines to the Gulf Coast. Both
House Speaker John Boehner and Senate Majority Leader Harry Reid offered a
bit of bipartisan advice this week to the negotiators: Come up with a
compromise.
http://www.nola.com/news/gulf-oil-spill/index.ssf/2012/06/no_deal_has_been_struck_on_sen.html
Interior Secretary Ken Salazar repeats commitment to use BP money for
coastal restoration
By Mark Schleifstein
The Times-Picayune
Traveling by airboat through the Delta National Wildlife Refuge on
Wednesday, Interior Secretary Ken Salazar repeated the Obama
administration's commitment to using large chunks of money paid by BP to
rebuild Louisiana wetlands.
http://www.nola.com/news/gulf-oil-spill/index.ssf/2012/06/interior_secretary_ken_salazar_8.html
Va. inventor claims design for BP well cap stolen
Posted: Jun 20, 2012 3:37 PM CDTUpdated: Jun 20, 2012 4:37 PM CDT
By HARRY R. WEBER
Associated Press
ATLANTA (AP) - An inventor claims his design was the basis for the cap used
to choke off the flow of oil to the Gulf of Mexico nearly three months
after BP's undersea well blew in 2010. And he says it was stolen.
http://www.wlox.com/story/18838751/va-inventor-claims-design-for-bp-well-cap-stolen
State News
Cochran supports bill aimed at streamlining underground tank regulations
by MBJ Staff
Published: June 21,2012
WASHINGTON — Sen. Thad Cochran (R-Miss) is supporting bipartisan
legislation intended to help ease fuel prices and increase consumer energy
choices by decreasing the fees and regulations on domestic and alternative
fuels distribution.
http://msbusiness.com/2012/06/cochran-supports-bill-aimed-at-streamlining-underground-tank-regulations/
Hazardous device to be disposed of after scare
Rankin Ledger
A device that caused a bomb scare in Pearl last week was turned over to the
Department of Environmental Quality for disposal, according to authorities.
http://www.rankinledger.com/apps/pbcs.dll/article?AID=/20120605/NEWS/206050303/-1/NEWS01/Hazardous
+device+to+be+disposed+of+after+scare
Sewer upgrades underway in Monticello
Lawrence County Press
The Town of Monticello is receiving an $800,000 upgrade to its sewer system
that should eliminate many problems the town has had in recent years.
http://www.lawrencecountypress.com/v2/content.aspx?ID=49857&MemberID=1181
Monroe, Itawamba Would Benefit From Flood Levee Plan
WCBI
Posted by Steve Rogers
WASHINGTON, D.C.--U.S. Senators Thad Cochran (R-Miss.), David Vitter
(R-La.), Mary Landrieu (D-La.) and Kay Bailey Hutchison (R-Texas) today
announced an agreement on the treatment of levees under the National Flood
Insurance Program that they hope will allow the Senate to move closer to
passage of long-term legislation to reauthorize the National Flood
Insurance Program (NFIP).
http://www.wcbi.com/article.php?subaction=showfull&id=1340280115&archive=&start_from=&ucat=2,5,6&
City of Ocean Springs donates a trailer to be future home to Wildlife Care
and Rescue Center Â
By Susan Ruddiman
The Mississippi Press
OCEAN SPRINGS, Mississippi -- The city has a surplus trailer that needs to
go, and the Wildlife Care and Rescue Center can use it.
http://blog.gulflive.com/mississippi-press-news/2012/06/city_of_ocean_springs_donates.html
National News
Senate kills effort to block EPA from setting first limits on power plants'
toxic pollution
By Associated Press, Published: June 20
WASHINGTON — The Democrat-controlled Senate defeated a bid Wednesday to
block the Environmental Protection Agency from setting the first federal
standards to reduce toxic air pollution from power plants.
http://www.washingtonpost.com/business/industries/senate-rejects-effort-to-block-epa-from-setting-first-limits-on-power-plants-toxic-pollution/2012/06/20/gJQAM0BTqV_story.html
EPA wears the bull's-eye
Politico
By: Jonathan Allen and Erica Martinson
This election year the EPA is toxic.
The Senate is voting on whether EPA planes can take pictures of farms —
after it was mistakenly reported that drones were flying over the
heartland. House Republicans want to cut the agency's funding to pre-1998
levels. And the president has threatened to veto a House bill, due up
Wednesday, that would restrict Clean Air Act rules.
http://www.politico.com/news/stories/0612/77626.html
Groups rushing to save green energy
Politico
By: Austin Wright
Green-energy advocates are scrambling behind the scenes to prevent what
they say could be a devastating blow to the military's biofuels
initiatives. And the clock is ticking.
http://www.politico.com/news/stories/0612/77655.html
Climate change to worsen hunger as U.N.'s Rio+20 begins
USA Today
As leaders from more than 130 nations convene a United Nations conference
on sustainable development Wednesday, new research shows how climate change
will likely exacerbate a key issue: hunger.
http://content.usatoday.com/communities/greenhouse/post/2012/06/climate-change-exected-to-worsen-hunger-as-rio20-begins/1#.T-Mah7XY-4J
House Dems press Interior to toughen gas 'fracking' rule
The Hill
By Ben Geman - 06/20/12 02:20 PM ET
More than three dozen House Democrats want the Interior Department to
require natural-gas producers using the method called hydraulic fracturing
to disclose the chemicals they're injecting underground before they begin
the process.
http://thehill.com/blogs/e2-wire/e2-wire/233845-house-dems-press-interior-to-toughen-gas-fracking-rule
The Fracking of America
CNBC
It's almost impossible to overestimate the importance of fracking to the
natural gas industry and the nation. It's also difficult to understate the
controversy surrounding the environmental issues of the rock fracturing
technology.
Our special report, "Who's Winning The Natural Gas Game?" addresses both
issues and more.
http://www.cnbc.com/id/47278369
Press Releases
EPA announces proposed dust standard
Jun. 20, 2012 2:31pmNational Cattlemen's Beef Association
EPA proposed its long awaited dust standard that sparked controversy within
the agricultural community.
The controversy arose when EPA staff announced the administrator would be
"justified" in doubling the stringency of the current, so-called dust
standard, officially known as the National Ambient Air Quality Standard for
coarse particulate matter.
The National Cattlemen's Beef Association (NCBA) welcomed news from EPA
that it plans to retain the current standard, however; the issue involving
farm dust is far from over, according to NCBA Deputy Environmental Counsel
Ashley McDonald.
"We learned from the last two reviews of this standard that a final
standard can look very different that the proposal. It is important to note
that EPA's action today is simply a proposal from the agency and not the
final standard," said McDonald.
The final standard is scheduled to be released by EPA in December of this
year. McDonald said NCBA encourages EPA to stick with the proposed standard
and not lower the final standard. She said lowering the standard would
throw a large section of the country into nonattainment.
McDonald said cattlemen are really in search of certainty when it comes to
rules and regulations being promulgated by EPA and other agencies. This is
why NCBA fully supports the Farm Dust Regulation Prevention Act introduced
by Senator Mike Johanns (R-Neb.) and Congresswoman Kristi Noem (R-S.D.).
The legislation would provide permanent relief and regulatory certainty by
exempting the agricultural community from EPA dust regulations. The
legislation has passed the U.S. House of Representatives, but the Senate
version (S. 1528) has not been brought up for a vote.
"The fact is, farmers and ranchers want and need certainty about this
issue. Regulatory uncertainty is unnecessary and unproductive," said
McDonald. "If EPA follows through and does not revise the dust standard,
such an action would only provide us with certainty for five years and
provides no relief to those producers who are spending more than $1,000 per
day on dust control measures right now."
NCBA is pleased with EPA's plan to retain the current standard, but will
continue working with Congress to move towards a more permanent solution.
http://westernfarmpress.com/government/epa-announces-proposed-dust-standard
EPA Announces New Members of Agricultural Advisory Committee
WASHINGTON – The U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) today announced
new members of the Farm, Ranch, and Rural Communities Committee (FRRCC) for
its 2012-2014 term. The FRRCC is an independent committee that advises EPA
on a wide range of environmental issues that are important to agriculture
and rural communities.
"The committee has provided thoughtful and substantive insights on
agricultural and environmental issues over the past two years," said
Lawrence Elworth, agricultural counselor to the administrator. "We have
appreciated the contributions of the committee members and look forward to
continued constructive engagement on key issues as the new committee begins
its work."
Committee members were selected from a large number of applicants
responding to a request for nominations published in the Federal Register
on Feb. 13, 2012. New members include representatives from the academic
community, industry, non-governmental organizations, and state, local, and
tribal governments.
The FRRCC will engage in discussion over the next two years on a wide range
of specific and cross-cutting environmental issues that are important to
agriculture.
The FRRCC will operate under the rules of the Federal Advisory Committee
Act (FACA). As required by FACA, the FRRCC will hold open meetings and
expects to meet approximately two times each year, generally in Washington,
DC.
More information on FRRCC members: http://epa.gov/ofacmo/frrcc/members.htm
More information on the FRRCC: http://epa.gov/ofacmo/frrcc/index.html
New US Brazil Joint Initiative Tool Informs Global Urban Infrastructure
Investments
WASHINGTON – U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) Administrator Lisa
P. Jackson and Brazilian Minister for the Environment Izabella Teixeira
today announced a new online tool that highlights key links between
policies, funding and on-the-ground projects that can help drive urban
sustainability investment around the world. The benefits of sustainable
urban infrastructure include healthier air and water, job creation and
economic development. Jackson and Teixeira announced the web platform,
which was developed under the US Brazil Joint Initiative on Urban
Sustainability (JIUS), during the Rio+20 Conference in Rio de Janeiro,
Brazil.
"This interactive web platform is designed to serve as an entry point for
everyone from local officials to investors who are looking for the best
strategies for investment in urban sustainability," said Administrator
Jackson. "Right now the platform represents an array of different
approaches, not a comprehensive or one-size-fits-all plan. We believe that
this collection of policy instruments, financial mechanisms, and project
examples can serve as a model for sustainable development in cities around
the world."
The platform features expertise from a range of public and private sector
leaders, including: federal, state, and local government officials,
corporate, financial, academic, and community leaders and innovators from
Rio de Janeiro and Philadelphia. Government leaders of the JIUS are working
with C40 Cities, a forum for the world's largest cities to collaborate on
addressing climate change, and other partners, to expand this platform to
include urban sustainability efforts happening in cities around the world.
A global coalition of partners including C40 Cities, the Rockefeller
Foundation, the Tijuca Center for Applied Sustainability, US Green Building
Council and Johns Hopkins University School of Advanced International
Studies, also plan to announce new efforts during the Rio+20 conference to
advance the work of the JIUS globally.
In March 2011, President Obama and President Rousseff announced the
creation of the US-Brazil Joint Initiative on Urban Sustainability, an
innovative public-private partnership for catalyzing investment in
sustainable urban infrastructure and expanding markets for clean
technology, products and services. The JIUS serves as a platform for
identifying and overcoming key barriers to investment and deployment of
clean infrastructure.
Check out the platform: http://www.epa.gov/jius
Watch the Administrator launch the new platform, and for more information
on the US Government's participation in Rio+20:
http://conx.state.gov/event/rio20/
Homebuilder Toll Brothers Inc. to Pay $741,000 Clean Water Act Penalty and
Implement Company-Wide Stormwater Controls
Settlement to prevent millions of pounds of sediment and polluted
stormwater runoff from entering U.S. waterways each year
WASHINGTON –The U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) and the U.S.
Department of Justice announced that Toll Brothers Inc., one of the
nation's largest homebuilders, will pay a civil penalty of $741,000 to
resolve alleged Clean Water Act violations at its construction sites,
including sites located in the Chesapeake Bay Watershed. Toll Brothers will
also invest in a company-wide stormwater compliance program to improve
employee training and increase management oversight at all current and
future residential construction sites across the nation. The company is
required to inspect its current and future construction sites routinely to
minimize stormwater runoff from sites. Polluted stormwater runoff and
sediment from construction sites can flow directly into the nearest
waterway, affecting drinking water quality and damaging valuable aquatic
habitats.
"Keeping contaminated stormwater runoff out of the nation's waterways, like
the Chesapeake Bay, is one of EPA's top priorities," said Cynthia Giles,
assistant administrator for EPA's Office of Enforcement and Compliance and
Assurance. "Today's settlement will improve oversight of stormwater runoff
at construction sites across the country and protect America's waters."
"This settlement will help protect the nation's waters from the harmful
pollutants contained in stormwater runoff from construction sites," said
Ignacia S. Moreno, assistant attorney general for the Environment and
Natural Resources Division of the Department of Justice. "The settlement
requires Toll Brothers to implement system-wide management controls and
training that will help prevent polluted stormwater runoff from
contaminating rivers, lakes and sources of drinking water."
EPA estimates the settlement will prevent millions of pounds of sediment
from entering U.S. waterways every year, including sediment that would
otherwise enter the Chesapeake Bay, North America's largest and most
biologically diverse estuary. The bay and its tidal tributaries are
threatened by pollution from a variety of sources and are overburdened with
nitrogen, phosphorus and sediment that can be carried by stormwater.
The complaint, filed simultaneously with the settlement agreement, alleges
over 600 stormwater violations that were discovered through site
inspections and by reviewing documentation submitted by Toll Brothers. The
majority of the alleged violations involve Toll Brothers' repeated failures
to comply with permit requirements at its construction sites, including
requirements to install and maintain adequate stormwater pollution
controls.
The Clean Water Act requires permits for the discharge of stormwater
runoff. In general, Toll Brothers' permits require that construction sites
have controls in place to prevent pollution from being discharged with
stormwater into nearby waterways. These controls include common-sense
safeguards such as silt fences, phased site grading and sediment basins to
prevent construction contaminants from entering the nation's waterways.
The settlement requires Toll Brothers to obtain all required permits,
develop site-specific pollution prevention plans for each construction
site, conduct additional site inspections beyond those required by
stormwater regulations, and document and promptly correct any problems. The
company must properly train construction managers and contractors on
stormwater requirements and designate trained staff for each site. Toll
Brothers must also submit national compliance summary reports to EPA based
on management oversight inspections and reviews.
This settlement is the latest in a series of enforcement actions to address
stormwater violations from residential construction sites around the
country. Construction projects have a high potential for environmental harm
because they disturb large areas of land and significantly increase the
potential for erosion, and stormwater runoff from sites can pick up other
pollutants, including concrete washout, paint, used oil, solvents and
trash.
The state of Maryland and the commonwealth of Virginia have joined the
settlement and will receive a portion of the $741,000 penalty. The
settlement includes Toll Brothers sites in
Arizona, California, Colorado, Connecticut, Delaware, Florida, Georgia,
Illinois, Maryland, Massachusetts, Michigan, Minnesota, New Jersey, New
York, North Carolina, Nevada, Ohio, Pennsylvania, Rhode Island, South
Carolina, Texas, Virginia and West Virginia.
The consent decree, lodged in the U.S. District Court for the Eastern
District of Pennsylvania, is subject to a 30-day public comment period and
approval by the federal court.
More information about this settlement:
http://www.epa.gov/compliance/resources/cases/civil/cwa/tollbrothers.html
More information about EPA's stormwater enforcement:
http://www.epa.gov/oecaerth/data/planning/priorities/cwastorm.html
NIST Launches New Website to Educate Industry About Alternatives to Mercury
Thermometers
From NIST Tech Beat: Contact: Mark Esser
301-975-8735
As part of a larger effort to reduce the amount of mercury, a potent
neurotoxin, in the environment, the National Institute of Standards and
Technology (NIST) has launched a new website to help industry scientists
and engineers decide the best temperature measurement alternative for their
purposes. The website also includes information about myths pertaining to
mercury and temperature measurement and how to safely package and recycle
mercury-containing products.
NIST stopped providing calibration services for mercury thermometers on
March 1, 2011. This was motivated in part by NIST's work with the
Environmental Protection Agency to eliminate as many sources of mercury in
the environment as possible.
According to Greg Strouse, leader of NIST's temperature, pressure and
vacuum programs, mercury thermometers are neither a superior nor a standard
method for measuring temperature.
"We haven't used mercury thermometers as a calibration standard since 1927
when the platinum resistance thermometer standard was adopted," says
Strouse. "Our goal with this new website is to show that there is a
temperature-sensing technology that will satisfy their needs as well as, or
better than, a mercury thermometer, all without the added liability of
containing a neurotoxin that is hugely expensive to clean up if released
into the environment."
According to NIST researcher Dawn Cross, industrial scientists commonly
object to replacing their mercury thermometers because they have grown
accustomed to getting the same answer from their mercury thermometers over
the years, even if it is less accurate than can be provided by modern
digital thermometers.
"Some people who are used to using mercury thermometers think that they
define temperature, and this simply isn't true," Cross says. "Graduations
on a piece of glass filled with a fluid can never give as accurate a
reading as a digital thermometer, based on how the conductivity of metals
change as a function of temperature, something we know and can characterize
very, very well."
Cross points out that other thermometers based on the principle of thermal
expansion of a fluid, such as alcohol, are not hopelessly inaccurate. In
fact, they are as accurate as mercury thermometers and are suitable for
some applications that don't require stringent temperature control. For
example, alcohol thermometers might be suitable for measuring the
temperature of gasoline and other fuels, but they would be unsuitable for
monitoring the temperature of vaccines, the viability of which relies on
strict control of their temperature.
Visit the website at www.nist.gov/pml/mercury.cfm for more information
about how NIST can help your industry find an accurate, nontoxic and
environmentally benign alternative to mercury thermometers.
Report details how BP money is fueling coast tourism
WLOX
A new report details where some of the $16 million BP gave Mississippi to
bolster tourism has been spent.
http://www.wlox.com/story/18840840/report-details-how-bp-money-is-fueling-coast-tourism
No deal has been struck on sending BP oil spill fines to Gulf Coast
By Bruce Alpert
Times-Picayune
Washington -- With time running out, House-Senate negotiators still haven't
reached a deal on a transportation spending bill that Louisiana lawmakers
hope will designate 80 percent of BP oil spillfines to the Gulf Coast. Both
House Speaker John Boehner and Senate Majority Leader Harry Reid offered a
bit of bipartisan advice this week to the negotiators: Come up with a
compromise.
http://www.nola.com/news/gulf-oil-spill/index.ssf/2012/06/no_deal_has_been_struck_on_sen.html
Interior Secretary Ken Salazar repeats commitment to use BP money for
coastal restoration
By Mark Schleifstein
The Times-Picayune
Traveling by airboat through the Delta National Wildlife Refuge on
Wednesday, Interior Secretary Ken Salazar repeated the Obama
administration's commitment to using large chunks of money paid by BP to
rebuild Louisiana wetlands.
http://www.nola.com/news/gulf-oil-spill/index.ssf/2012/06/interior_secretary_ken_salazar_8.html
Va. inventor claims design for BP well cap stolen
Posted: Jun 20, 2012 3:37 PM CDTUpdated: Jun 20, 2012 4:37 PM CDT
By HARRY R. WEBER
Associated Press
ATLANTA (AP) - An inventor claims his design was the basis for the cap used
to choke off the flow of oil to the Gulf of Mexico nearly three months
after BP's undersea well blew in 2010. And he says it was stolen.
http://www.wlox.com/story/18838751/va-inventor-claims-design-for-bp-well-cap-stolen
State News
Cochran supports bill aimed at streamlining underground tank regulations
by MBJ Staff
Published: June 21,2012
WASHINGTON — Sen. Thad Cochran (R-Miss) is supporting bipartisan
legislation intended to help ease fuel prices and increase consumer energy
choices by decreasing the fees and regulations on domestic and alternative
fuels distribution.
http://msbusiness.com/2012/06/cochran-supports-bill-aimed-at-streamlining-underground-tank-regulations/
Hazardous device to be disposed of after scare
Rankin Ledger
A device that caused a bomb scare in Pearl last week was turned over to the
Department of Environmental Quality for disposal, according to authorities.
http://www.rankinledger.com/apps/pbcs.dll/article?AID=/20120605/NEWS/206050303/-1/NEWS01/Hazardous
+device+to+be+disposed+of+after+scare
Sewer upgrades underway in Monticello
Lawrence County Press
The Town of Monticello is receiving an $800,000 upgrade to its sewer system
that should eliminate many problems the town has had in recent years.
http://www.lawrencecountypress.com/v2/content.aspx?ID=49857&MemberID=1181
Monroe, Itawamba Would Benefit From Flood Levee Plan
WCBI
Posted by Steve Rogers
WASHINGTON, D.C.--U.S. Senators Thad Cochran (R-Miss.), David Vitter
(R-La.), Mary Landrieu (D-La.) and Kay Bailey Hutchison (R-Texas) today
announced an agreement on the treatment of levees under the National Flood
Insurance Program that they hope will allow the Senate to move closer to
passage of long-term legislation to reauthorize the National Flood
Insurance Program (NFIP).
http://www.wcbi.com/article.php?subaction=showfull&id=1340280115&archive=&start_from=&ucat=2,5,6&
City of Ocean Springs donates a trailer to be future home to Wildlife Care
and Rescue Center Â
By Susan Ruddiman
The Mississippi Press
OCEAN SPRINGS, Mississippi -- The city has a surplus trailer that needs to
go, and the Wildlife Care and Rescue Center can use it.
http://blog.gulflive.com/mississippi-press-news/2012/06/city_of_ocean_springs_donates.html
National News
Senate kills effort to block EPA from setting first limits on power plants'
toxic pollution
By Associated Press, Published: June 20
WASHINGTON — The Democrat-controlled Senate defeated a bid Wednesday to
block the Environmental Protection Agency from setting the first federal
standards to reduce toxic air pollution from power plants.
http://www.washingtonpost.com/business/industries/senate-rejects-effort-to-block-epa-from-setting-first-limits-on-power-plants-toxic-pollution/2012/06/20/gJQAM0BTqV_story.html
EPA wears the bull's-eye
Politico
By: Jonathan Allen and Erica Martinson
This election year the EPA is toxic.
The Senate is voting on whether EPA planes can take pictures of farms —
after it was mistakenly reported that drones were flying over the
heartland. House Republicans want to cut the agency's funding to pre-1998
levels. And the president has threatened to veto a House bill, due up
Wednesday, that would restrict Clean Air Act rules.
http://www.politico.com/news/stories/0612/77626.html
Groups rushing to save green energy
Politico
By: Austin Wright
Green-energy advocates are scrambling behind the scenes to prevent what
they say could be a devastating blow to the military's biofuels
initiatives. And the clock is ticking.
http://www.politico.com/news/stories/0612/77655.html
Climate change to worsen hunger as U.N.'s Rio+20 begins
USA Today
As leaders from more than 130 nations convene a United Nations conference
on sustainable development Wednesday, new research shows how climate change
will likely exacerbate a key issue: hunger.
http://content.usatoday.com/communities/greenhouse/post/2012/06/climate-change-exected-to-worsen-hunger-as-rio20-begins/1#.T-Mah7XY-4J
House Dems press Interior to toughen gas 'fracking' rule
The Hill
By Ben Geman - 06/20/12 02:20 PM ET
More than three dozen House Democrats want the Interior Department to
require natural-gas producers using the method called hydraulic fracturing
to disclose the chemicals they're injecting underground before they begin
the process.
http://thehill.com/blogs/e2-wire/e2-wire/233845-house-dems-press-interior-to-toughen-gas-fracking-rule
The Fracking of America
CNBC
It's almost impossible to overestimate the importance of fracking to the
natural gas industry and the nation. It's also difficult to understate the
controversy surrounding the environmental issues of the rock fracturing
technology.
Our special report, "Who's Winning The Natural Gas Game?" addresses both
issues and more.
http://www.cnbc.com/id/47278369
Press Releases
EPA announces proposed dust standard
Jun. 20, 2012 2:31pmNational Cattlemen's Beef Association
EPA proposed its long awaited dust standard that sparked controversy within
the agricultural community.
The controversy arose when EPA staff announced the administrator would be
"justified" in doubling the stringency of the current, so-called dust
standard, officially known as the National Ambient Air Quality Standard for
coarse particulate matter.
The National Cattlemen's Beef Association (NCBA) welcomed news from EPA
that it plans to retain the current standard, however; the issue involving
farm dust is far from over, according to NCBA Deputy Environmental Counsel
Ashley McDonald.
"We learned from the last two reviews of this standard that a final
standard can look very different that the proposal. It is important to note
that EPA's action today is simply a proposal from the agency and not the
final standard," said McDonald.
The final standard is scheduled to be released by EPA in December of this
year. McDonald said NCBA encourages EPA to stick with the proposed standard
and not lower the final standard. She said lowering the standard would
throw a large section of the country into nonattainment.
McDonald said cattlemen are really in search of certainty when it comes to
rules and regulations being promulgated by EPA and other agencies. This is
why NCBA fully supports the Farm Dust Regulation Prevention Act introduced
by Senator Mike Johanns (R-Neb.) and Congresswoman Kristi Noem (R-S.D.).
The legislation would provide permanent relief and regulatory certainty by
exempting the agricultural community from EPA dust regulations. The
legislation has passed the U.S. House of Representatives, but the Senate
version (S. 1528) has not been brought up for a vote.
"The fact is, farmers and ranchers want and need certainty about this
issue. Regulatory uncertainty is unnecessary and unproductive," said
McDonald. "If EPA follows through and does not revise the dust standard,
such an action would only provide us with certainty for five years and
provides no relief to those producers who are spending more than $1,000 per
day on dust control measures right now."
NCBA is pleased with EPA's plan to retain the current standard, but will
continue working with Congress to move towards a more permanent solution.
http://westernfarmpress.com/government/epa-announces-proposed-dust-standard
EPA Announces New Members of Agricultural Advisory Committee
WASHINGTON – The U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) today announced
new members of the Farm, Ranch, and Rural Communities Committee (FRRCC) for
its 2012-2014 term. The FRRCC is an independent committee that advises EPA
on a wide range of environmental issues that are important to agriculture
and rural communities.
"The committee has provided thoughtful and substantive insights on
agricultural and environmental issues over the past two years," said
Lawrence Elworth, agricultural counselor to the administrator. "We have
appreciated the contributions of the committee members and look forward to
continued constructive engagement on key issues as the new committee begins
its work."
Committee members were selected from a large number of applicants
responding to a request for nominations published in the Federal Register
on Feb. 13, 2012. New members include representatives from the academic
community, industry, non-governmental organizations, and state, local, and
tribal governments.
The FRRCC will engage in discussion over the next two years on a wide range
of specific and cross-cutting environmental issues that are important to
agriculture.
The FRRCC will operate under the rules of the Federal Advisory Committee
Act (FACA). As required by FACA, the FRRCC will hold open meetings and
expects to meet approximately two times each year, generally in Washington,
DC.
More information on FRRCC members: http://epa.gov/ofacmo/frrcc/members.htm
More information on the FRRCC: http://epa.gov/ofacmo/frrcc/index.html
New US Brazil Joint Initiative Tool Informs Global Urban Infrastructure
Investments
WASHINGTON – U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) Administrator Lisa
P. Jackson and Brazilian Minister for the Environment Izabella Teixeira
today announced a new online tool that highlights key links between
policies, funding and on-the-ground projects that can help drive urban
sustainability investment around the world. The benefits of sustainable
urban infrastructure include healthier air and water, job creation and
economic development. Jackson and Teixeira announced the web platform,
which was developed under the US Brazil Joint Initiative on Urban
Sustainability (JIUS), during the Rio+20 Conference in Rio de Janeiro,
Brazil.
"This interactive web platform is designed to serve as an entry point for
everyone from local officials to investors who are looking for the best
strategies for investment in urban sustainability," said Administrator
Jackson. "Right now the platform represents an array of different
approaches, not a comprehensive or one-size-fits-all plan. We believe that
this collection of policy instruments, financial mechanisms, and project
examples can serve as a model for sustainable development in cities around
the world."
The platform features expertise from a range of public and private sector
leaders, including: federal, state, and local government officials,
corporate, financial, academic, and community leaders and innovators from
Rio de Janeiro and Philadelphia. Government leaders of the JIUS are working
with C40 Cities, a forum for the world's largest cities to collaborate on
addressing climate change, and other partners, to expand this platform to
include urban sustainability efforts happening in cities around the world.
A global coalition of partners including C40 Cities, the Rockefeller
Foundation, the Tijuca Center for Applied Sustainability, US Green Building
Council and Johns Hopkins University School of Advanced International
Studies, also plan to announce new efforts during the Rio+20 conference to
advance the work of the JIUS globally.
In March 2011, President Obama and President Rousseff announced the
creation of the US-Brazil Joint Initiative on Urban Sustainability, an
innovative public-private partnership for catalyzing investment in
sustainable urban infrastructure and expanding markets for clean
technology, products and services. The JIUS serves as a platform for
identifying and overcoming key barriers to investment and deployment of
clean infrastructure.
Check out the platform: http://www.epa.gov/jius
Watch the Administrator launch the new platform, and for more information
on the US Government's participation in Rio+20:
http://conx.state.gov/event/rio20/
Homebuilder Toll Brothers Inc. to Pay $741,000 Clean Water Act Penalty and
Implement Company-Wide Stormwater Controls
Settlement to prevent millions of pounds of sediment and polluted
stormwater runoff from entering U.S. waterways each year
WASHINGTON –The U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) and the U.S.
Department of Justice announced that Toll Brothers Inc., one of the
nation's largest homebuilders, will pay a civil penalty of $741,000 to
resolve alleged Clean Water Act violations at its construction sites,
including sites located in the Chesapeake Bay Watershed. Toll Brothers will
also invest in a company-wide stormwater compliance program to improve
employee training and increase management oversight at all current and
future residential construction sites across the nation. The company is
required to inspect its current and future construction sites routinely to
minimize stormwater runoff from sites. Polluted stormwater runoff and
sediment from construction sites can flow directly into the nearest
waterway, affecting drinking water quality and damaging valuable aquatic
habitats.
"Keeping contaminated stormwater runoff out of the nation's waterways, like
the Chesapeake Bay, is one of EPA's top priorities," said Cynthia Giles,
assistant administrator for EPA's Office of Enforcement and Compliance and
Assurance. "Today's settlement will improve oversight of stormwater runoff
at construction sites across the country and protect America's waters."
"This settlement will help protect the nation's waters from the harmful
pollutants contained in stormwater runoff from construction sites," said
Ignacia S. Moreno, assistant attorney general for the Environment and
Natural Resources Division of the Department of Justice. "The settlement
requires Toll Brothers to implement system-wide management controls and
training that will help prevent polluted stormwater runoff from
contaminating rivers, lakes and sources of drinking water."
EPA estimates the settlement will prevent millions of pounds of sediment
from entering U.S. waterways every year, including sediment that would
otherwise enter the Chesapeake Bay, North America's largest and most
biologically diverse estuary. The bay and its tidal tributaries are
threatened by pollution from a variety of sources and are overburdened with
nitrogen, phosphorus and sediment that can be carried by stormwater.
The complaint, filed simultaneously with the settlement agreement, alleges
over 600 stormwater violations that were discovered through site
inspections and by reviewing documentation submitted by Toll Brothers. The
majority of the alleged violations involve Toll Brothers' repeated failures
to comply with permit requirements at its construction sites, including
requirements to install and maintain adequate stormwater pollution
controls.
The Clean Water Act requires permits for the discharge of stormwater
runoff. In general, Toll Brothers' permits require that construction sites
have controls in place to prevent pollution from being discharged with
stormwater into nearby waterways. These controls include common-sense
safeguards such as silt fences, phased site grading and sediment basins to
prevent construction contaminants from entering the nation's waterways.
The settlement requires Toll Brothers to obtain all required permits,
develop site-specific pollution prevention plans for each construction
site, conduct additional site inspections beyond those required by
stormwater regulations, and document and promptly correct any problems. The
company must properly train construction managers and contractors on
stormwater requirements and designate trained staff for each site. Toll
Brothers must also submit national compliance summary reports to EPA based
on management oversight inspections and reviews.
This settlement is the latest in a series of enforcement actions to address
stormwater violations from residential construction sites around the
country. Construction projects have a high potential for environmental harm
because they disturb large areas of land and significantly increase the
potential for erosion, and stormwater runoff from sites can pick up other
pollutants, including concrete washout, paint, used oil, solvents and
trash.
The state of Maryland and the commonwealth of Virginia have joined the
settlement and will receive a portion of the $741,000 penalty. The
settlement includes Toll Brothers sites in
Arizona, California, Colorado, Connecticut, Delaware, Florida, Georgia,
Illinois, Maryland, Massachusetts, Michigan, Minnesota, New Jersey, New
York, North Carolina, Nevada, Ohio, Pennsylvania, Rhode Island, South
Carolina, Texas, Virginia and West Virginia.
The consent decree, lodged in the U.S. District Court for the Eastern
District of Pennsylvania, is subject to a 30-day public comment period and
approval by the federal court.
More information about this settlement:
http://www.epa.gov/compliance/resources/cases/civil/cwa/tollbrothers.html
More information about EPA's stormwater enforcement:
http://www.epa.gov/oecaerth/data/planning/priorities/cwastorm.html
NIST Launches New Website to Educate Industry About Alternatives to Mercury
Thermometers
From NIST Tech Beat: Contact: Mark Esser
301-975-8735
As part of a larger effort to reduce the amount of mercury, a potent
neurotoxin, in the environment, the National Institute of Standards and
Technology (NIST) has launched a new website to help industry scientists
and engineers decide the best temperature measurement alternative for their
purposes. The website also includes information about myths pertaining to
mercury and temperature measurement and how to safely package and recycle
mercury-containing products.
NIST stopped providing calibration services for mercury thermometers on
March 1, 2011. This was motivated in part by NIST's work with the
Environmental Protection Agency to eliminate as many sources of mercury in
the environment as possible.
According to Greg Strouse, leader of NIST's temperature, pressure and
vacuum programs, mercury thermometers are neither a superior nor a standard
method for measuring temperature.
"We haven't used mercury thermometers as a calibration standard since 1927
when the platinum resistance thermometer standard was adopted," says
Strouse. "Our goal with this new website is to show that there is a
temperature-sensing technology that will satisfy their needs as well as, or
better than, a mercury thermometer, all without the added liability of
containing a neurotoxin that is hugely expensive to clean up if released
into the environment."
According to NIST researcher Dawn Cross, industrial scientists commonly
object to replacing their mercury thermometers because they have grown
accustomed to getting the same answer from their mercury thermometers over
the years, even if it is less accurate than can be provided by modern
digital thermometers.
"Some people who are used to using mercury thermometers think that they
define temperature, and this simply isn't true," Cross says. "Graduations
on a piece of glass filled with a fluid can never give as accurate a
reading as a digital thermometer, based on how the conductivity of metals
change as a function of temperature, something we know and can characterize
very, very well."
Cross points out that other thermometers based on the principle of thermal
expansion of a fluid, such as alcohol, are not hopelessly inaccurate. In
fact, they are as accurate as mercury thermometers and are suitable for
some applications that don't require stringent temperature control. For
example, alcohol thermometers might be suitable for measuring the
temperature of gasoline and other fuels, but they would be unsuitable for
monitoring the temperature of vaccines, the viability of which relies on
strict control of their temperature.
Visit the website at www.nist.gov/pml/mercury.cfm for more information
about how NIST can help your industry find an accurate, nontoxic and
environmentally benign alternative to mercury thermometers.
Tuesday, June 26, 2012
News Clippings 6/26/12
Oil Spill
Tropical Storm Debby may churn up tar balls from oil spill
By Harlan Kirgan
Mississippi Press
PASCAGOULA, Mississippi -- The meandering Tropical Storm Debby shut down much of the Gulf Island National Seashore, but its waves and wind also may be churning up tar balls, officials said Monday.
http://blog.gulflive.com/mississippi-press-news/2012/06/debby_may_churn_up_tar_balls.html
BP oil spill hastened loss of Louisiana marshes, study says
Washington Post
By Brian Vastag, Published: June 25
The 2010 BP oil spill accelerated the loss of Louisiana’s delicate marshlands, which were already rapidly disappearing before the largest oil spill in U.S. history, a new study reports.
Study: BP oil leak caused temporary erosion increase
Erosion rate tapered off over time
Baton Rouge Advocate
BY AMY WOLD
Heavily oiled areas in Barataria Bay showed twice the normal land erosion rates in the year and a half after the Deepwater Horizon/BP oil leak, according to a new scientific study released Monday.
http://theadvocate.com/home/3166281-125/bp-oil-leak-caused-temporary
Freshwater, sediment diversion from Mississippi River could build wetlands in Barataria Basin
By Mark Schleifstein
The Times-Picayune
Louisiana hopes to kick-start a major diversion of freshwater and sediment from the Mississippi River to build wetlands in the Barataria Basin, Garret Graves, chairman of the Louisiana Coastal Protection and Restoration Authority, said Monday at State of the Coast, a conference on Louisiana restoration issues.
http://www.nola.com/environment/index.ssf/2012/06/freshwater_sediment_diversion.html
State News
Hazardous waste program receives grant
Sun Herald
GULFPORT -- The Mississippi Department of Environmental Quality has given Harrison County a $22,000 grant for its household hazardous waste collection program.
"We could not do this without MDEQ," said Jenna Weatherford, county beautification director. "They have been beyond supportive, and have helped us with these grants from the beginning."http://www.sunherald.com/2012/06/25/4029130/hazardous-waste-program-receives.html
Are you putting the wrong waste in your garbage?
WTVA
TUPELO, Miss. (WTVA) - Everyday households go through lots of garbage and trash.
Most of it ends up in the outside waste container to be hauled off.
But, what we may not realize is that many of us are putting something in that container nearly every week that's not suppose to go there.
http://www.wtva.com/news/local/story/Are-you-putting-the-wrong-waste-in-your-garbage/wx3p7wnldk69a2zU0u2ipg.cspx
100 fishermen involved in tagging project
Hattiesburg American
OCEAN SPRINGS — The Gulf Coast Research Lab began its Tripletail Tagging Program in 2001.
The focus was to gather information on migrational and feeding habits of one of the more intriguing species found in the Gulf of Mexico.
Now in its 11th year, the program continues to be a success.
Conservation association to hold program on rigs as habitat
By Harlan Kirgan
Mississippi Press
GULFPORT, Mississippi -- Two marine experts are to talk about the importance of offshore oil platforms as habitat in the Gulf of Mexico during a program planned at 6:30 p.m. Wednesday at the Handsboro Community Center in Gulfport.
http://blog.gulflive.com/mississippi-press-news/2012/06/cca_to_hold_program_on_rigs_as.html
National News
Timber industry hopes Supreme Court will find EPA can’t regulate mud runoff from logging roads
By Associated Press, Published: June 25
GRANTS PASS, Ore. — The timber industry is hoping that the U.S. Supreme Court will maintain business as usual on controlling muddy water running off logging roads into salmon streams.
The high court decided Monday to take up a 9th U.S. Circuit Court of Appeals ruling that federal regulators should treat stormwater on industrial timberlands the same as pollution discharged from a factory, changing the longstanding practice that treats it like water coming off farm fields.
Man found guilty of money laundering, wire fraud involving $9.1M in renewable energy credits
By Associated Press, Published: June 25
BALTIMORE — A Maryland man accused of selling millions of dollars in fraudulent renewable energy credits was convicted Monday on all 42 counts against him, including money laundering, wire fraud and violations of the Clean Air act.
Japanese tsunami debris washing ashore in US; cleanup costs piling up
By Dan Springer
FoxNews.com
advertisement
More than 15 months after a powerful magnitude 9 earthquake triggered a tsunami in Japan, some of the estimated 1.5 million tons of debris is starting to wash up on U.S. beaches. Among the items: a soccer ball in Alaska, a fishing boat in Washington State and a large dock in Oregon.
Cleaning up beaches is usually done for free by volunteer groups, but this kind of global garbage is different.
http://www.foxnews.com/us/2012/06/25/japanese-tsunami-debris-washing-ashore-in-us-clean-up-costs-piling-up/?test=latestnews
On green jobs and DOE loans, the jury is still out
Politico
By: Andrew Restuccia and Darius Dixon
The Energy Department’s clean-energy loan program hasn’t yet yielded the kind of moonshot-style success that President Barack Obama envisions would transform the U.S. economy. But its results also go well beyond the $535 million collapse of Solyndra.
http://www.politico.com/news/stories/0612/77802.html
Top Obama energy aide: 'Fracking' rules coming by year's end
The Hill
By Ben Geman - 06/25/12 02:21 PM ET
- A senior White House official said Monday that regulations to toughen oversight of oil-and-gas “fracking” on federal lands are on track despite a two-month extension of the public comment period announced last week.http://thehill.com/blogs/e2-wire/e2-wire/234577-white-house-gas-fracking-rule-on-track-
Press Releases
EPA Proposes Updates and Deadline Extension for 2010 Cement Standards
Proposal would maintain significant air toxic reductions, while making cost-effective changes to provide greater flexibility for industry
WASHINGTON — In response to a federal court ruling and data from industry, the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) is proposing changes to its 2010 air standards for the Portland cement manufacturing industry. The proposal would continue the significant emission reductions from the 2010 standards while providing industry additional compliance flexibilities, including more time to implement the proposed updates by extending the compliance date for existing cement kilns from September 2013 to September 2015.
In December 2011, the U.S. Court of Appeals for the D.C. Circuit determined that EPA’s standards were legally sound, but asked the agency to account for rules finalized after the cement standards were issued. The proposed updates to certain emissions limits, monitoring requirements and compliance timelines – which are expected to result in additional cost savings for industry - are being made in response to this court remand and petitions for reconsideration of EPA’s 2010 final rule, which will dramatically cut emissions of mercury, particle pollution (PM), and other air toxics from cement production.
Based on new technical information, EPA is proposing to adjust the way cement kilns continuously monitor for particle pollution and would set new particle pollution emissions limits and averaging times to account for these changes. The proposed rule would not apply to kilns that burn non-hazardous solid waste; those kilns would be covered by other standards. The proposed extended compliance date would allow industry to reassess their emission control strategies in light of the proposed changes to the PM limits and monitoring methods.
EPA will accept comment on the proposed changes for 30 days after the proposal is published in the Federal Register. The agency will hold a public hearing if requested to do so. EPA will finalize the rule by December 20, 2012.
More information: http://www.epa.gov/ttn/oarpg/new.html
Friday, June 22, 2012
News Clippings 6/22/12
Oil Spill
Lawyers say timely payments vital in spill deal
By Emily Pickrell
Houston Chronicle
Gulf Coast residents who suffered economic damages in the 2010 oil spill
must start receiving payments soon under a proposed settlement to give the
deal credibility, participants in a Houston meeting on the proposal said.
http://www.chron.com/business/article/Lawyers-say-timely-payments-vital-in-spill-deal-3654044.php
State News
137 gallons of gasoline spilled on Ellisville State School campus
Hattiesburg American
A gasoline spill Wednesday at Ellisville State School caused a potential
environmental hazard to the campus and the surrounding area.
http://www.hattiesburgamerican.com/article/20120621/NEWS01/120621008/137-gallons-gasoline-spilled-Ellisville-State-School-campus
2 very different forecasts for Gulf dead zone
AP
Scientists from Louisiana and Michigan have very different predictions for
the size of this year's "dead zone" of low-oxygen in the Gulf of Mexico. It
will be the smallest in nearly a quarter century at just under 1,200 square
miles - or five times that size.
http://www.wlox.com/story/18851943/forecast-dead-zone-above-average-far-from-record
Gulf of Mexico 'dead zone' is forecast
UPI
WASHINGTON, June 21 (UPI) -- U.S. scientists say this year's Gulf of Mexico
hypoxic "dead zone" could range from a low of approximately 1,197 square
miles to as much as 6,213 square miles.
http://www.upi.com/Science_News/2012/06/21/Gulf-of-Mexico-dead-zone-is-forecast/UPI-35111340309214/
Predictions differ about size of 2012 'dead zone' in Gulf of Mexico
By Benjamin Alexander-Bloch
The Times-Picayune
Two Gulf of Mexico "dead zone" forecasts released Thursday could hardly be
more staggeringly different. The wide range of the dead zone's size in the
forecases is due to scientists' use of two different forecast models, and
the eventual size of the zone this year could help the scientific community
understand which model works best.
http://www.nola.com/environment/index.ssf/2012/06/predictions_differ_about_size.html
SummerFest wraps up with kayaks, outdoor expo
Hattiesburg American
Waterways and beaches all along the Mississippi Gulf Coast are seeing a
swell in paddlesport enthusiasts this week as the inaugural South Coast
SummerFest is in full swing.
http://www.hattiesburgamerican.com/article/20120622/NEWS01/206220312/SummerFest-wraps-up-kayaks-outdoor-expo
Childers Files Suit Over Fuel Spill
WCBI
OXFORD, Miss. (AP) - Former Mississippi Congressman Travis Childers claims
in a federal lawsuit that his property on Pickwick Lake was contaminated by
a fuel leak at the nearby Flagship Aqua Yacht Harbor.
http://www.wcbi.com/article.php?subaction=showfull&id=1340312170&archive=&start_from=&ucat=2&
County had the most trash picked up in district
By Jeremy Pittari
The Picayune Item
PEARL RIVER COUNTY — Trusties in Pearl River County litter crews picked up
more trash than litter crews in the 13 other counties within the State
Transportation Commission's Southern District.
http://picayuneitem.com/local/x1767475158/County-had-the-most-trash-picked-up-in-district
Court upholds firing of forester who opposed state logging plan
by Associated Press
FRANKLIN COUNTY — The Mississippi Court of Appeals has upheld the firing of
a Franklin County forester who opposed a logging plan pushed by the state.
http://msbusiness.com/2012/06/court-upholds-firing-of-forester-who-opposed-state-logging-plan/
National News
Navistar Fined by EPA Over Technology Built With Agency
Bloomberg
By Mark Drajem - Jun 21, 2012
The U.S. Environmental Protection Agency is fining diesel-engine maker
Navistar International Corp. (NAV) for shortcomings in pollution-control
technology the agency helped it develop.
http://www.bloomberg.com/news/2012-06-21/navistar-fined-by-epa-over-technology-built-with-agency.html
EPA blasted for requiring oil refiners to add type of fuel that's merely
hypothetical
By Jim Angle
Published June 21, 2012
FoxNews.com
Federal regulations can be maddening, but none more so than a current one
that demands oil refiners use millions of gallons of a substance,
cellulosic ethanol, that does not exist.
http://www.foxnews.com/politics/2012/06/21/regulation-requires-oil-refiners-use-millions-gallons-fuel-that-is-nonexistent/
Senate passes farm bill, rejects EPA flyover ban
By JIM ABRAMS
The Associated Press
WASHINGTON — The Senate on Thursday completed a five-year,
half-trillion-dollar farm bill that cuts farm subsidies and land
conservation spending by about $2 billion a year but largely protects sugar
growers and some 46 million food stamp beneficiaries.
http://journalstar.com/news/national/govt-and-politics/senate-passes-farm-bill-rejects-epa-flyover-ban/article_0d2ae238-0cc7-5ba7-a15f-e7929f32ffa6.html
U.N. chief unveils clean energy pledges, investments
Reuters
Thu, Jun 21 2012
By Valerie Volcovici
RIO DE JANEIRO (Reuters) - U.N. Secretary General Ban Ki-moon said on
Thursday that more than 50 governments have launched new energy strategies,
while private investors have pledged more than $50 billion to help carry
out his goal to double the share of global renewable energy and the rate of
energy efficiency improvement by 2030.
http://www.reuters.com/article/2012/06/21/us-un-climate-energy-idUSBRE85K1RI20120621
Report: Natural-gas trucks economical without incentives
The Hill
By Ben Geman - 06/21/12 12:05 PM ET
Low natural-gas prices mean that it's economical to power heavy trucks with
the fuel even without federal incentives, according to a new report that
finds up-front investment costs for the vehicles could be recovered in
three years.
http://thehill.com/blogs/e2-wire/e2-wire/234097-report-natural-gas-trucks-economic-without-incentives
EPA says much of Kalamazoo River, or 34 miles, to open 2 years after
840,000-gallon oil spill
By Associated Press, Published: June 21
DETROIT — Nearly all of the Kalamazoo River is being reopened for
recreational use and the cleanup of a massive oil spill nearly two years
ago is in its final stages, federal, state and local officials announced
Thursday.
http://www.washingtonpost.com/lifestyle/travel/epa-says-much-of-kalamazoo-river-or-34-miles-to-open-2-years-after-840000-gallon-oil-spill/2012/06/21/gJQAwDdvsV_print.html
Are Fracking Wastewater Wells Poisoning the Ground beneath Our Feet?
Leaking injection wells may pose a risk--and the science has not kept pace
with the growing glut of wastewater
By Abrahm Lustgarten and ProPublica | Thursday, June 21, 2012 | 13
Scientific American
Over the past several decades, U.S. industries have injected more than 30
trillion gallons of toxic liquid deep into the earth, using broad expanses
of the nation's geology as an invisible dumping ground.
http://www.scientificamerican.com/article.cfm?id=are-fracking-wastewater-wells-poisoning-ground-beneath-our-feeth
Opinion
Tackling global warming in 21 easy steps
Washington Post Blog
By Brad Plumer , Updated: June 21, 2012
In the past, whenever world leaders have huddled to discuss what to do
about this steadily warming planet of ours, they've usually endorsed one
big, sweeping solution. That was the logic behind the Kyoto Protocol — each
nation would promise sharp cuts in their overall carbon emissions.
http://www.washingtonpost.com/blogs/ezra-klein/wp/2012/06/21/tackling-global-warming-in-21-easy-steps/
Press Releases
EPA Announces $3 Million In Environmental Job Training Grants
Grants provide job trainees opportunities to protect public health in their
communities
WASHINGTON – Today at the Sewage and Water Board of New Orleans U.S.
Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) Assistant Administrator Mathy
Stanislaus announced that EPA is awarding $3 million to 15 grantees through
the Environmental Workforce Development and Job Training (EWDJT) program.
The grants will recruit, train, and place unemployed individuals in jobs
that address environmental challenges in their communities. These
investments will protect the health of local communities by targeting
economically disadvantaged neighborhoods where environmental cleanups and
jobs are often most needed.
"People want and deserve both a healthier environment and greater economic
opportunity," said Mathy Stanislaus, assistant administrator for EPA's
Office of Solid Waste and Emergency Response. "This training program for
environmental jobs has a proven track record. Approximately 71 percent of
graduates find employment in environmental fields that serve local
communities."
EPA's Environmental Workforce Development and Job Training program seeks to
stimulate the partnership development among local workforce investment
boards, community-based organizations, governmental entities, and academic
institutions. The program also helps to enhance the skills and the
availability of local labor while providing communities the flexibility to
design training programs that meet their individual market's demands and
preferences.
The 15 grantees are:
- North Star Center for Human Development, Inc., Connecticut – Plans to
train 60 students, and place at least 54 graduates in environmental jobs.
- Groundwork Providence, Rhode Island – Plans to train a minimum of 54
students, and place at least 45 graduates in environmental jobs.
- City of Glens Fall, New York - Plans to train 100 students, and place 90
graduates in environmental jobs.
- City Durham, North Carolina – Plans to train 60 students, and place 42
graduates in environmental jobs.
- City of Toledo, Ohio – Plans to train a minimum of 75 students, and place
at least 60 graduates in environmental jobs.
- City of Milwaukee, Wisconsin – Plans to train a minimum of 80 students,
and place at least 64 graduates in environmental jobs.
- Arkansas Construction Education Foundation, Arkansas – Plans to train 90
students, and place 72 graduates in environmental jobs.
- City of Camden, Arkansas – Plans to train 45 students, and place at least
36 graduates in environmental jobs.
- Limitless Vistas, Inc., Louisiana – Plans to train 40 students, and place
at least 32 graduates in environmental jobs.
- Iowa Western Community College, Iowa – Plans to train 100 students, and
place 80 graduates in jobs.
- Cypress Mandela Training Center, Inc., California – Plans to train a
minimum of 80 students, and place at least 60 graduates in environmental
jobs.
- Los Angeles Conservation Corps, California – Plans to train 60 students,
and place at least 48 graduates in environmental jobs.
- The Hunters Point Family, California – Plans to train a minimum of 54
students, and place at least 43 graduates in environmental jobs.
- Nye County, Nevada – Plans to train a minimum of 54 students, and place
at least 43 graduates in environmental jobs.
- Oregon Tradeswomen, Inc., Oregon - Plans to train a minimum of 30
students, and place at least 23 graduates in environmental jobs.
Since 1998, EPA has awarded more than $42 million under the Environmental
Workforce Development and Job Training program. As of June 2012,
approximately 10,300 individuals had completed training and approximately
7,300 obtained employment in the environmental field, with an average
starting hourly wage of $14.12. The development of this green workforce
will allow the trainees to develop skills that will make them competitive
in the construction and redevelopment fields.
Graduates of the program are equipped with skills and certifications in
various environmental fields including lead and asbestos abatement,
environmental site sampling, construction and demolition debris recycling,
underground storage tank removal, ecological restoration, and green
building techniques. Graduates use these skills to improve the environment
and people's health while supporting economic development in their
communities.
More information on environmental workforce development and job training
grants: http://www.epa.gov/brownfields/pilot_grants.htm
Lawyers say timely payments vital in spill deal
By Emily Pickrell
Houston Chronicle
Gulf Coast residents who suffered economic damages in the 2010 oil spill
must start receiving payments soon under a proposed settlement to give the
deal credibility, participants in a Houston meeting on the proposal said.
http://www.chron.com/business/article/Lawyers-say-timely-payments-vital-in-spill-deal-3654044.php
State News
137 gallons of gasoline spilled on Ellisville State School campus
Hattiesburg American
A gasoline spill Wednesday at Ellisville State School caused a potential
environmental hazard to the campus and the surrounding area.
http://www.hattiesburgamerican.com/article/20120621/NEWS01/120621008/137-gallons-gasoline-spilled-Ellisville-State-School-campus
2 very different forecasts for Gulf dead zone
AP
Scientists from Louisiana and Michigan have very different predictions for
the size of this year's "dead zone" of low-oxygen in the Gulf of Mexico. It
will be the smallest in nearly a quarter century at just under 1,200 square
miles - or five times that size.
http://www.wlox.com/story/18851943/forecast-dead-zone-above-average-far-from-record
Gulf of Mexico 'dead zone' is forecast
UPI
WASHINGTON, June 21 (UPI) -- U.S. scientists say this year's Gulf of Mexico
hypoxic "dead zone" could range from a low of approximately 1,197 square
miles to as much as 6,213 square miles.
http://www.upi.com/Science_News/2012/06/21/Gulf-of-Mexico-dead-zone-is-forecast/UPI-35111340309214/
Predictions differ about size of 2012 'dead zone' in Gulf of Mexico
By Benjamin Alexander-Bloch
The Times-Picayune
Two Gulf of Mexico "dead zone" forecasts released Thursday could hardly be
more staggeringly different. The wide range of the dead zone's size in the
forecases is due to scientists' use of two different forecast models, and
the eventual size of the zone this year could help the scientific community
understand which model works best.
http://www.nola.com/environment/index.ssf/2012/06/predictions_differ_about_size.html
SummerFest wraps up with kayaks, outdoor expo
Hattiesburg American
Waterways and beaches all along the Mississippi Gulf Coast are seeing a
swell in paddlesport enthusiasts this week as the inaugural South Coast
SummerFest is in full swing.
http://www.hattiesburgamerican.com/article/20120622/NEWS01/206220312/SummerFest-wraps-up-kayaks-outdoor-expo
Childers Files Suit Over Fuel Spill
WCBI
OXFORD, Miss. (AP) - Former Mississippi Congressman Travis Childers claims
in a federal lawsuit that his property on Pickwick Lake was contaminated by
a fuel leak at the nearby Flagship Aqua Yacht Harbor.
http://www.wcbi.com/article.php?subaction=showfull&id=1340312170&archive=&start_from=&ucat=2&
County had the most trash picked up in district
By Jeremy Pittari
The Picayune Item
PEARL RIVER COUNTY — Trusties in Pearl River County litter crews picked up
more trash than litter crews in the 13 other counties within the State
Transportation Commission's Southern District.
http://picayuneitem.com/local/x1767475158/County-had-the-most-trash-picked-up-in-district
Court upholds firing of forester who opposed state logging plan
by Associated Press
FRANKLIN COUNTY — The Mississippi Court of Appeals has upheld the firing of
a Franklin County forester who opposed a logging plan pushed by the state.
http://msbusiness.com/2012/06/court-upholds-firing-of-forester-who-opposed-state-logging-plan/
National News
Navistar Fined by EPA Over Technology Built With Agency
Bloomberg
By Mark Drajem - Jun 21, 2012
The U.S. Environmental Protection Agency is fining diesel-engine maker
Navistar International Corp. (NAV) for shortcomings in pollution-control
technology the agency helped it develop.
http://www.bloomberg.com/news/2012-06-21/navistar-fined-by-epa-over-technology-built-with-agency.html
EPA blasted for requiring oil refiners to add type of fuel that's merely
hypothetical
By Jim Angle
Published June 21, 2012
FoxNews.com
Federal regulations can be maddening, but none more so than a current one
that demands oil refiners use millions of gallons of a substance,
cellulosic ethanol, that does not exist.
http://www.foxnews.com/politics/2012/06/21/regulation-requires-oil-refiners-use-millions-gallons-fuel-that-is-nonexistent/
Senate passes farm bill, rejects EPA flyover ban
By JIM ABRAMS
The Associated Press
WASHINGTON — The Senate on Thursday completed a five-year,
half-trillion-dollar farm bill that cuts farm subsidies and land
conservation spending by about $2 billion a year but largely protects sugar
growers and some 46 million food stamp beneficiaries.
http://journalstar.com/news/national/govt-and-politics/senate-passes-farm-bill-rejects-epa-flyover-ban/article_0d2ae238-0cc7-5ba7-a15f-e7929f32ffa6.html
U.N. chief unveils clean energy pledges, investments
Reuters
Thu, Jun 21 2012
By Valerie Volcovici
RIO DE JANEIRO (Reuters) - U.N. Secretary General Ban Ki-moon said on
Thursday that more than 50 governments have launched new energy strategies,
while private investors have pledged more than $50 billion to help carry
out his goal to double the share of global renewable energy and the rate of
energy efficiency improvement by 2030.
http://www.reuters.com/article/2012/06/21/us-un-climate-energy-idUSBRE85K1RI20120621
Report: Natural-gas trucks economical without incentives
The Hill
By Ben Geman - 06/21/12 12:05 PM ET
Low natural-gas prices mean that it's economical to power heavy trucks with
the fuel even without federal incentives, according to a new report that
finds up-front investment costs for the vehicles could be recovered in
three years.
http://thehill.com/blogs/e2-wire/e2-wire/234097-report-natural-gas-trucks-economic-without-incentives
EPA says much of Kalamazoo River, or 34 miles, to open 2 years after
840,000-gallon oil spill
By Associated Press, Published: June 21
DETROIT — Nearly all of the Kalamazoo River is being reopened for
recreational use and the cleanup of a massive oil spill nearly two years
ago is in its final stages, federal, state and local officials announced
Thursday.
http://www.washingtonpost.com/lifestyle/travel/epa-says-much-of-kalamazoo-river-or-34-miles-to-open-2-years-after-840000-gallon-oil-spill/2012/06/21/gJQAwDdvsV_print.html
Are Fracking Wastewater Wells Poisoning the Ground beneath Our Feet?
Leaking injection wells may pose a risk--and the science has not kept pace
with the growing glut of wastewater
By Abrahm Lustgarten and ProPublica | Thursday, June 21, 2012 | 13
Scientific American
Over the past several decades, U.S. industries have injected more than 30
trillion gallons of toxic liquid deep into the earth, using broad expanses
of the nation's geology as an invisible dumping ground.
http://www.scientificamerican.com/article.cfm?id=are-fracking-wastewater-wells-poisoning-ground-beneath-our-feeth
Opinion
Tackling global warming in 21 easy steps
Washington Post Blog
By Brad Plumer , Updated: June 21, 2012
In the past, whenever world leaders have huddled to discuss what to do
about this steadily warming planet of ours, they've usually endorsed one
big, sweeping solution. That was the logic behind the Kyoto Protocol — each
nation would promise sharp cuts in their overall carbon emissions.
http://www.washingtonpost.com/blogs/ezra-klein/wp/2012/06/21/tackling-global-warming-in-21-easy-steps/
Press Releases
EPA Announces $3 Million In Environmental Job Training Grants
Grants provide job trainees opportunities to protect public health in their
communities
WASHINGTON – Today at the Sewage and Water Board of New Orleans U.S.
Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) Assistant Administrator Mathy
Stanislaus announced that EPA is awarding $3 million to 15 grantees through
the Environmental Workforce Development and Job Training (EWDJT) program.
The grants will recruit, train, and place unemployed individuals in jobs
that address environmental challenges in their communities. These
investments will protect the health of local communities by targeting
economically disadvantaged neighborhoods where environmental cleanups and
jobs are often most needed.
"People want and deserve both a healthier environment and greater economic
opportunity," said Mathy Stanislaus, assistant administrator for EPA's
Office of Solid Waste and Emergency Response. "This training program for
environmental jobs has a proven track record. Approximately 71 percent of
graduates find employment in environmental fields that serve local
communities."
EPA's Environmental Workforce Development and Job Training program seeks to
stimulate the partnership development among local workforce investment
boards, community-based organizations, governmental entities, and academic
institutions. The program also helps to enhance the skills and the
availability of local labor while providing communities the flexibility to
design training programs that meet their individual market's demands and
preferences.
The 15 grantees are:
- North Star Center for Human Development, Inc., Connecticut – Plans to
train 60 students, and place at least 54 graduates in environmental jobs.
- Groundwork Providence, Rhode Island – Plans to train a minimum of 54
students, and place at least 45 graduates in environmental jobs.
- City of Glens Fall, New York - Plans to train 100 students, and place 90
graduates in environmental jobs.
- City Durham, North Carolina – Plans to train 60 students, and place 42
graduates in environmental jobs.
- City of Toledo, Ohio – Plans to train a minimum of 75 students, and place
at least 60 graduates in environmental jobs.
- City of Milwaukee, Wisconsin – Plans to train a minimum of 80 students,
and place at least 64 graduates in environmental jobs.
- Arkansas Construction Education Foundation, Arkansas – Plans to train 90
students, and place 72 graduates in environmental jobs.
- City of Camden, Arkansas – Plans to train 45 students, and place at least
36 graduates in environmental jobs.
- Limitless Vistas, Inc., Louisiana – Plans to train 40 students, and place
at least 32 graduates in environmental jobs.
- Iowa Western Community College, Iowa – Plans to train 100 students, and
place 80 graduates in jobs.
- Cypress Mandela Training Center, Inc., California – Plans to train a
minimum of 80 students, and place at least 60 graduates in environmental
jobs.
- Los Angeles Conservation Corps, California – Plans to train 60 students,
and place at least 48 graduates in environmental jobs.
- The Hunters Point Family, California – Plans to train a minimum of 54
students, and place at least 43 graduates in environmental jobs.
- Nye County, Nevada – Plans to train a minimum of 54 students, and place
at least 43 graduates in environmental jobs.
- Oregon Tradeswomen, Inc., Oregon - Plans to train a minimum of 30
students, and place at least 23 graduates in environmental jobs.
Since 1998, EPA has awarded more than $42 million under the Environmental
Workforce Development and Job Training program. As of June 2012,
approximately 10,300 individuals had completed training and approximately
7,300 obtained employment in the environmental field, with an average
starting hourly wage of $14.12. The development of this green workforce
will allow the trainees to develop skills that will make them competitive
in the construction and redevelopment fields.
Graduates of the program are equipped with skills and certifications in
various environmental fields including lead and asbestos abatement,
environmental site sampling, construction and demolition debris recycling,
underground storage tank removal, ecological restoration, and green
building techniques. Graduates use these skills to improve the environment
and people's health while supporting economic development in their
communities.
More information on environmental workforce development and job training
grants: http://www.epa.gov/brownfields/pilot_grants.htm
Wednesday, June 20, 2012
News Clippings 6/20/12
Oil Spill
New oil spill offices get 13,000 claims in first 2 weeks of operation
By Brendan Kirby
Press-Register
More than 13,000 residents and businesses submitted claims during the first
2 weeks of the administration of a court-monitored settlement of litigation
involving the Gulf oil spill, officials said this afternoon.
http://blog.al.com/live/2012/06/new_oil_spill_offices_get_1300.html
State News
Air quality appeal likely
DeSoto Times
By ROBERT LEE LONG
DeSoto County will likely pursue a two-prong approach in registering its
appeal of the Environmental Protection Agency's placing of DeSoto County
within the non attainment region along with Shelby and Crittenden counties
in Tennessee and Arkansas, respectively.
http://www.desototimes.com/articles/2012/06/20/news/doc4fdfcb7685137902780679.txt
Health experts dispute cancer epidemic claims in Moss Point
WLOX
Health experts in Jackson County are disputing claims that there is a
cancer epidemic in Moss Point.
http://www.wlox.com/story/18830147/jackson-county-health-experts-dispute-cancer-epedemic-claims
Commission on Marine Resources asks for more studies before requiring
turtle excluder devices on trawlers in state waters
Harlan Kirgan
Mississippi Press
BILOXI, Mississippi -- Before a federal rule is launched to require shrimp
skimmer trawlers to have turtle excluder devices in state waters, the
Mississippi Commission on Marine Resources approved a resolution requesting
additional turtle population studies be conducted.
http://blog.gulflive.com/mississippi-press-news/2012/06/commission_on_marine_resources.html
Shrimp Season Holds Promise with Lower Fuel Costs and Average Catches
MPB
PUBLISHED BY RHONDA MILLER ON 19 JUN 2012 06:11PM
Shrimping in Mississippi is showing signs of improvement after a string of
catastrophes. Three weeks into the 2012 season, MPB's Rhonda Miller reports
shrimpers are cautiously optimistic.
http://mpbonline.org/News/article/shrimp_season_holds_promise_with_average_start
Loggerhead Turtle nests discovered on Mississippi's mainland
WLOX
For the first time in more than 20 years, Loggerhead Turtle nests have been
discovered on the mainland beaches of Mississippi.
http://www.wlox.com/story/18825851/rare-discovery-loggerhead-turtle-nests-found-in-mississippi
Rare loggerhead sea turtle nests spotted on South Mississippi beaches
Sun Herald
By MICHAEL NEWSOM — mmnewsom@sunherald.com
It's been about 20 years since rare loggerhead sea turtles had been
documented nesting on Mississippi Coast beaches, but recently two nesting
sites were discovered.
http://www.sunherald.com/2012/06/19/4018143/rare-loggerhead-sea-turtle-nests.html
5 Takeaways From The CTIC's Tour Of The Yazoo-Mississippi Delta
Annual 2012 Conservation In Action Tour shines a light on conservation best
practices throughout the Mississippi Delta region.
By Matthew J. Grassi
As the 2012 Conservation In Action Tour in the Yazoo-Mississippi Delta
wrapped up a lunch stop and the Conservation Technology Expo at the Mill
Creek Gin just north of Clarkston, MS, a light rain that had been briefly
pitter-pattering on the facilities' metal roof morphed into an intense,
deafening roar.
http://www.croplife.com/article/28804/5-takeaways-from-the-ctic-s-tour-of-the-yazoo-mississippi-delta
National News
House Republicans Propose Cutting EPA Budget, Preventing Rules
Bloomberg
By Mark Drajem - Jun 19, 2012
Republicans in the U.S. Congress proposed a budget for the U.S.
Environmental Protection Agency that would set funding at the lowest level
since 1997 and prevent the agency from issuing clean-water standards.
http://www.bloomberg.com/news/2012-06-19/house-republicans-propose-cutting-epa-budget-preventing-rules.html
Report: Southern spent $17.5 million to fight EPA rules
By Kristi E. Swartz
The Atlanta Journal-Constitution
Atlanta-based Southern Co. spent $17.5 million lobbying against federal
environmental rules that eventually will cause the nation's largest utility
to close or retrofit several of its coal-fired power plants, according to a
report released Tuesday.
http://www.ajc.com/business/report-southern-spent-17-1460730.html
Mississippi mud may be used to stave off erosion
AP
NEW ORLEANS — There's mud - lots of it - flowing down the Mississippi River
and getting washed out into the Gulf of Mexico every day.
http://www.hattiesburgamerican.com/article/20120620/NEWS01/206200313/Mississippi-mud-may-used-stave-off-erosion
W.Va. chicken grower sues EPA over order to clean up water that flows into
Chesapeake Bay
By Associated Press, Updated: Wednesday, June 20, 5:59 AM
MORGANTOWN, W.Va. — A West Virginia chicken farmer is suing the EPA to stop
it from imposing wastewater rules on her farm as part of a multi-state
effort to clean up Chesapeake Bay.
http://www.washingtonpost.com/national/wva-chicken-grower-says-epa-overstepped-its-authority-in-issuing-water-pollution-order/2012/06/20/gJQA7iyrpV_print.html
Criminal Inquiry Focuses on EPA Email
Wall Street Journal
By DEVLIN BARRETT
Federal prosecutors are conducting a criminal investigation into whether
the Environmental Protection Agency misled the courts about a pollution
case in Omaha, Neb., that led to a $187 million settlement with the former
owner of a lead refinery, according to court records and people involved
in the matter.
http://online.wsj.com/article/SB10001424052702303379204577476580345904836.html
Opinion
Mercury rule at center of the war on coal
By James Inhofe, Special to CNN
Editor's note: James Inhofe, a Republican, is the senior senator from
Oklahoma and ranking minority member of the Senate Committee on Environment
and Public Works.
(CNN) -- On Wednesday, the U.S. Senate will have the opportunity to put a
stop to one of the most expensive Environmental Protection Agency rules in
history: the Mercury and Air Toxic Standards rule. This is the centerpiece
of President Obama's war on coal.
http://www.cnn.com/2012/06/19/opinion/inhofe-overturn-epa-mercury-standards/index.html
Press Releases
|----------------------------------------------------------------------------|
| Secretary Vilsack Announces 23 New Water Quality Improvement Projects in |
| Nine Mississippi River Basin States |
|----------------------------------------------------------------------------|
| |
|----------------------------------------------------------------------------|
| |
|WASHINGTON, June 19, 2012—Agriculture Secretary Tom Vilsack today announced |
|that $8.4 million in financial assistance is available to support 23 new |
|partnership projects in several Mississippi River Basin states under USDA's |
|Mississippi River Basin Healthy Watersheds Initiative (MRBI). These projects|
|will fund producer activities that will avoid, control and trap sediment and|
|nutrient runoff from agricultural lands, improving water quality throughout |
|their operations. |
| |
| |
|"We are building on our Mississippi River actions from previous years by |
|continuing to target priority conservation practices in priority watersheds |
|to improve water quality in the basin," Vilsack said. "USDA is committed to |
|working cooperatively with agricultural producers, partner organizations and|
|state and local agencies to improve water quality and the quality of life |
|for the millions of people who live in the Mississippi River Basin." |
| |
| |
|The MRBI was first announced in September 2009 and provides financial |
|assistance for voluntary projects in priority watersheds in Arkansas, |
|Kentucky, Illinois, Indiana, Iowa, Louisiana, Minnesota, Mississippi, |
|Missouri, Ohio, Tennessee and Wisconsin. MRBI is helping producers implement|
|conservation and management practices that prevent, control and trap |
|nutrient runoff from agricultural land. Selections were based on the |
|potential for managing nitrogen and phosphorus -- nutrients associated with |
|water quality problems in the Basin -- while maintaining agricultural |
|productivity and benefiting wildlife. USDA's Natural Resources Conservation |
|Service (NRCS) manages the initiative. |
| |
| |
|The 23 selected projects are located in Arkansas, Iowa, Kentucky, Minnesota,|
|Mississippi, Missouri, Ohio, South Dakota and Wisconsin. |
| |
| |
|Below are examples of selected projects and the financial assistance |
|available for their implementation in fiscal year 2012: |
| |
| |
| · Middle Cache River Project (Arkansas) - $222,900 to improve water |
| quality, reduce sediment and enhance wildlife habitat in a watershed |
| near the Cache River National Wildlife Refuge. This project supports |
| the America's Great Outdoors Initiative, a commitment by federal, |
| state, and local entities to preserve and protect the nation's natural|
| and cultural heritage. Sponsor: the Jackson County Conservation |
| District. |
| |
| |
| · Upper Minnesota River Project (South Dakota) - $247,287 to improve |
| water quality by helping landowners avoid, control and trap nutrient |
| and sediment runoff from private and Tribal lands. Sponsors: the |
| Roberts Conservation District, the Sisseton-Wahpeton Oyate Tribe and |
| others. |
| |
| |
| · Lindsey-Honey Creek Watershed Project (Iowa) - $329,000 to reduce |
| nitrogen entering the Mississippi River from the Maquoketa River |
| Basin. Sponsor: The Delaware County Soil and Water Conservation |
| District. |
| |
| |
| · Middle Fork of Salt River Watershed Project (Missouri) - $366,188 to |
| improve and monitor water quality and agricultural productivity. |
| Sponsor: Randolph County Soil and Water Conservation District. |
| |
| |
|The projects are funded through NRCS's Cooperative Conservation Partnership |
|Initiative (CCPI), which engages local partners to help provide outreach and|
|technical assistance to agricultural producers. CCPI funds both new and |
|existing projects each year. Earlier this year, NRCS provided nearly $64 |
|million in financial assistance through Farm Bill conservation programs to |
|support the 95 existing MRBI projects first funded in 2010 and 2011. |
| |
| |
|USDA works with state and local governments and private landowners to |
|conserve and protect our nation's natural resources, helping preserve our |
|land, and clean our air and water. In 2011, USDA enrolled a record number of|
|acres of private working lands in conservation programs, working with more |
|than 500,000 farmers and ranchers to implement conservation practices that |
|clean the air we breathe, filter the water we drink, and prevent soil |
|erosion. President Obama launched the America's Great Outdoors initiative in|
|2010 to foster a 21st century approach to conservation that is designed by |
|and accomplished in partnership with the American people. During the past |
|two years, USDA's conservation agencies—the Natural Resources Conservation |
|Service, the U.S. Forest Service, and the Farm Service Agency—have delivered|
|technical assistance and implemented restoration practices on public and |
|private lands. We are working to better target conservation investments, |
|embracing locally driven conservation and entering partnerships that focus |
|on large, landscape-scale conservation. |
| |
| |
|Learn more about the CCPI and the MRBI at |
|http://www.nrcs.usda.gov/wps/portal/nrcs/main/national/programs. |
| |
| |
|# |
|----------------------------------------------------------------------------|
The U.S. Conference of Mayors Praises EPA's Newly Released Integrated
Planning Framework
PUBLISHED TUESDAY, JUN. 19, 2012
WASHINGTON, June 19, 2012 -- Framework Marks Major New Milestone
Modernizing EPA's Implementation of the Clean Water Act
WASHINGTON, June 19, 2012 /PRNewswire-USNewswire/ -- The U.S. Conference of
Mayors welcomes the release of EPA's Integrated Planning Framework for
implementing the Clean Water Act (CWA). The Framework, (also known as IP3),
is designed to promote greater flexibility for cities struggling to finance
and maintain existing wastewater infrastructure and services and respond to
new federal regulations that expand city responsibilities, such as costly
control of stormwater and sewer overflows.
(Logo: http://photos.prnewswire.com/prnh/20110125/MM36443LOGO)
The Framework outlines several key principles to guide how EPA will work
with cities and utilities "...to implement an integrated approach to meet
their wastewater and stormwater program obligations under the CWA." The
Framework contains a description of the elements that should be included in
an integrated plan. EPA states that cities can ask the Agency to work with
them and state regulators on integrated plans whether or not they are in a
consent decree agreement, or are developing one.
Tom Cochran, CEO and Executive Director of the Conference stated, "We are
delighted to receive the Integrated Planning Framework from the U.S.
Environmental Protection Agency, and look forward to working closely with
the Agency in our cities and regions to move forward on clean water goals
that are affordable and sustainable."
Cochran added, "The Framework provides a way for the federal, state, and
local government, as well as the citizens in our cities, to rebuild a
partnership to solve water quality issues. It establishes a formal
recognition by EPA that unfunded mandates should consider a city's limited
resources, and that they can work together to direct local investments that
address our most pressing water quality, public health and environmental
issues."
The Conference will continue to work with its member cities and the EPA to
implement this important new approach to making progress on clean water
goals and determine how to deal with critical issues such as: affordability
and fiscal impact on our most vulnerable households (low, moderate and
fixed income households); moving away from enforcement driven consent
decree actions to planning and partnering with EPA; and how to merge
consideration of drinking water mandates simultaneously with CWA
obligations.
"The EPA has, with the issuance of this policy, opened the door to
cooperation. It signals a modernization of the regulatory approach, and
provides a foundation from which adversarial relations can now morph back
into the intergovernmental partnership that cities value so much,"
concluded Cochran.
The U.S. Conference of Mayors is the official nonpartisan organization of
cities with populations of 30,000 or more. There are 1,210 such cities in
the country today, and each city is represented in the Conference by its
chief elected official, the mayor. Find us at usmayors.org, on
facebook.com/usmayors, or follow us on Twitter at twitter.com/usmayors.
SOURCE The U.S. Conference of Mayors
http://www.sacbee.com/2012/06/19/4573439/the-us-conference-of-mayors-praises.html
New oil spill offices get 13,000 claims in first 2 weeks of operation
By Brendan Kirby
Press-Register
More than 13,000 residents and businesses submitted claims during the first
2 weeks of the administration of a court-monitored settlement of litigation
involving the Gulf oil spill, officials said this afternoon.
http://blog.al.com/live/2012/06/new_oil_spill_offices_get_1300.html
State News
Air quality appeal likely
DeSoto Times
By ROBERT LEE LONG
DeSoto County will likely pursue a two-prong approach in registering its
appeal of the Environmental Protection Agency's placing of DeSoto County
within the non attainment region along with Shelby and Crittenden counties
in Tennessee and Arkansas, respectively.
http://www.desototimes.com/articles/2012/06/20/news/doc4fdfcb7685137902780679.txt
Health experts dispute cancer epidemic claims in Moss Point
WLOX
Health experts in Jackson County are disputing claims that there is a
cancer epidemic in Moss Point.
http://www.wlox.com/story/18830147/jackson-county-health-experts-dispute-cancer-epedemic-claims
Commission on Marine Resources asks for more studies before requiring
turtle excluder devices on trawlers in state waters
Harlan Kirgan
Mississippi Press
BILOXI, Mississippi -- Before a federal rule is launched to require shrimp
skimmer trawlers to have turtle excluder devices in state waters, the
Mississippi Commission on Marine Resources approved a resolution requesting
additional turtle population studies be conducted.
http://blog.gulflive.com/mississippi-press-news/2012/06/commission_on_marine_resources.html
Shrimp Season Holds Promise with Lower Fuel Costs and Average Catches
MPB
PUBLISHED BY RHONDA MILLER ON 19 JUN 2012 06:11PM
Shrimping in Mississippi is showing signs of improvement after a string of
catastrophes. Three weeks into the 2012 season, MPB's Rhonda Miller reports
shrimpers are cautiously optimistic.
http://mpbonline.org/News/article/shrimp_season_holds_promise_with_average_start
Loggerhead Turtle nests discovered on Mississippi's mainland
WLOX
For the first time in more than 20 years, Loggerhead Turtle nests have been
discovered on the mainland beaches of Mississippi.
http://www.wlox.com/story/18825851/rare-discovery-loggerhead-turtle-nests-found-in-mississippi
Rare loggerhead sea turtle nests spotted on South Mississippi beaches
Sun Herald
By MICHAEL NEWSOM — mmnewsom@sunherald.com
It's been about 20 years since rare loggerhead sea turtles had been
documented nesting on Mississippi Coast beaches, but recently two nesting
sites were discovered.
http://www.sunherald.com/2012/06/19/4018143/rare-loggerhead-sea-turtle-nests.html
5 Takeaways From The CTIC's Tour Of The Yazoo-Mississippi Delta
Annual 2012 Conservation In Action Tour shines a light on conservation best
practices throughout the Mississippi Delta region.
By Matthew J. Grassi
As the 2012 Conservation In Action Tour in the Yazoo-Mississippi Delta
wrapped up a lunch stop and the Conservation Technology Expo at the Mill
Creek Gin just north of Clarkston, MS, a light rain that had been briefly
pitter-pattering on the facilities' metal roof morphed into an intense,
deafening roar.
http://www.croplife.com/article/28804/5-takeaways-from-the-ctic-s-tour-of-the-yazoo-mississippi-delta
National News
House Republicans Propose Cutting EPA Budget, Preventing Rules
Bloomberg
By Mark Drajem - Jun 19, 2012
Republicans in the U.S. Congress proposed a budget for the U.S.
Environmental Protection Agency that would set funding at the lowest level
since 1997 and prevent the agency from issuing clean-water standards.
http://www.bloomberg.com/news/2012-06-19/house-republicans-propose-cutting-epa-budget-preventing-rules.html
Report: Southern spent $17.5 million to fight EPA rules
By Kristi E. Swartz
The Atlanta Journal-Constitution
Atlanta-based Southern Co. spent $17.5 million lobbying against federal
environmental rules that eventually will cause the nation's largest utility
to close or retrofit several of its coal-fired power plants, according to a
report released Tuesday.
http://www.ajc.com/business/report-southern-spent-17-1460730.html
Mississippi mud may be used to stave off erosion
AP
NEW ORLEANS — There's mud - lots of it - flowing down the Mississippi River
and getting washed out into the Gulf of Mexico every day.
http://www.hattiesburgamerican.com/article/20120620/NEWS01/206200313/Mississippi-mud-may-used-stave-off-erosion
W.Va. chicken grower sues EPA over order to clean up water that flows into
Chesapeake Bay
By Associated Press, Updated: Wednesday, June 20, 5:59 AM
MORGANTOWN, W.Va. — A West Virginia chicken farmer is suing the EPA to stop
it from imposing wastewater rules on her farm as part of a multi-state
effort to clean up Chesapeake Bay.
http://www.washingtonpost.com/national/wva-chicken-grower-says-epa-overstepped-its-authority-in-issuing-water-pollution-order/2012/06/20/gJQA7iyrpV_print.html
Criminal Inquiry Focuses on EPA Email
Wall Street Journal
By DEVLIN BARRETT
Federal prosecutors are conducting a criminal investigation into whether
the Environmental Protection Agency misled the courts about a pollution
case in Omaha, Neb., that led to a $187 million settlement with the former
owner of a lead refinery, according to court records and people involved
in the matter.
http://online.wsj.com/article/SB10001424052702303379204577476580345904836.html
Opinion
Mercury rule at center of the war on coal
By James Inhofe, Special to CNN
Editor's note: James Inhofe, a Republican, is the senior senator from
Oklahoma and ranking minority member of the Senate Committee on Environment
and Public Works.
(CNN) -- On Wednesday, the U.S. Senate will have the opportunity to put a
stop to one of the most expensive Environmental Protection Agency rules in
history: the Mercury and Air Toxic Standards rule. This is the centerpiece
of President Obama's war on coal.
http://www.cnn.com/2012/06/19/opinion/inhofe-overturn-epa-mercury-standards/index.html
Press Releases
|----------------------------------------------------------------------------|
| Secretary Vilsack Announces 23 New Water Quality Improvement Projects in |
| Nine Mississippi River Basin States |
|----------------------------------------------------------------------------|
| |
|----------------------------------------------------------------------------|
| |
|WASHINGTON, June 19, 2012—Agriculture Secretary Tom Vilsack today announced |
|that $8.4 million in financial assistance is available to support 23 new |
|partnership projects in several Mississippi River Basin states under USDA's |
|Mississippi River Basin Healthy Watersheds Initiative (MRBI). These projects|
|will fund producer activities that will avoid, control and trap sediment and|
|nutrient runoff from agricultural lands, improving water quality throughout |
|their operations. |
| |
| |
|"We are building on our Mississippi River actions from previous years by |
|continuing to target priority conservation practices in priority watersheds |
|to improve water quality in the basin," Vilsack said. "USDA is committed to |
|working cooperatively with agricultural producers, partner organizations and|
|state and local agencies to improve water quality and the quality of life |
|for the millions of people who live in the Mississippi River Basin." |
| |
| |
|The MRBI was first announced in September 2009 and provides financial |
|assistance for voluntary projects in priority watersheds in Arkansas, |
|Kentucky, Illinois, Indiana, Iowa, Louisiana, Minnesota, Mississippi, |
|Missouri, Ohio, Tennessee and Wisconsin. MRBI is helping producers implement|
|conservation and management practices that prevent, control and trap |
|nutrient runoff from agricultural land. Selections were based on the |
|potential for managing nitrogen and phosphorus -- nutrients associated with |
|water quality problems in the Basin -- while maintaining agricultural |
|productivity and benefiting wildlife. USDA's Natural Resources Conservation |
|Service (NRCS) manages the initiative. |
| |
| |
|The 23 selected projects are located in Arkansas, Iowa, Kentucky, Minnesota,|
|Mississippi, Missouri, Ohio, South Dakota and Wisconsin. |
| |
| |
|Below are examples of selected projects and the financial assistance |
|available for their implementation in fiscal year 2012: |
| |
| |
| · Middle Cache River Project (Arkansas) - $222,900 to improve water |
| quality, reduce sediment and enhance wildlife habitat in a watershed |
| near the Cache River National Wildlife Refuge. This project supports |
| the America's Great Outdoors Initiative, a commitment by federal, |
| state, and local entities to preserve and protect the nation's natural|
| and cultural heritage. Sponsor: the Jackson County Conservation |
| District. |
| |
| |
| · Upper Minnesota River Project (South Dakota) - $247,287 to improve |
| water quality by helping landowners avoid, control and trap nutrient |
| and sediment runoff from private and Tribal lands. Sponsors: the |
| Roberts Conservation District, the Sisseton-Wahpeton Oyate Tribe and |
| others. |
| |
| |
| · Lindsey-Honey Creek Watershed Project (Iowa) - $329,000 to reduce |
| nitrogen entering the Mississippi River from the Maquoketa River |
| Basin. Sponsor: The Delaware County Soil and Water Conservation |
| District. |
| |
| |
| · Middle Fork of Salt River Watershed Project (Missouri) - $366,188 to |
| improve and monitor water quality and agricultural productivity. |
| Sponsor: Randolph County Soil and Water Conservation District. |
| |
| |
|The projects are funded through NRCS's Cooperative Conservation Partnership |
|Initiative (CCPI), which engages local partners to help provide outreach and|
|technical assistance to agricultural producers. CCPI funds both new and |
|existing projects each year. Earlier this year, NRCS provided nearly $64 |
|million in financial assistance through Farm Bill conservation programs to |
|support the 95 existing MRBI projects first funded in 2010 and 2011. |
| |
| |
|USDA works with state and local governments and private landowners to |
|conserve and protect our nation's natural resources, helping preserve our |
|land, and clean our air and water. In 2011, USDA enrolled a record number of|
|acres of private working lands in conservation programs, working with more |
|than 500,000 farmers and ranchers to implement conservation practices that |
|clean the air we breathe, filter the water we drink, and prevent soil |
|erosion. President Obama launched the America's Great Outdoors initiative in|
|2010 to foster a 21st century approach to conservation that is designed by |
|and accomplished in partnership with the American people. During the past |
|two years, USDA's conservation agencies—the Natural Resources Conservation |
|Service, the U.S. Forest Service, and the Farm Service Agency—have delivered|
|technical assistance and implemented restoration practices on public and |
|private lands. We are working to better target conservation investments, |
|embracing locally driven conservation and entering partnerships that focus |
|on large, landscape-scale conservation. |
| |
| |
|Learn more about the CCPI and the MRBI at |
|http://www.nrcs.usda.gov/wps/portal/nrcs/main/national/programs. |
| |
| |
|# |
|----------------------------------------------------------------------------|
The U.S. Conference of Mayors Praises EPA's Newly Released Integrated
Planning Framework
PUBLISHED TUESDAY, JUN. 19, 2012
WASHINGTON, June 19, 2012 -- Framework Marks Major New Milestone
Modernizing EPA's Implementation of the Clean Water Act
WASHINGTON, June 19, 2012 /PRNewswire-USNewswire/ -- The U.S. Conference of
Mayors welcomes the release of EPA's Integrated Planning Framework for
implementing the Clean Water Act (CWA). The Framework, (also known as IP3),
is designed to promote greater flexibility for cities struggling to finance
and maintain existing wastewater infrastructure and services and respond to
new federal regulations that expand city responsibilities, such as costly
control of stormwater and sewer overflows.
(Logo: http://photos.prnewswire.com/prnh/20110125/MM36443LOGO)
The Framework outlines several key principles to guide how EPA will work
with cities and utilities "...to implement an integrated approach to meet
their wastewater and stormwater program obligations under the CWA." The
Framework contains a description of the elements that should be included in
an integrated plan. EPA states that cities can ask the Agency to work with
them and state regulators on integrated plans whether or not they are in a
consent decree agreement, or are developing one.
Tom Cochran, CEO and Executive Director of the Conference stated, "We are
delighted to receive the Integrated Planning Framework from the U.S.
Environmental Protection Agency, and look forward to working closely with
the Agency in our cities and regions to move forward on clean water goals
that are affordable and sustainable."
Cochran added, "The Framework provides a way for the federal, state, and
local government, as well as the citizens in our cities, to rebuild a
partnership to solve water quality issues. It establishes a formal
recognition by EPA that unfunded mandates should consider a city's limited
resources, and that they can work together to direct local investments that
address our most pressing water quality, public health and environmental
issues."
The Conference will continue to work with its member cities and the EPA to
implement this important new approach to making progress on clean water
goals and determine how to deal with critical issues such as: affordability
and fiscal impact on our most vulnerable households (low, moderate and
fixed income households); moving away from enforcement driven consent
decree actions to planning and partnering with EPA; and how to merge
consideration of drinking water mandates simultaneously with CWA
obligations.
"The EPA has, with the issuance of this policy, opened the door to
cooperation. It signals a modernization of the regulatory approach, and
provides a foundation from which adversarial relations can now morph back
into the intergovernmental partnership that cities value so much,"
concluded Cochran.
The U.S. Conference of Mayors is the official nonpartisan organization of
cities with populations of 30,000 or more. There are 1,210 such cities in
the country today, and each city is represented in the Conference by its
chief elected official, the mayor. Find us at usmayors.org, on
facebook.com/usmayors, or follow us on Twitter at twitter.com/usmayors.
SOURCE The U.S. Conference of Mayors
http://www.sacbee.com/2012/06/19/4573439/the-us-conference-of-mayors-praises.html
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