7.11.2013
Oil Spill
Miss. Coastal Businesses Still In Fight Over Oil Spill Claims
MPB
Millions of dollars are at stake for Mississippi businesses if a federal
court agrees to BP's request to change the ways oil spill claims are
processed.
http://mpbonline.org/News/article/miss._coast_businesses_still_in_fight_over_oil_spill_claims
US government assessment of BP oil spill 'will not account for damage'
Efforts to put a price on damage from disaster fails to capture full extent
of environmental losses in Gulf waters
The Guardian
The US government cannot hope to arrive at a full accounting of the
environmental destruction caused by the BP oil disaster in the Gulf of
Mexico using its current methods, an expert panel has said.
http://www.guardian.co.uk/environment/2013/jul/11/us-assessment-bp-oil-spill-damage
Okaloosa hires firm for RESTORE Act work
By KARI C. BARLOW / Daily News
Published: Wednesday, July 10, 2013 at 16:43 PM.
Okaloosa County has selected Matrix Design Group, a national engineering
firm with an office in Niceville, to serve as its RESTORE Act consultant.
http://www.nwfdailynews.com/local/okaloosa-hires-firm-for-restore-act-work-document-1.170373
State News
Pipeline into Jackson county sparks questions of oversight, communication
Sun Herald
By MICHAEL NEWSOM — mmnewsom@sunherald.com
An oil pipeline already under construction and running from Semmes, Ala.,
to Chevron's Pascagoula refinery has caused questions from Mississippi
officials and the public about communication and oversight of the project.
http://www.sunherald.com/2013/07/10/4789529/pipeline-into-jackson-county-sparks.html
Rare disease tied to buffalo fish sickens family
WLBT
The Mississippi State Department of Health reports three members of a
Mississippi family have been diagnosed with a rare but serious disease
linked to buffalo fish.
http://www.msnewsnow.com/story/22809204/buffalo-fish-illness-leads-to-special-alert
Health officials say disease tied to buffalo fish
AP
Mississippi health officials have confirmed three new cases of a rare but
serious illness caused by an unidentified toxin in buffalo fish.
http://www.wtva.com/news/local/story/Health-officials-say-disease-tied-to-buffalo-fish/kHkPB-GUZk2oCUe1hWa6zQ.cspx
Local waste water treatment facility being overhauled
WTVA
West Point is in the process of overhauling its sewer and waste water
system.
http://www.wtva.com/news/local/story/Local-waste-water-treatment-facility-being/tnNYT2f7Bki9meqFIXlhgA.cspx
Keep the Rez Beautiful gets $4,000 donation
Grant for cleanup awareness efforts
Rankin Ledger
As part of Waste Management's nationwide effort to encourage local
environmental solutions, Waste Management of Jackson recently partnered
with national nonprofit Keep America Beautiful Inc., to donate $4,000 to
Mississippi nonprofit Keep the Rez Beautiful.
http://www.rankinledger.com/article/20130702/NEWS/307020002/Keep-Rez-Beautiful-gets-4-000-donation
DMR helps train visiting first responders for high water hurricane duty
WLOX
Emergency responders from central Mississippi toured area waterways
Wednesday. They're part of a task force that could be deployed to the coast
during a hurricane.
http://www.wlox.com/story/22806597/dmr-helps-train-visiting-first-responders-for-high-water-hurricane-duty
New Measure in Place to Combat Prescription Drug Overdoses in Miss
MPB
Mississippi safety leaders are taking new steps to fight prescription drug
abuse which is responsible for nearly all drug over doses in the state. The
state is placing secure drop boxes in in places where people can safely
dispose of unwanted drugs.
http://mpbonline.org/News/article/new_measure_in_place_to_combat_prescription_drug_overdoses_in_miss
National News
House panel approves bill curtailing EPA power on climate regs
The Hill
By Ben Goad - 07/10/13 11:24 AM ET
A House panel approved legislation Wednesday imposing tough new
restrictions on the Environmental Protection Agency's power to enact
regulations seen as hurting the economy.
http://thehill.com/blogs/regwatch/legislation/310133-panel-approves-bill-to-rein-in-epa-despite-flat-earth-society-criticism-
House bill cuts renewable energy budget
By JIM ABRAMS — Associated Press
WASHINGTON — The House on Wednesday voted to slash money for renewable
energy research and defy the Obama administration's decision to close the
Yucca Mountain nuclear waste repository in a bare-bones annual spending
bill for energy and water programs.
http://www.sunherald.com/2013/07/10/4789093/house-bill-would-cut-renewable.html
House blocks enforcement of light bulb standards
The Hill
By Pete Kasperowicz - 07/10/13 12:58 PM ET
The House on Wednesday voted to block the enforcement of light bulb
standards that many say would effectively force people to buy more
expensive compact fluorescent bulbs.
http://thehill.com/blogs/floor-action/house/310167-house-again-blocks-enforcement-of-light-bulb-standards
Environmental groups ask EPA to regulate runoff
Boston Globe
By Nikita Lalwani
JULY 11, 2013
Conservation groups petitioned the Environmental Protection Agency
Wednesday to regulate facilities that generate polluted runoff, part of a
campaign to force companies to take responsibility for their environmental
impact.
http://www.bostonglobe.com/metro/2013/07/10/environmental-groups-petition-epa-regulate-runoff-from-commercial-and-industrial-sites/SUjBxjQRTfA0EapZcYJIgI/story.html
US, China unveil joint climate initiatives
The Hill
By Ben Geman - 07/10/13 12:29 PM ET
China and the U.S., the world's top greenhouse gas emitters, on Wednesday
unveiled a series of joint initiatives intended to combat climate change.
http://thehill.com/blogs/e2-wire/e2-wire/310149-us-china-unveil-new-joint-climate-initiatives
Group sues EPA over invasive species regulations
Article by: JOHN FLESHER
AP Environmental Writer
July 10, 2013 - 1:50 PM
TRAVERSE CITY, Mich. — An environmental group said Wednesday it has sued
the federal government, contending that recently established regulations
for ships to treat ballast water before releasing it into U.S. waterways
aren't strong enough to prevent more aquatic species invasions.
http://www.startribune.com/politics/national/214908911.html
Shell to Spend $160 Million to Help End Pollution Case
Settlement With DOJ, EPA Calls for Work to Pare Harmful Releases at Houston
Area Plant
Wall Street Journal
Oil giant Royal Dutch Shell PLC has agreed to pay a fine and spend as much
as $160 million on projects to resolve allegations that its refinery and
chemical plant near Houston emitted harmful amounts of benzene and other
air pollutants, the Justice Department said.
http://online.wsj.com/article/SB10001424127887323740804578598052111167378.html?mod=WSJ_WSJ_US_News_5
Fracking Pushes U.S. Oil Output to Highest Since 1992
Bloomberg
By Asjylyn Loder on July 10, 2013
U.S. oil production jumped last week to the highest level since January
1992, cutting consumption of foreign fuel and putting the U.S. closer to
energy independence.
http://www.businessweek.com/news/2013-07-10/fracking-pushes-u-dot-s-dot-oil-output-to-highest-since-january-1992
Press Releases
The Mississippi State Department of Health Reports
New Cases of Rare Disease
The Mississippi State Department of Health is confirming three newly
diagnosed cases of
Haff disease, a rare but serious illness caused by an unidentified toxin in
buffalo fish that can cause a condition called rhabdomyolysis.
Rhabdomyolysis is a muscle injury syndrome that causes pain, stiffness and
rarely, kidney damage.
The three Mississippi cases are members of one family and are linked to the
consumption of cooked buffalo fish harvested in Mississippi waters.
While these are Mississippi's first recorded cases, Haff disease has
previously been associated with the consumption of buffalo fish in the
United States. Since 1984, approximately 30 sporadic cases have been
reported. Most cases occur in the summer months. So far, there have been no
reported deaths linked to the disease in Mississippi or the U.S.
Symptoms, which typically occur within 12 hours of consuming the fish,
include muscle weakness and pain, dry mouth, chest pain, nausea, vomiting,
confusion, and dark urine. Intravenous fluids and other treatments can help
resolve symptoms. Severe symptoms typically resolve quickly although some
patients complain of fatigue for months following acute stages of the
illness.
The Mississippi State Department of Health is advising the public that the
consumption of buffalo fish has been associated with a small number of Haff
disease cases. Cooking buffalo fish does not reduce the risk of disease.
Many Mississippians consume buffalo fish on a routine basis without
illness. However, individuals who develop the above symptoms after the
consumption of buffalo fish harvested in Mississippi or nearby waters
(either caught or purchased at a retail establishment or restaurant) should
seek immediate medical care.
Visit www.HealthyMS.com. Find us on Facebook at www.Facebook.com/HealthyMS
or follow us on Twitter at www.Twitter.com/msdh.
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Prescription Drugs Now Mississippi's #1 Drug Threat
Posted on July 10, 2013
In 2012, nine out of 10 drug overdose deaths in Mississippi were a result
of prescription drugs, a growing threat on the state, regional and national
levels. Prescription drug abuse is a threat officials of the Center for
Disease Control have characterized as an epidemic.
"This problem is an indication of the changing landscape and new challenges
for law enforcement officers," Commissioner Albert Santa Cruz said. "Dope
dealers on street corners are a problem but our primary drug threat in
Mississippi is from prescription drug abuse."
The threat of prescription drug abuse transcends all demographics. Last
year, agents of the Mississippi Bureau of Narcotics initiated nearly 700
cases involving pharmaceuticals and arrested a wide range of individuals
including lawyers, medical professionals, businessmen and housewives.
"As a former deputy sheriff, I have witnessed, from the front lines, the
battle against drugs. As Governor, I have seen the dire consequences drug
abuse has on our state; from the loss of productivity in the work place to
the destruction of the family unit," Governor Phil Bryant said. "I commend
the Department of Public Safety and the Bureau of Narcotics for their work
in confronting this issue."
There is a misconception about misusing prescription drugs among many
people. The threat of abuse is not recognized because they are prescribed.
However, when abused and misused, they can be just as deadly as heroin,
cocaine, crystal methamphetamine and other schedule one narcotics.
Drop Box Locations
DPS Headquarters, 1900 East Woodrow Wilson Avenue, Jackson, MS 39216
Troop D, 701 Highway 82 West, Greenwood, MS 38930
Troop E, 22000-A Highway 35 North, Batesville, MS 38606
Troop F, 1103 Bratton Road, New Albany, MS 38652
Troop G, 1280 East Lee Boulevard, Starkville, MS 39759
Troop H, 910 Highways 11 & 80 East, Meridian, Mississippi 39301
Troop J, 35 J.M. Tatum Road, Hattiesburg, MS 39401
Troop K, 16741 Highway 67, Biloxi, MS 39532
Troop M, 160 Highway 84 East, Brookhaven, MS 39601
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| USDA, Interior and Defense Departments Partner to Benefit Agricultural |
| Lands, Wildlife Habitat and Military Readiness |
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| First Sentinel Landscape Pilot in Washington State will Support Local |
| Economy, the Conservation of Natural Resources and National Defense |
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|WASHINGTON, July 10, 2013 - Agriculture Secretary Tom Vilsack, Interior |
|Secretary Sally Jewell and Defense Acting Deputy Under Secretary for |
|Installations and Environment John Conger announced today a federal, local |
|and private collaboration that will preserve agricultural lands, assist with|
|military readiness and restore and protect wildlife habitat. |
| |
| |
|Through the Sentinel Landscapes partnership, the U.S. Department of |
|Agriculture (USDA), U.S. Department of the Interior (Interior) and |
|Department of Defense (DoD) will work together in overlapping priority areas|
|near military installations to help farmers and ranchers make improvements |
|to the land that benefit their operation, enhance wildlife habitat, and |
|enable DoD's training missions to continue. |
| |
| |
|"This is a great example of a federal, local and private collaboration |
|working together to achieve greater results for the American people – in |
|this case by enhancing conservation efforts while ensuring our national |
|defense," Vilsack said. "As a result of this partnership between Federal |
|agencies and private partners, producers will have greater certainty with |
|regard to the environment, we'll protect habitat for at-risk species, and |
|our Armed Forces will retain access to important training opportunities." |
| |
| |
|"Today's announcement is a win-win for the American people and for the land |
|and wildlife we cherish," Jewell said. "We are taking an important step in |
|addressing one of the greatest threats to wildlife in America today, loss of|
|habitat, while helping to ensure the preservation of working landscapes and |
|our military readiness." |
| |
| |
|"The Department of Defense is committed to working together with other |
|federal agencies to ensure we sustain a world-class training environment at |
|military installations across the country," Conger said. "This arrangement |
|benefits our service members and is an innovative, efficient use of taxpayer|
|resources. It has the added benefits of protecting important habitats for |
|imperiled wildlife species and working lands in rural communities that |
|surround military installations. I look forward to our applying this model |
|at other locations across the country." |
| |
| |
|A result of collaboration through the White House Rural Council, the federal|
|agencies will kick off this partnership through a pilot Sentinel Landscape |
|in the South Puget Sound region of Washington State. Home to Joint Base |
|Lewis-McChord, an important troop training facility, this region has some of|
|the last remaining native prairie habitat in the state. |
| |
| |
|Once covering 150,000 acres, only three percent of the original native |
|prairie habitat remains due to development. Several of the at-risk species |
|in this area include Taylor's checkerspot butterfly, the streaked horned |
|lark, and the Mazama pocket gopher. A rare native plant, the golden Indian |
|paintbrush, is already listed as "threatened" under the Endangered Species |
|Act. |
| |
| |
|DoD, USDA's Natural Resources Conservation Service (NRCS), Interior's U.S. |
|Fish and Wildlife Service and partner organizations will invest more than |
|$12.6 million to restore and protect more than 2,600 acres of this important|
|prairie habitat on both public and private lands, allowing training |
|activities at the Joint Base to move forward with more flexibility. |
| |
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|Many NRCS conservation and DoD programs ease pressures that development puts|
|on wildlife habitat, including DoD's Readiness and Environmental Protection |
|Integration program. Left unaddressed, this decreasing habitat could |
|otherwise restrict testing and training on military installations, areas to |
|which many species flee when displaced by development. |
| |
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|The creation of long-term or permanent easements will protect nearby |
|agricultural and private lands from development and help preserve farms and |
|rural culture. Wildlife habitat can be created and managed to benefit |
|species as well as agricultural production and military readiness. |
| |
| |
|Building on the successes of USDA's Working Lands for Wildlife, the U.S. |
|Fish and Wildlife Service will provide regulatory predictability under the |
|Endangered Species Act to ranchers who implement conservation practices in |
|the pilot landscape, and is pursuing the possibility of granting ecosystem |
|credits to DoD from the federal conservation investments. |
| |
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|With interagency and private collaboration, these Sentinel Landscapes will |
|help preserve the land's natural character while benefitting national |
|defense, local economies and the conservation of natural resources. |
| |
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|The departments are reviewing additional sites for the partnership to |
|collaborate in the future and will continue to capitalize on the USDA, |
|Interior, DoD and local partners' overlying priorities and programs. |
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