News Clippings 8/30/13

8.30.13



Oil Spill





Gov. Bobby Jindal's statements on BP are 'campaign of lies,' company says

Mark Schleifstein

The Times-Picayune

August 29, 2013 at 8:06 PM



Gov. Bobby Jindal and his coastal adviser, Garret Graves, are conducting a

"campaign of lies" against BP that misrepresents the company's record in

cleaning oil from Louisiana's coastline and restoring both the environment

and individuals harmed by its 2010 oil spill, a senior BP official said

Thursday.

http://www.nola.com/news/gulf-oil-spill/index.ssf/2013/08/gov_jindals_statements_on_bp_a.html






BP answers Jindal criticism


Baton Rouge Advocate

by michelle millhollon



A day after Gov. Bobby Jindal accused BP of splashing out more on

advertising than coastal restoration, the company fired back.


http://theadvocate.com/news/6914782-123/bp-criticizes-governor





BP fires back at Jindal for comments
WWL


BP fired back Thursday evening at Gov. Bobby Jindal for a speech he gave
Wednesday, saying Jindal and his coastal restoration chief's statements
"seem purposefully intended to mislead the public" about how much the oil
giant has spent to fix damage to Louisiana's oiled coastline.
http://www.wwltv.com/news/eyewitness/davidhammer/BP-fires-back-at-Jindal-for-comments-221717241.html





BP well-site leaders seek trial delay in Gulf oil spill criminal case
Houston Chronicle




Lawyers for two BP well-site leaders on Wednesday asked a federal judge for
a nine-month delay in their trial on charges of manslaughter in the deaths
of 11 workers killed in the 2010 explosion of the Deepwater Horizon
drilling rig.


http://fuelfix.com/blog/2013/08/28/bp-well-site-leaders-seek-trial-delay-in-gulf-oil-spill-criminal-case/





Court withdraws ruling in BP insurance dispute, marking setback for oil
giant
The Associated Press
August 29, 2013 at 3:50 PM

NEW ORLEANS -- A federal appeals court reversed course Thursday on its

earlier ruling favoring BP in a multimillion-dollar insurance dispute,

handing at least a temporary setback to the energy giant as it seeks to

defray some of the enormous costs associated with the huge 2010 Gulf oil

spill.

http://blog.gulflive.com/mississippi-press-news/2013/08/court_withdraws_ruling_in_bp_i.html#incart_river





State





Governor: No nuclear waste disposal site coming to Mississippi

WDAM


Governor Phil Bryant said there will not be a nuclear waste dump site in
Mississippi.

"As far as nuclear waste of course not, that's an exaggeration," said
Bryant.

http://www.wdam.com/story/23294153/governor-no-nuclear-waste-disposal-site-coming-to-mississippi





Rolling recycling carts making debut in Jackson County
SUN HERALD


New 35-gallon rolling recycling carts made an early arrival at some homes

in the unincorporated areas of Jackson County this week.

http://www.sunherald.com/2013/08/29/4912256/rolling-recycling-carts-making.html







New book tells true tale of survival of South MS Katrina dolphins

WLOX




They were feared dead after Hurricane Katrina. But they survived and
touched the hearts of people around the world. Now, the story of eight
Katrina dolphins is being told in a newly-released book. On Thursday,
Mississippi's First Lady shared their incredible story with some Gulfport
children.
http://www.wlox.com/story/23292496/new-book-tells-true-tale-of-katrina-dolphins-from-south-ms





It was a day for South Mississippi to remember, not dwell on Hurricane
Katrina
Sun Herald

By MARY PEREZand CECILY CUMMINGS — SUN HERALD


BILOXI -- Under sunny skies, South Mississippi remembered the victims of

Hurricane Katrina eight years ago, when the wind and storm surge destroyed

so many homes, schools, churches, businesses and lives.

http://www.sunherald.com/2013/08/29/4912452/it-was-a-day-for-south-mississippi.html







Regional





Federal judge to rule Tuesday on whether Semmes can block Plains Southcap

pipeline construction

Press-Register

John Sharp

August 29, 2013 at 8:05 PM



MOBILE, Alabama – A federal judge requested Thursday for attorneys

representing the city of Semmes to provide legal proof on whether the

International Building Code applies to the regulation of an oil pipeline.

http://blog.al.com/live/2013/08/federal_judge_to_rule_tuesday.html#incart_river





National





Spilled fracking fluid likely killed Kentucky fish-USGS
Reuters

Thu, Aug 29 2013

(Reuters) - Hydraulic fracturing fluids that spilled into a Kentucky creek
in 2007 likely caused "widespread death or distress" to fish, according to
the U.S. Geological Survey (USGS).

http://www.reuters.com/article/2013/08/29/us-energy-fracking-usgs-idUSBRE97S0RZ20130829





Press releases





Corps Regulatory Branch Promotes Mallard



Vicksburg, Miss... The U. S. Army Corps of Engineers Vicksburg District
(Corps) recently selected Jennifer Fryar Mallard as chief of the permit
section in the regulatory branch.

Mallard will serve as chief of the permit section responsible for review,
analysis, approval, disapproval, evaluation, and inspection of certain
Corps projects and all applications for Department of the Army permits
covered by general permits, and nationwide permits. She will also have
oversight of the compliance program which reviews, analyzes, and evaluates
public notices and permit documents issued by local, state and other
federal agencies. She will use her thorough knowledge and understanding of
regulatory methods, techniques and practices of the principles of biology,
botany, soils, chemistry, geology and forestry.

Mallard joined the Corps in 2001 as a park ranger at Lake Greeson in
Murfreesboro, Arkansas. After deploying to Mississippi for Hurricane
Katrina emergency operations in 2005, she accepted a position in the
regulatory branch where she has served as an environmental specialist and
senior environmental specialist for the past eight years.

A native of Caddo Gap, Arkansas, she is a graduate of the University of
Arkansas, Fayetteville, and Henderson State University where she earned a
Bachelor's Degree in environmental soil and water science and in park and
recreation management. She is the daughter of the late James R. Fryar and
Gracie G. Fryar of Caddo Gap, Arkansas. She is married to Matthew Mallard
of Enterprise, Mississippi and they share two sons and are members of First
Baptist Church in Vicksburg.



XXX






Mississippi Marks Eight Years of Recovery since Hurricane Katrina

JACKSON—Eight years ago today, Hurricane Katrina made landfall in
Mississippi near Pearlington in Hancock County. The massive storm inundated
the Gulf Coast with prolonged hurricane force winds, torrential rain, and a
storm surge that measured more than 30 feet in some areas and reached as
far as 12 miles inland.

The storm claimed the lives of 231 Mississippians and left more than 45
million cubic yards of debris in its wake. All 82 Mississippi counties and
the Mississippi Band of Choctaw Indians were declared federal disaster
areas, and 74 counties received full federal assistance.

The magnitude of Katrina's damage was unprecedented. Homes, public
buildings and infrastructure were obliterated. However, Mississippians did
what they do best and immediately began clearing, cleaning, and planning
for the future.

"Eight years later, the scenes displayed on news channels around the world
after this terrible disaster have been replaced by revitalized communities
and a vibrant, thriving Gulf Coast," Governor Phil Bryant said. "While we
will never forget the tremendous pain this storm caused and the tragedy of
so many lives lost, our state has become stronger because of Katrina.

"The vast majority of public repair and rebuilding projects are complete,
our housing stock is restored, almost all of our pre-Katrina population has
returned to our lower six counties, and we are moving forward with the
recovery vision set by Gulf Coast leaders after the storm. I am proud of
the resilience and strength our state has shown."

Mississippi Emergency Management Agency Executive Director Robert Latham,
who was also serving as director during Katrina, echoed the Governor's
remarks.

"All of the memories of Katrina still haunt me today, but with every trip
to the coast I am amazed at the progress that has been made. Even though
the recovery has been long and hard and continues today, the leadership of
local officials and the resilience and persistence of our citizens and
their refusal to accept defeat makes me proud to be a Mississippian."

"By far the most important lesson Mississippi has learned is the value of
preparedness," Gov. Bryant said. "Take the time to ensure your family knows
what to do in case of emergency. Have a family communication plan, stock a
disaster supply kit, and know where you will go if you need to evacuate.
Preparing now could save your life."

For information about preparing for emergencies, visit MEMA online at
www.msema.org or download MEMA's new mobile app for iOS and Android
devices.

###




Grenada Lake Annual Drawdown Accelerated This Year


Vicksburg, Miss - The Vicksburg District of the U.S. Army Corps of
Engineers (Corps) will accelerate the annual drawdown of Grenada Lake by
one month in order to perform dam maintenance. The Corps has increased the
amount of water released through the dam within seasonal release
requirements in an effort to reach the flood control pool level of 193 feet
by 1 November.

The Corps annually lowers the Grenada Lake level from 215 feet on 1 August
to 193 feet on 1 December in order to allow storage for winter and spring
rains. This reduces the risk of flooding throughout the Yazoo Basin.
Crews at the lake will begin the dam maintenance when the water level
recedes to workable pool levels.

Because of lower than normal lake levels for the months of September and
October, boaters are warned to be cautious of underwater obstacles. The
boat ramps that will close earlier than normal are: Bryant, Gums Crossing,
North Abutment, North Graysport, Piney Woods and Skuna-Turkey.

The primary mission of Vicksburg District's four Mississippi lakes,
backwater levees and structures is flood damage risk reduction. Grenada
Lake is located in the gently rolling hills of pine and hardwood forests
just before the low lands of the Mississippi Delta begin. The lake is
considered by many to be an inland paradise and encompasses approximately
90,427 acres. The lake offers many opportunities for outdoor enthusiast to
include hiking, boating, fishing, hunting, skiing, bird watching, camping,
picnicking, golfing and swimming.

For more information, please visit our website at www.mvk.usace.army.mil.
The Grenada Lake Field Office phone is 662.226.5911.


XXX








Two California Firms and Owner Agree to Settle Clean Air Act Violations
Stemming from Illegal Import of Vehicles

WASHINGTON – Two Los Angeles-based consulting firms, MotorScience Inc., and
MotorScience Enterprise Inc., (MotorScience) and their owner, Chi Zheng,
have agreed to settle alleged Clean Air Act (CAA) violations stemming from
the illegal import of 24,478 all-terrain, recreational vehicles into the
U.S. from China without testing to ensure emissions would meet applicable
limits on harmful air pollution, announced the Department of Justice, the
U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) and the California Air Resources
Board (ARB).

MotorScience and Zheng have agreed to have a stipulated judgment entered
against them for a $3.55 million civil penalty and to pay an additional
$60,000 civil penalty within six months. The United States will receive 80
percent of collected penalties, and California will receive the remaining
20 percent.

"This illegal importation of over 20,000 vehicles evaded federal emission
standards, jeopardizing human health," said Cynthia Giles, assistant
administrator for EPA's Office of Enforcement and Compliance Assurance.
"Engines operating without proper emissions controls can emit excess carbon
monoxide, hydrocarbons and oxides of nitrogen which can cause respiratory
illnesses, aggravate asthma and contribute to the formation of ground level
ozone or smog."

"Vehicles and engines that are manufactured overseas and sold in the U.S.
must meet the same Clean Air standards as domestically-made products," said
Robert G. Dreher, Acting Assistant Attorney General for the Justice
Department's Environment and Natural Resources Division. "We will continue
to vigorously enforce these laws to ensure that American consumers get
environmentally sound products that do not pollute the atmosphere and
violators do not gain an unfair economic advantage by skirting the law."

"The integrity of new vehicle standards are the foundation for achieving
our air quality goals in California," said ARB Enforcement Chief James
Ryden. "When a manufacturer circumvents these requirements, they not only
cheat their customers and competitors, but they also shortchange every
citizen of our state who relies upon our shared actions to clean the air."

Today's settlement also requires that for the next 15 years, before either
MotorScience or Zheng may engage in any further work involving non-road
vehicles and engines, they must follow a rigorous compliance plan to ensure
that any emissions testing and certification applications submitted to EPA
or the ARB accurately represent those vehicles and engines. Non-road
vehicles and engines include recreational vehicles, generators, lawn and
garden equipment, and other non-road internal combustion engines.

EPA's investigation showed that MotorScience obtained EPA certificates of
conformity for numerous vehicles without conducting required emissions
testing. As alleged in separate complaints filed in federal district court
by the United States and the state of California in September 2011,
MotorScience arranged for emissions testing of a limited number of
vehicles, and then reused those results to obtain certificates of
conformity for numerous other, dissimilar vehicles. For at least three of
those vehicles, EPA confirmed that their emissions exceeded the federal
limits for hydrocarbons and nitrogen oxides.

MotorScience and its president, Zheng, provide consulting services for
vehicle manufacturers and other clients interested in obtaining
certificates of conformity from EPA to allow import of their vehicles into
the U.S. In 2010, EPA voided 12 certificates held by four of the
defendants' clients, who were U.S.-based importers for Chinese recreational
vehicle manufacturers. The complaints filed by the U.S. and California
alleged that defendants caused four of their clients to illegally import
vehicles under federal certificates and California executive orders that
were voided. The complaints further alleged that defendants caused their
clients to fail to create and maintain required records on emissions
testing.

The CAA prohibits any vehicle or engine from being imported into or sold in
the United States unless it is covered by a valid, EPA-issued certificate
of conformity demonstrating that the vehicle or engine meets applicable
federal emission standards. The CAA also prohibits any actions that cause
the importation of uncertified vehicles or that cause recordkeeping
violations. Similarly, the California Health and Safety Code prohibits any
vehicle or engine from being distributed or sold in California, unless such
vehicle or engine is covered by a valid, ARB-issued executive order
demonstrating that the vehicle or engine meets applicable California
emission standards.

The certificate of conformity is the primary way EPA ensures that vehicles
and engines meet emission standards. This enforcement action is part of an
ongoing effort by EPA to ensure that all imported vehicles and engines
comply with the CAA's requirements.

More information on the settlement:
http://www2.epa.gov/enforcement/motorscience-and-chi-zheng-clean-air-act-settlement


More information on EPA's Clean Air Act mobile source enforcement programs:
http://www.epa.gov/enforcement/air/index.html#mobile

News Clippings 8/29/13

8/29/13



Oil Spill





Gulf restoration council approves initial restoration plan, as Gov. Bobby


Jindal urges quick action




Times-Picayune



A federal-state group set to oversee the spending of billions of dollars of

Clean Water Act fines from the BP Deepwater Horizon oil spillunanimously

approved Wednesday an initial comprehensive plan for restoring the Gulf

Coast's ecosystem and economy. Members of the council also promised that

the first projects could be approved by June 2014, the beginning of the

next hurricane season.

http://www.nola.com/environment/index.ssf/2013/08/gulf_restoration_council_appro.html






Oil spill restoration overseers approve 1st plan
By JANET McCONNAUGHEY — Associated Press


NEW ORLEANS -- The committee that will oversee some of BP PLC's oil spill

fines hopes to put money into restoration projects within 12 months, U.S.

Commerce Secretary Penny Pritzker said Wednesday.

http://www.sunherald.com/2013/08/28/4909510/oil-spill-restoration-overseers.html





Louisiana officials want funding for Gulf Coast restoration work


Baton Rouge Advocate

By Amy Wold

NEW ORLEANS — Money for Gulf Coast coastal restoration projects, funded by

civil penalties paid in the wake of the Deepwater Horizon catastrophe,

could arrive within a year and Louisiana officials called for a speedy

process to get the work moving.

http://theadvocate.com/home/6883970-125/louisiana-officials-want-funding-for









Coastal restoration plan approved

Houma Today


Jacob Batte
Published: Wednesday, August 28, 2013 at 6:01 a.m.



The Gulf Coast Ecosystem Restoration Council unanimously approved an

initial Gulf Coast restoration plan Wednesday that could take shape within

a year.

http://www.houmatoday.com/article/20130828/ARTICLES/130829571/1026/news01?Title=Coastal-restoration-plan-approved




Jindal blasts BP, says it spent more on ads than coastal restoration
WWL


NEW ORLEANS – Gov. Bobby Jindal had some of his harshest words for BP on
Wednesday, calling the oil giant out for spending more money on glossy
advertising than on restoring the coast damaged by its 2010 oil spill.
http://www.wwltv.com/news/eyewitness/davidhammer/Jindal-blasts-BP-say-it-spent-more-on-ads-than-coastal-restoration-221578271.html





Ex-BP engineers facing manslaughter trial in Deepwater Horizon explosion


seek delay




Times-Picayune



A pair of former BP engineers charged with manslaughter in connection with

the Deepwater Horizon oil rig explosion in the Gulf of Mexico that killed

11 offshore workers asked a federal judge for a nine-month trial delay.


http://www.nola.com/environment/index.ssf/2013/08/attorneys_representing_a_pair.html





Federal judge asked to order BP oil spill claims administrator to set

payment rules for oil and gas service companies also hurt by federal

drilling moratoria

Mark Schleifstein



The Times-Picayune



August 28, 2013 at 10:34 AM



Lawyers representing private claimants in the settlement with BP of

economic claims stemming from the Deepwater Horizon oil spill signaled late

Tuesday that another disagreement has arisen between the two sides, this

time over the payment of claims for oil and gas companies that also were

hurt by federal moratoria on drilling in the Gulf of Mexico in the

aftermath of the spill.

http://www.nola.com/news/gulf-oil-spill/index.ssf/2013/08/federal_judge_asked_to_order_b.html





Judge refuses to suspend BP settlement payments

The Associated Press



August 28, 2013 at 11:07 AM



NEW ORLEANS -- A federal judge on Wednesday rejected BP's latest request to

suspend all settlement payments to Gulf Coast residents and businesses

while a former FBI director leads an independent investigation of the

program compensating victims of the company's 2010 oil spill.

http://blog.gulflive.com/mississippi-press-news/2013/08/judge_refuses_to_suspend_bp_se_1.html#incart_river







BP steers clear of Interior's latest offshore drilling lease sale
The Hill


By Ben Geman - 08/28/13 02:34 PM ET


BP, which is trying to get out from under a temporary ban on new federal
contracts, appears resigned to spending at least several more months in the
penalty box.
http://thehill.com/blogs/e2-wire/e2-wire/319205-bp-steers-clear-of-interiors-latest-offshore-drilling-lease-sale





State





Unclaimed boat intended for former Mississippi DMR head's nonprofit, YADA
says
Sun Herald
By ANITA LEE — calee@sunherald.com


GULFPORT -- An unclaimed boat that prompted a lawsuit was intended for a

nonprofit group headed by Bill Walker, former executive director of the

Mississippi Department of Marine Resources, an officer from another

organization said Wednesday.

http://www.sunherald.com/2013/08/28/4909441/unclaimed-boat-intended-for-former.html




Wildlife refuge expansion proposed
Bolivar Commercial
by Courtney Stevens
08.28.13 - 03:57 pm

Bolivar County hunters and fisherman may begin to experience some
difficulties come hunting season.

U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service is proposing to expand the White River
National Wildlife Refuge to connect existing conservation lands, provide
sustainable wildlife habitat and offer more public opportunities to hunt,
fish and observe wildlife.
http://www.bolivarcom.com/view/full_story/23469531/article-Wildlife-refuge-expansion-proposed-?instance=homethirdleft



MEMA launches smartphone app, emergency text messaging
Clarion Ledger


The next time a hurricane approaches or a tornado forms, Mississippians

might not get their first warning through the blare of a siren or a news

report on the Internet.

http://www.clarionledger.com/article/20130829/NEWS01/308290029/MEMA-launches-smartphone-app-emergency-text-messaging?gcheck=1







Katrina taught lessons that served South Mississippi well
Sun Herald
By DONNA HARRIS — Sun Herald


Katrina taught the people of South Mississippi lessons others would do well

to study if they're hit by a natural disaster.





The 2005 storm buried the Coast in millions of cubic yards of debris,

creating a mountain of problems for residents.





http://www.sunherald.com/2013/08/28/4909409/katrina-taught-lessons-that-served.html







Regional





Jindal opposes coastal erosion lawsuit due to oil industry contributions,


environmental groups say




Times-Picayune



A consortium of local environmental groups on Wednesday charged that Gov.

Bobby Jindal's receipt of more than $1 million in political contributions

from the oil and gas industry is behind his opposition of a lawsuit against

the industry aimed at getting them to restore coastal wetland damage.

http://www.nola.com/environment/index.ssf/2013/08/environmental_groups_say_jinda.html






National






Environmental, animal rights groups sue EPA for dropping plan to gather
livestock farm data


By DAVID PITT Associated Press



DES MOINES, Iowa — Environmental and animal welfare groups sued the U.S.
Environmental Protection Agency on Wednesday, alleging the federal agency
unlawfully scrapped a rule that would have authorized it to collect
information from large-scale livestock confinement farms.

http://www.dailyjournal.net/view/story/4e30b528af3f41b9bb11f1e864d7a3f5/US--EPA-Sued-Livestock-Farm-Rule/#.Uh8_axsqjzY





Opinion





Bryant visited French nuclear recycling facility in June with MEI president
Sam Hall


Clarion Ledger


Gov. Phil Bryant led a Mississippi delegation that included the president

of the Mississippi Energy Institute to a French nuclear waste recycling

facility owned by AREVA energy company on June 18.

http://blogs.clarionledger.com/samrhall/2013/08/28/bryant-visited-french-nuclear-recycling-facility-in-june-with-mei-president/







SUN HERALD | Editorial: Thad Cochran helped us survive Katrina


The eighth anniversary of Hurricane Katrina is a fitting opportunity to

consider the political future of Thad Cochran.





http://www.sunherald.com/2013/08/28/4908819/sun-herald-editorial-thad-cochran.html







Press releases





GOV. BRYANT, MEMA INTRODUCE NEW EMERGENCY PUBLIC INFORMATION TOOLS

PEARL – Gov. Phil Bryant and the Mississippi Emergency Management Agency
unveiled two new public alerting tools aimed at helping citizens prepare
for emergencies, and warn them of impending threats directly through their
smartphones.

During a news conference held at MEMA headquarters in Pearl this morning,
Gov. Bryant and MEMA Director Robert Latham demonstrated MEMA's new mobile
phone app that allows the public to find emergency information,
preparedness tools, weather radar, along with several other options like
statewide highway information.

"The number one way to lessen the potential impacts from an emergency is to
be prepared. Have a family communication plan, stock a disaster supply kit,
and know where you will go if you need to evacuate," Gov. Phil Bryant said.
"Utilizing technology is a smart way to get important information to the
public quickly, and this new app will help Mississippians stay informed
before and after emergencies."

The new mobile app is free and available to iPhone and Android phone users
by searching for MEMA in the iPhone or Android app store.

"We're excited to be able to release our app because we live in a mobile
society, and putting lifesaving information at the fingertips of our
residents is a great way to inform and protect the entire family,
regardless of where they are," said Latham.

The other new initiative is the Wireless Emergency Alert system, which
allows emergency text messages to be sent by MEMA, county emergency
managers and the National Weather Service to every enabled smartphone phone
in an area without its user having to download an app or subscribe to a
service. The messages could include extreme weather warnings, local
emergencies requiring evacuation or other immediate action, Amber Alerts
and Presidential Alerts during national emergency situations.

As an example, if a tornado warning is issued for Rankin County every
enabled cell phone in the county would hear a special tone and receive a
short text message warning of the threat. Phones will only receive the
message one time. No matter where you travel in the country, if you have an
enabled phone you will receive a text alert for the local area you are in.

"This WEA program will save lives, no doubt about it," said Latham. "The
fact that you can get an automatic alert no matter where you are is
remarkable, but you need to know what you will do before you receive the
alert."

The WEA is also free and does not even require users to have a text
messaging plan. Cell phone customers can contact their providers to see if
their device is WEA enabled, or you can go to
http://www.fema.gov/wireless-emergency-alerts to learn more.

For more information about emergency preparedness, visit www.msema.org, or
download the new MEMA mobile application in the Android or iPhone app
store.

The public is encouraged to follow MEMA on Twitter and Facebook for
updates.

Video of today's event is available on MEMA's website through MEMA's
YouTube page, which can be accessed at www.msema.org.

###

News Clippings 8/28/13

8.28.2013



Oil Spill





Gulf council expected to approve initial restoration plan on Wednesday




Times-Picayune



An initial comprehensive plan for restoring the Gulf Coast's ecosystem and

economy is set to face a vote Wednesday in New Orleans by a federal-state

council overseeing the spending of likely billions of dollars in Clean

Water Act fines from the BP Deepwater Horizon oil spill.

http://www.nola.com/environment/index.ssf/2013/08/gulf_restoration_council_expec.html






BP, Anadarko tell appeals court they shouldn't be fined for Deepwater

Horizon oil spill

Mark Schleifstein



The Times-Picayune



August 27, 2013 at 7:48 PM



BP and Anadarko Petroleum Corp., which held a 25 percent interest in BP's

ill-fated Macondo oil and gas well, told the U.S. 5th Circuit Court of

Appeals last week that they should not be fined under the Clean Water Act

for the oil spill resulting from the Deepwater Horizon explosion and

sinking.

http://www.nola.com/news/gulf-oil-spill/index.ssf/2013/08/bp_anandarko_tell_5th_circuit.html





Federal judge asked to order BP oil spill claims administrator to set

payment rules for oil and gas service companies also hurt by federal

drilling moratoria

Mark Schleifstein



The Times-Picayune



August 28, 2013 at 1:34 AM



Lawyers representing private claimants in the settlement with BP of

economic claims stemming from the Deepwater Horizon oil spill signaled late

Tuesday that another disagreement has arisen between the two sides, this

time over the payment of claims for oil and gas companies that also were

hurt by federal moratoria on drilling in the Gulf of Mexico in the

aftermath of the spill.

http://www.nola.com/news/gulf-oil-spill/index.ssf/2013/08/federal_judge_asked_to_order_b.html





State






Mississippi environmental lab owner Lab owner sentenced to 40 months for
faking water tests


THE ASSOCIATED PRESS

August 27, 2013 - 10:04 am EDT



JACKSON, Mississippi — An environmental laboratory owner in Mississippi has
been sentenced to more than three years in federal prison after being
convicted of falsifying records on industrial wastewater samples.
http://www.therepublic.com/view/story/2d1b1337bf484131806eaab8d0273e82/MS--Wastewater-Testing-Indictment






Miss. women say gasoline fumes harmed children



BY JACK ELLIOTT JR.


ASSOCIATED PRESS
JACKSON, Miss. -- Texaco Inc. has settled a lawsuit with five women who
alleged the oil company was responsible for ailments of children born after
they were exposed to leaded gasoline fumes.
A spokeswoman for Texaco declined to comment.
http://www.miamiherald.com/2013/08/27/3588640/miss-women-say-gasoline-fumes.html





Bryant blasts nuclear waste disposal critics
Governor says opposition to discussion is both uninformed, overreactive
Clarion Ledger


Gov. Phil Bryant on Tuesday said people — particularly the media — are

overreacting to and uninformed about proposals for nuclear waste storage in

Mississippi.

http://www.clarionledger.com/article/20130828/NEWS01/308280025/Bryant-blasts-nuclear-waste-disposal-critics







Ridgeland Installs Solar Powered Recycling Compactors

WJTV


Ridgeland -


The City of Ridgeland recently purchased five solar-powered recycling
compactors. These compactors have been placed in public locations to
enhance recycling efforts. You can find them at the concession stands at
Freedom Ridge Park and at the trailhead pavilion of the Ridgeland Multiuse
Trail.
http://www.wjtv.com/story/23269576/ridgeland-installs-solar-powered-recycling-compactors





Developers seeking MDEQ permit for D'Iberville casino
Sun Herald
By MARY PEREZ — meperez@sunherald.com


D'IBERVILLE -- Plans for Oyster Bay Casino are off the table, according to

the developers, who say they are working to get a casino approved at the

Back Bay site by the end of the year.

http://www.sunherald.com/2013/08/27/4906375/developers-seeking-mdeq-permit.html




Trial delayed in wetlands complaint in Hancock County
Sun Herald
By ROBIN FITZGERALD — rfitzgerald@sunherald.com


GULFPORT -- A real estate developer's trial on federal charges of wetlands

and Clean Water Act violations in Hancock County has been changed to Oct. 7

because of problems brought on by budget cuts.

http://www.sunherald.com/2013/08/27/4906112/trial-delayed-in-wetlands-complaint.html




Engineers present water and sewer plan for Gulfport
Sun Herald
By PATRICK OCHS — pochs@sunherald.com


GULFPORT -- On the heels of a so-called 200-year rainfall that caused havoc

in Gulfport, city engineers presented the City Council with a 12-year

capital improvements plan to improve the city's water and sewer

infrastructures.

http://www.sunherald.com/2013/08/27/4906199/engineers-present-water-and-sewer.html




Company sues DMR over unclaimed boat


Sun Herald


By ANITA LEE — calee@sunherald.com


GULFPORT -- Nobody has claimed the Laura C, but "agents" of the Mississippi

Department of Marine Resources delivered the 45-foot cabin cruiser in April

2012 to Competition Marine, asking that it be refitted and repaired,

according to a lawsuit filed in Circuit Court.

http://www.sunherald.com/2013/08/27/4906372/company-sues-dmr-over-unclaimed.html







National





EPA Final Rule Requires Electronic Filing Of Reports to Toxics Release

Inventory

Tuesday, August 27, 2013



Bloomberg



Facilities required to report chemical releases through the Toxics Release

Inventory will need to file electronically, under a final rule to be

published in the Federal Register Aug. 27.



http://www.bna.com/epa-final-rule-n17179876381/





NOAA Says Dolphin Die-Off Likely Caused by Virus

Federal agency say they believe dolphins were infected with a morbillivirus

Wall Street Journal


By MEREDITH RUTLAND

A virus is the likely cause of the deaths of hundreds of bottlenose

dolphins along the East Coast, according to the National Oceanic and

Atmospheric Administration.

http://online.wsj.com/article/SB10001424127887323407104579038953920570562.html?mod=WSJ_WSJ_US_News_5







Opinion





A step forward in Gulf recovery

By Bethany Kraft
August 27, 2013 2:20pm
Houston Chronicle


For the millions of people who call the Texas coast home, it's clear that
the health of our economy is tied to the quality of our natural resources.
Though oil from the BP Deepwater Horizon disaster didn't reach Texas
shores, the state's importance as an economic driver in the region
underscored the necessity of taking a comprehensive approach to restoration
- from our coastal areas to the offshore, marine environment.
http://www.chron.com/opinion/outlook/article/A-step-forward-in-Gulf-recovery-4762484.php





SUN HERALD | Editorial: Nuclear waste? 'Not now, not ever'


When Congressman Steven Palazzo heard of possible plans for bringing the

nation's nuclear waste to Mississippi, he declared: "Not now, not ever."





http://www.sunherald.com/2013/08/27/4905813/sun-herald-editorial-nuclear-waste.html










Press Releases


(Embedded image moved to file: pic18240.jpg)


|----------------------------------------------------------------------------|
| Report: Conservation Work Minimizes Sediment, Nutrient Runoff |
|----------------------------------------------------------------------------|
| |
|----------------------------------------------------------------------------|
| A USDA assessment shows benefits of farmer-led conservation efforts to |
|reducing runoff, Agriculture Secretary highlights the need for conservation |
| programs provided by a Food, Farm and Jobs Bill |
|----------------------------------------------------------------------------|
| |
|----------------------------------------------------------------------------|
| |
|WASHINGTON, Aug. 27, 2013 – Agriculture Secretary Tom Vilsack announced a |
|new U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) report that shows farmers have |
|significantly reduced the loss of sediment and nutrients from farm fields |
|through voluntary conservation work in the lower Mississippi River basin. |
|Secretary Vilsack highlighted the value of conservation programs to these |
|efforts, and called on Congress to pass a comprehensive Food, Farm and Jobs |
|Bill that would enable USDA to continue supporting conservation work on |
|farms and ranches. |
| |
| |
|The report, released by USDA's Natural Resources Conservation Service (NRCS)|
|this week, marks the completion of a watershed-wide assessment of |
|conservation efforts in the Mississippi River watershed. Its findings |
|demonstrate that conservation work, like controlling erosion and managing |
|nutrients, has reduced the edge-of-field losses of sediment by 35 percent, |
|nitrogen by 21 percent and phosphorous by 52 percent. |
| |
| |
|"Farmers and ranchers work hard to conserve the land and water, and today's |
|report shows the tremendous impact they've had for the Mississippi River and|
|Gulf of Mexico," Vilsack said. "We need to keep up the momentum by providing|
|scientific and technical expertise that supports conservation in |
|agriculture. To continue these efforts, we need Congress to act on a |
|comprehensive Food, Farm and Jobs Bill as soon as possible." |
| |
| |
|While the report shows the positive impacts of conservation, it also signals|
|the need for additional conservation work. The most critical conservation |
|concern in the region is controlling runoff of surface water and better |
|management of nutrients, meaning the appropriate rate, form, timing and |
|method of application for nitrogen and phosphorous. |
| |
| |
|Model simulations show that an increase in cover crops will have a |
|significant impact on reducing edge-of-field losses of sediment and |
|nutrients and improve water quality. |
| |
| |
|The information in the report will help further develop NRCS' work in the |
|Mississippi River Basin Healthy Watersheds Initiative and Gulf of Mexico |
|Initiative, aimed at helping producers improve water quality, restore |
|wetlands and sustain agricultural profitability. |
| |
| |
|The report is part of USDA's Conservation Effects Assessment Project, or |
|CEAP, which uses advanced modeling techniques to assess the effects of |
|conservation practices. The lower Mississippi report covers cropland in |
|Louisiana, Arkansas, Kentucky, Mississippi, Missouri and Tennessee. |
| |
| |
|By comparing losses of sediment and nutrients from cultivated cropland to |
|losses that would be expected if conservation practices weren't used, CEAP |
|reports give science-based insight into the techniques that most benefit |
|water quality, soil health and other resource concerns. |
| |
| |
|"These assessments are part of the scientific backbone that helps us work |
|with farmers to get the right conservation techniques on the right acres," |
|said NRCS Chief, Jason Weller. "A focus on the most effective conservation |
|techniques means that we're helping to deliver the best results for farmers |
|and our natural resources." |
| |
| |
|Over the past few years, similar assessments were completed in the upper |
|Mississippi River, Tennessee-Ohio, Missouri and Arkansas-Red-White basins. |
|As a whole, assessments in this project have shown: |
| |
| |
| · Conservation on cropland prevents an estimated 243 million tons of |
| sediment, 2.1 billion pounds of nitrogen and 375 million pounds of |
| phosphorus from leaving fields each year. These figures translate to a|
| 55 percent, 34 percent and 46 percent reduction in sediment, nitrogen |
| and phosphorus edge-of-field losses, respectively, compared to what |
| would have been lost if no conservation practices were in place. |
| |
| |
| · Similarly, conservation has resulted in an estimated 17 percent |
| reduction in nitrogen and 22 percent reduction in phosphorus entering |
| the Gulf of Mexico annually. An additional reduction of 15 percent of |
| nitrogen and 12 percent of phosphorus can be achieved by implementing |
| comprehensive conservation plans on all cropland in the basin in areas|
| that have not adequately addressed nutrient loss. |
| |
| |
|The scientific-based modeling also pointed out that higher rainfall and more|
|intense storms lead to higher edge-of-field losses of sediment and nutrients|
|in the lower Mississippi River basin than the other four basins in the |
|Mississippi River watershed. Because of this, more soil erosion control and |
|better management of nutrients are important in the basin. |
| |
| |
|Download a fact sheet, a summary or the full report. Learn more about USDA's|
|Conservation Effects Assessment Project. |
| |
| |
|# |
|----------------------------------------------------------------------------|






|----------------------------------------------------------------------------|
| USDA Climate Report Published, Public Invited to Comment |
|----------------------------------------------------------------------------|
| |
|----------------------------------------------------------------------------|
| |
|WASHINGTON, August 27, 2013 – The Climate Change Program Office of the U.S. |
|Department of Agriculture's (USDA) Office of the Chief Economist today |
|released and requested public comments on the report Science-Based Methods |
|for Entity-Scale Quantification of Greenhouse Gas Sources and Sinks from |
|Agriculture and Forestry Practices. The report is the work of 38 scientists |
|from across academia, USDA and the federal government, who are experts in |
|greenhouse gas (GHG) estimation in the cropland, grazing land, livestock and|
|forest management sectors. The report has undergone technical review by an |
|additional 29 scientists. |
| |
| |
|The report outlines a set of consensus methods for quantifying GHG emissions|
|and carbon storage at the local farm, ranch or forest scale. It is important|
|that the methods exhibit scientific rigor, transparency, completeness, |
|accuracy, and cost effectiveness, as well as consistency and comparability |
|with other USDA GHG inventory efforts. The report can be downloaded at |
|www.usda.gov/oce/climate_change/index.htm. A Federal Register Notice is |
|included on the web site and provides detailed instructions for comment |
|submission. Comments must be received within 45 days of the August 28, 2013 |
|publication of the Federal Register Notice. |
| |
| |
|For more information on USDA's Climate Change activities, please visit: |
|www.usda.gov/oce/climate_change/index.htm. |
| |
| |
|# |
|----------------------------------------------------------------------------|

News Clippings 8/27/13

8.27.2013



Oil Spill





Ex-BP engineer renews effort to have Gulf oil spill charges tossed
Houston Chronicle




A former BP engineer charged with obstructing justice in connection with
the investigation of the 2010 Gulf of Mexico oil spill is renewing efforts
to have the indictment against him dismissed.
http://fuelfix.com/blog/2013/08/27/ex-bp-engineer-renews-effort-to-have-gulf-oil-spill-charges-tossed/





Gulf oil spill settlement claims administrator says BP's allegations of

fraud are 'spurious,' 'unfounded'

Mark Schleifstein

The Times-Picayune

August 27, 2013 at 7:16 AM



Patrick Juneau, court-appointed administrator of the BP Deepwater Horizon

oil spill claims settlement program, came out swinging in a response to BP

allegations that his payment program is rife with fraud, charging the

company with making "spurious allegations of breaches of duty" and "broad,

unfounded criticisms of the program's internal controls and fraud detection

processes."

http://www.nola.com/news/gulf-oil-spill/index.ssf/2013/08/gulf_oil_spill_settlement_clai.html





Internal probe: No fraud at BP claims center in Mobile

The Associated Press

August 26, 2013 at 4:16 PM



NEW ORLEANS (AP) — The head of security for the administrator of BP's

multibillion-dollar settlement with Gulf Coast residents and businesses

says an internal probe of alleged misconduct by an employee of a Mobile,

Ala., claims center hasn't turned up any evidence of fraud.

http://blog.al.com/wire/2013/08/internal_probe_no_fraud_at_bp.html#incart_river





State







Dozens of Dead Chickens Dumped in Tombigbee


WCBI


MONROE COUNTY, Miss. (WCBI)-The Mississippi Department of Environmental
Quality is investigating the discovery of dozens of dead chickens in the
Tombigbee River.
http://www.wcbi.com/wordpress/dozens-of-dead-chickens-dumped-in-tombigbee





Mystery remains over dead chickens in river
WTVA


The Monroe County Sheriff's Department and state wildlife officials are
investigating a report about someone possibly dumping dead chickens in the
Tombigbee River.
http://www.wtva.com/news/local/story/Mystery-remains-over-dead-chickens-in-river/qj9L-GBKbUiKgqAEtm1Xfw.cspx





Ideal place for nuclear waste? Talk of storage in Miss. emerges again
Nuclear storage changed for better, some say
Clarion Ledger


Mississippi could see thousands of new jobs and billions in investments

from storing and reprocessing the nation's nuclear waste, an energy trade

group told state lawmakers Monday.

http://www.clarionledger.com/article/20130827/NEWS01/308270021/Ideal-place-nuclear-waste-Talk-storage-Miss-emerges-again?nclick_check=1







Safety of nuclear waste concerns Richton residents
Hattiesburg American


Nuclear waste is a scary pair of words, Richton residents agreed.



Residents gave a more varied response Monday on questions about whether

today's technology can guarantee the safe storage of it near their town.

http://www.hattiesburgamerican.com/article/20130827/NEWS01/308270020/Safety-nuclear-waste-concerns-Richton-residents







U.S. Rep. Steven Palazzo opposes plan to bring nuclear waste to Mississippi

The Associated Press

August 27, 2013 at 6:47 AM



JACKSON, Mississippi -- The Mississippi Energy Institute is pushing for

more exploration of storing and reprocessing used nuclear fuel in the state

at the same time that one of the its congressmen is coming out against it.

http://blog.gulflive.com/mississippi-press-news/2013/08/us_rep_steven_palazzo_opposes.html#incart_river





Sun Herald files new suit against auditor, DMR
Sun Herald
By ANITA LEE — calee@sunherald.com


GULFPORT -- The Sun Herald filed a new lawsuit Monday against State Auditor

Stacey Pickering, his office and the Department of Marine Resources that

seeks copies of public records generated by the DMR.

http://www.sunherald.com/2013/08/26/4902860/sun-herald-files-new-suit-against.html







Regional





Mobile County officials want U.S. Corps of Engineers to scrap oil pipeline

permits and start from scratch

Press-Register

Michael Dumas

August 26, 2013 at 9:00 PM



MOBILE, Alabama – Let's try this again from the top, OK?

That was basically the message the Mobile County Commission agreed to send

via letter to the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers on Monday, Aug. 26,

regarding its issuance of permits to Plains Southcap for the company's

crude-oil pipeline from west Mobile to the Chevron refinery in Pascagoula,

Miss.

http://blog.al.com/live/2013/08/mobile_county_officials_want_u.html#incart_river








National





EPA chief warns against climate change on visit to Alaska glacier
BY SEAN COCKERHAM
MCCLATCHY WASHINGTON BUREAU

PORTAGE GLACIER, Alaska -- As she marveled at the site of a shrinking
Alaska glacier, the newly installed leader of the Environmental Protection
Agency said Monday that the president told her that fighting climate change
should be her primary focus.
http://www.miamiherald.com/2013/08/26/3587600/epa-chief-warns-against-climate.html





INSIDE WASHINGTON: Safety or enforcement? Government agencies fight over
investigative goals


AP


WASHINGTON (AP) -- The federal government is fighting with itself over a
massive fire at a Chevron refinery in California that sent 15,000 people to
hospitals with respiratory ailments.
In one corner is the U.S. Chemical Safety and Hazard Investigation Board,
which conducted 119 interviews in an effort to find out what caused last
year's accident and how to prevent it from happening again. In the other is
the Environmental Protection Agency, which is conducting a criminal
investigation and wants the interviews to help it determine who's
responsible.
http://hosted.ap.org/dynamic/stories/U/US_GOVERNMENT_VS_GOVERNMENT?SITE=KING&SECTION=HOME&TEMPLATE=DEFAULT





Study Shines Light on Tremors and Fracking in South Texas' Eagle Ford Shale

Removing Oil, Water From Ground Allows Surrounding Rock to Settle

Wall Street Journal


By TOM FOWLER

So much oil and water is being removed from South Texas' Eagle Ford Shale

that the activity has probably led to a recent wave of small earthquakes,

according to a study that appears in the online edition of the journal

Earth and Planetary Science Letters.

http://online.wsj.com/article/SB10001424127887324906304579037181315480254.html?mod=WSJ_WSJ_US_News_5




Arkansas lawsuits test fracking wastewater link to quakes
Reuters


11:12am IST


By Mica Rosenberg

GREENBRIER, Arkansas (Reuters) - Tony Davis, a 54-year-old construction
worker in central Arkansas, said he welcomed the boom in natural gas
drilling that brought jobs and new businesses to his hometown starting
about a decade ago. But that was before the earth shook.
http://in.reuters.com/article/2013/08/27/us-usa-energy-quakes-insight-idINBRE97Q05N20130827




Feds change endangered species law rules despite GOP protest
The Hill


By Julian Hattem - 08/26/13 03:46 PM ET


The Obama administration is finalizing a change to the way it protects the
habitat of endangered and threatened animals.


http://thehill.com/blogs/regwatch/pending-regs/318829-gop-protest-change-to-endangered-species-law




Opinion





Reject nuclear waste storage
Clarion Ledger


Some ideas are so bad they don't deserve consideration, and such is the

case with the Mississippi Energy Institute's proposal to build a permanent

nuclear waste storage facility in Mississippi.

http://www.clarionledger.com/article/20130827/OPINION01/308270012/Reject-nuclear-waste-storage?nclick_check=1







Forum by JAMIE MILLER: It is my hope every penny of taxpayer funds misspent
will be returned to the state
Sun Herald


Let me start by saying that I agree with the premise of Friday's editorial

in the Sun Herald, "DMR needs to recoup those misspent millions."

http://www.sunherald.com/2013/08/26/4902835/forum-by-jamie-miller-it-is-my.html




Urge Congress to continue valuable conservation programs
Clarion Ledger


Written by
Paul Schmidt
Guest columnist
The farm bill's Sept. 30 expiration date is looming. Meanwhile, farmers,

ranchers and conservationists anxiously wait for Congress to finish a

five-year bill.

http://www.clarionledger.com/article/20130827/COL04/308270009/Urge-Congress-continue-valuable-conservation-programs







Press releases






EPA Launches Online Green Sports Resource Directory



WASHINGTON — The U. S. Environmental Protection agency (EPA) is unveiling a
new online Green Sports Resource Directory that can help teams, venues, and
leagues save money and reduce carbon pollution through increased energy
efficiency, a key part of President Obama's Climate Action Plan.

Additionally, the new directory contains information that can help teams
reduce waste and gain recognition for their programs that reduce the
environmental impact of their events. EPA Deputy Administrator Bob
Perciasepe made the announcement today during the third annual Green Sports
Alliance summit in New York City.

"As a founding partner of the Green Sports Alliance, EPA is committed to
working with its members to help teams and sports venues green their
operations, and engage fans," said Deputy Administrator Perciasepe. "EPA's
new Green Sports Resource Directory will provide easy access to information
on Agency tools and programs along with success stories to serve as
examples of what can be achieved with a winning game plan for going green."

Currently, the Green Sports Alliance has more than 180 members and is
working with more than 75 teams at both the professional and collegiate
levels and over 100 stadiums and sports venues across the country, with
participation increasing daily. This week's Summit includes a number of EPA
speakers as well as leaders from across the sports community who recognize
the potential for real environmental benefits from greening sports events
and venues, and the potential for teams to inspire fans to adopt greener
practices in their daily lives.

The Green Sports Resource Directory brings together Agency resources to
support teams and their fans, stadiums, and venues, who want to improve
their waste management, water and energy conservation, and other
sustainability efforts.

EPA compiled a Green "Scoreboard" that highlights a number of winning
efforts across numerous sports leagues and some statistics on the
environmental and saving benefits. The Scoreboard is available on the Green
Sports Resource Directory.



More on President Obama's Climate Action Plan:
http://www.whitehouse.gov/sites/default/files/image/president27sclimateactionplan.pdf


Visit the Green Sports Resource Directory and view the Scoreboard:
http://www2.epa.gov/green-sports

More on the Green Sports Alliance, this week's Summit, or to learn if your
team is a member: http://greensportsalliance.org/









EPA Releases New Climate Change Video Series



The series supports President Obama's Climate Action Plan and highlights
benefits of reducing energy consumption

WASHINGTON – The U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) today released
a new series of short public service videos on climate change. The videos
cover a range of topics related to climate change, including its causes and
impacts, actions Americans can take to reduce their impact, and the
benefits to the economy of addressing climate change. The new video series
supports the President's Climate Action Plan by encouraging American
families to reduce the amount of energy they consume, cutting down on their
utility bills and protecting people's health.

On June 25th, President Obama announced his Climate Action Plan to cut
carbon pollution and prepare the U.S. for the impacts of climate change. A
warming climate can adversely impact water supplies, agriculture, power and
transportation systems as well as health and safety of Americans and the
nation's economy. These videos show that there are simple things that all
Americans can do to help.

Watch the video series:
http://www.youtube.com/playlist?list=PLBhfkkujnoRAgTFtLreccWDfpxBIspCGv

Download broadcast quality video:
http://www.dvidshub.net/unit/usepa#.Ue11v9LVB54

Learn more on climate change: http://www.epa.gov/climatechange

News Clippings 8.26.13

8.26.2013



Oil Spill






Around Washington for Monday, Aug. 26, 2013


Baton Rouge Advocate

by jordaN BLUM

The federal government announced Friday that it will initiate a new study

to analyze the impacts of the 2010 Deepwater Horizon oil disaster and other

incidents in order to better assess future offshore oil-and-gas drilling.


http://theadvocate.com/columnists/6861428-55/around-washington-for-monday-aug





Leaders look to BP funds for water release aid

WZVN




An ironic twist of fate as Lee County commissioners look for help from a
corporation once vilified over environmental concerns to solve another.


http://www.abc-7.com/story/23242534/leaders-look-to-bp-funds-for-water-release-aid#.UhtZ4hsqjzY





State




MDEQ reopens Bayou Casotte after spill kills fish


by Associated Press
Published: August 25,2013

PASCAGOULA — The Mississippi Department of Environmental Quality has
reopened Bayou Casotte and nearby waters in the Mississippi Sound to
fishing and to swimming and other water contact.
http://msbusiness.com/blog/2013/08/25/mdeq-reopens-bayou-casotte-spill-kills-fish/



Fishing, water closure lifted for Bayou Casotte





Sun Herald





A fishing and water closure for Bayou Casotte was lifted Friday, according

to the Mississippi Department of Environmental Quality.





http://www.sunherald.com/2013/08/23/4897502/around-south-mississippi.html









MDEQ lifts closure for Bayou Casotte, ph values at normal levels

Mississippi Press

August 23, 2013 at 3:38 PM



JACKSON, Mississippi - The Mississippi Department of Environmental Quality

(MDEQ) Friday lifted a fishing and water contact closure that was issued

Aug. 19 for Bayou Casotte and the adjacent waters of the Mississippi Sound

within 1,000 feet of the mouth of the bayou.

http://blog.gulflive.com/mississippi-press-news/2013/08/mdeq_lifts_closure_for_bayou_c.html





Illegal dump site cleaned in Tupelo
WTVA


Tupelo Environmental Planner Sherrie Cochran says she discovered evidence
of a very bad habit near downtown.

The back of Gum Tree Park was being used as an illegal dump site.

Cochran immediately called on the Mississippi Department of Environmental
Quality for help.
http://www.wtva.com/news/local/story/Illegal-dump-site-cleaned-in-Tupelo/8cppPdGjbU2isZBYZmyFIg.cspx





Group pitches Miss. for nuclear waste storage
Energy Institute floats state as site; opponents point to potential dangers
Clarion Ledger


The Mississippi Energy Institute is making a pitch to politicians and

business leaders that Mississippi get into the used nuclear fuel storage

business.

http://www.clarionledger.com/apps/pbcs.dll/article?AID=2013308240001






Trouble for KiOR's biowaste-to-biocrude business
Commercial Dispatch
August 25, 2013 11:31:21 AM


Problems are emerging for KiOR, the Texas-based alternative fuel company
that began converting wood chips to fuel at its Columbus biorefinery
earlier this year.
http://www.cdispatch.com/news/article.asp?aid=26531







IMMS releases 17 sea turtles in MS Sound
WLOX




Senator Roger Wicker helped the Institute for Marine Mammal Studies (IMMS)
in releasing 17 sea turtles into the Mississippi Sound on Friday.
http://www.wlox.com/story/23246343/imms-releases-17-sea-turtles-in-ms-sound





Mississippi coast is a paddler's paradise for kayak craze

The Associated Press

August 25, 2013 at 2:13 PM



OCEAN SPRINGS, Mississippi -- The sky and trees were mirrored in the dark

stained water as Susan Ray began sliding a kayak into Old Fort Bayou in

Ocean Springs. Soon, she was slipping through the water and one by one,

more paddlers followed.

http://blog.gulflive.com/mississippi-press-news/2013/08/mississippi_coast_is_a_paddler.html#incart_river





Eight years after Hurricane Katrina, many South Mississippi recovery
visions, plans realized
Sun Herald
By MICHAEL NEWSOM — mmnewsom@sunherald.com


In the aftermath of the widespread devastation Hurricane Katrina wrought

eight years ago, an aggressive planning effort was undertaken to draft the

vision for what the Mississippi Coast could become after the "worst natural

disaster in U.S. history."

http://www.sunherald.com/2013/08/24/4899320/eight-years-after-hurricane-katrina.html





A day in the Life of the Ross Barnett Reservoir
Clarion Ledger


7:15 a.m. Pelahatchie Bay Trading Post


The gas station/convenience store/breakfast, lunch and sandwich spot/bait

shop/hangout is a beacon that beats the sun for some, opening at 5:30 a.m.

to reel in the early risers before they do the same to fish in the Ross

Barnett Reservoir.

http://www.clarionledger.com/article/20130825/OPINION03/308250026/A-day-Life-Ross-Barnett-Reservoir







Regional





Lawsuit would force the EPA to better monitor Florida waterways

Tampa Tribune


By Kate Bradshaw | Tribune Staff

Published: August 26, 2013



GULFPORT — Clam Bayou has long had a reputation as a dumping ground. Debris

and fertilizer runoff from nearby homes, businesses and industrial sites

wash into it from canals and sewers to the north.

http://tbo.com/pinellas-county/lawsuit-would-force-the-epa-to-better-monitor-florida-waterways-20130826/







National





Former EPA official charged with stealing nearly $900K


AP


WASHINGTON – A former high-ranking official with the Environmental
Protection Agency was charged Friday with stealing nearly $900,000 from the
agency over 13 years.
http://www.foxnews.com/politics/2013/08/23/former-epa-official-charged-with-stealing-nearly-00k/





Vitter demands congressional investigation into EPA fraud case
By Carlo Muñoz - 08/24/13 03:53 PM ET


Sen. David Vitter (R-La.) is spearheading calls for a congressional
investigation into recent federal fraud charges against a former top
official at the Environmental Protection Agency.
http://thehill.com/blogs/e2-wire/e2-wire/318637-vitter-demands-congressional-inquiry-into-epa-fraud-case






Health effects of gas drilling under study



AP


By Kevin Begos,

PITTSBURGH — A project examining the local health effects from natural gas
drilling is providing some of the first preliminary numbers about people
who may be affected, and the results challenge the industry position that
no one suffers but also suggest that the problems may not be as widespread
as some critics claim.

http://www.washingtonpost.com/national/health-science/fracking-health-study-provides-numbers-for-the-debate/2013/08/25/ad2bfafe-0da4-11e3-8cdd-bcdc09410972_print.html





Obama position on fracking leaves both sides grumbling
BY SEAN COCKERHAM
MCCLATCHY WASHINGTON BUREAU



WASHINGTON -- President Barack Obama's embrace of fracking is earning wrath
from environmentalists but little love from the oil and gas industry.
Obama praised the U.S. natural gas boom in a recent climate change speech
and credited it with delivering cleaner energy. The boom is a result of
hydraulic fracturing, or fracking, in which chemical-spiked water is pumped
underground to free oil and natural gas trapped in shale rock.
http://www.miamiherald.com/2013/08/23/3582081/obama-position-on-fracking-leaves.html





Press Releases






Real-Time Monitoring Pays Off For Tracking Nitrate Pulse In Mississippi


River Basin To The Gulf Of Mexico





Cutting edge optical sensor technology is being used in the Mississippi
River basin to more accurately track the nitrate pulse from small streams,
large tributaries and ultimately to the Gulf of Mexico.



Excessive springtime nitrate runoff from agricultural land and other
sources in the Mississippi drainage eventually flows into the Mississippi
River. Downstream, this excess nitrate contributes to the Gulf of Mexico
hypoxic zone, an area with low oxygen known commonly as the "dead zone."
NOAA-supported researchers reported that the summer 2013 dead zone covered
about 5,840 square miles, an area the size of Connecticut.



These optical sensors measure and transmit nitrate data every 15 minutes to
3 hours and are located at the mouth of the Mississippi River near Baton
Rouge, LA, and at several large tributaries to the Mississippi
River—including the Missouri River at Hermann, MO; Ohio River at Olmsted,
IL; Ohio, Illinois River at Florence, IL; and Iowa River at Wapello, IA –
to track how nitrate concentrations from different areas of the watershed
pulse in response to rainfall and seasons.



About 622 million pounds of nitrogen were transported in May and June of
2013 at the Mississippi River Baton Rouge station, said Brian Pellerin,
USGS research hydrologist. "This is roughly equivalent to the amount of
fertilizer nitrogen applied annually to about 4 million acres of corn."



Nitrate sensors in Iowa, Illinois, Indiana, Nebraska, Kansas, Wisconsin,
Missouri, and Arkansas provide new insights for researchers into the
storage and transport of nitrate from headwaters to the Gulf of Mexico.



"Real-time information will improve our ability to measure the
effectiveness of management actions by allowing us to track the movement
and quantity of nitrate delivered from small streams all the way to the
Gulf Coast," said Lori Caramanian, the Department of the Interior's Deputy
Assistant Secretary for Water and Science. "These sensors will give us an
unprecedented level of precision in tracing the origins of excessive
nitrate, and will be a valuable tool in tracking progress toward the goal
of reducing the size of the dead zone."



Real-time nitrate monitoring in Iowa is being used by drinking water
utilities to determine when to switch on nitrate-removal systems or when to
mix water with multiple sources that have lower concentrations. Both
actions result in higher costs for drinking water. "Real-time nitrate
concentrations in the Raccoon River at Van Meter, Iowa, peaked at 20.7
milligrams per liter in May 2013. This is more than double the U.S.
Environmental Protection Agency's maximum contaminant level for drinking
water," said Kevin Richards, Director of the USGS Iowa Water Science
Center.



About USGS
The USGS, in cooperation with numerous local, state, and other federal
agencies, currently operates over 52 real-time nitrate sensors across the
Nation, of which 36 are in the Mississippi River Basin. These data are
available at USGS Water-Quality Watch. Real-time nitrate monitoring is
supported by the USGS National Stream Quality Accounting
Network,Cooperative Water Program, and the National Water-Quality
Assessment Program.



The USGS also continuously monitors water levels and streamflows at
thousands of the nation's streams on a real-time basis. These data are
available at USGS Current Streamflow Conditions.


http://www.wateronline.com/doc/real-time-monitoring-pays-tracking-nitrate-pulse-river-basin-mexico-0001

News Clippings 8.23.13

8.23.13



Oil Spill





Judge: Phase 2 of oil spill trial should take 16 days
ASSOCIATED PRESS


NEW ORLEANS -- A federal judge said he expects the second phase of a trial

over BP's 2010 oil spill in the Gulf of Mexico to last 16 days.

http://www.sunherald.com/2013/08/22/4895100/judge-phase-2-of-oil-spill-trial.html




Bense tapped to lead oil spill endowment
Tallahassee Democrat


Senate President Don Gaetz has appointed former state House Speaker Allan

Bense to a five-member board that will manage the endowment set up to

manage money that may flow to the coastal Panhandle and Big Bend in the

wake of the Deepwater Horizon Oil Spill.

http://www.tallahassee.com/article/20130822/POLITICSPOLICY05/130822018/Bense-tapped-lead-oil-spill-endowment?nclick_check=1






Analyst: Wetlands plan doesn't have enough money

Daily Comet


Jean-Paul Arguello
Published: Thursday, August 22, 2013 at 9:24 p.m.



The 50-year master plan the Legislature approved last year to restore

wetlands has a $50 billion budget, but that isn't enough according to a

financial analyst.

http://www.dailycomet.com/article/20130822/ARTICLES/130829832/1320?Title=Analyst-Wetlands-plan-doesn-8217-t-have-enough-money-






BP argues it's being bilked in spill claims
The Hill


By Zack Colman - 08/23/13 05:30 AM ET


BP has launched a public relations offensive to argue it is being bilked
for fraudulent damages related to the 2010 Gulf of Mexico oil spill.
http://thehill.com/blogs/e2-wire/e2-wire/318375-bp-pushes-back-at-gulf-oil-spill-settlement





BP spill claims deadline may slip by year or more
Reuters



LONDON, Aug 23 (Reuters) - The April 2014 deadline for compensation claims
against BP over its U.S. oil spill is almost certain to be extended, say
both side of the legal settlement that governs payouts, possibly into 2015.

http://www.reuters.com/article/2013/08/23/hold-bp-spill-deadline-idUSL6N0GN2CH20130823







State






Utility Authority closing out paperwork on state funding


By Alexandra Hedrick
The Picayune Item


CARRIERE — The Pearl River County Utility Authority Board of Directors
started the process of closing out paperwork with the Mississippi
Department of Environmental Quality for the $55 million allocated to them
in 2006.
http://picayuneitem.com/local/x865760189/Utility-Authority-closing-out-paperwork-on-state-funding/?state=taberU




Jackson water, sewer hike proposal detailed
Mayor's plan would boost rates 29%, 107%, respectively
Clarion Ledger


Mayor Chokwe Lumumba told the Jackson City Council it is "imperative" that

the city raise water and sewer rates this year, as council members pored

over the proposal on day one of budget hearings.



The administration for the first time Thursday released the specifics of

the proposed hikes to the city's water and sewer rates, which the

administration says are necessary to meet its bond obligations and position

itself to tackle a $400 million consent decree from the Environmental

Protection Agency.

http://www.clarionledger.com/article/20130823/NEWS01/308230017/Jackson-water-sewer-hike-proposal-detailed







MDEQ issues water-contact advisory for east Gulfport beach

The Associated Press

August 22, 2013 at 4:05 PM



GULFPORT, Mississippi -- State environmental officials have issued a

water-contact advisory for a stretch of beach along Mississippi Sound in

Harrison County.

http://blog.gulflive.com/mississippi-press-news/2013/08/mdeq_issues_water-contact_advi.html#incart_river







Advisory issued for Gulfport





Sun Herald





GULFPORT -- State environmental officials have issued a water-contact

advisory for a stretch of beach in Harrison County.





http://www.sunherald.com/2013/08/22/4895087/around-south-mississippi.html






Regional





Plains Southcap asks federal judge to order Semmes to stop blocking oil

pipeline construction

Press-Register

Brendan Kirby

August 22, 2013 at 6:08 PM



MOBILE, Alabama – The company building a controversial oil pipeline in

Mobile County asked a federal judge Thursday to stop Semmes from blocking

the project, but the mayor said the filing was filled with "garbage."

Chief U.S. District Judge William Steele set an Aug. 29 hearing on the

matter.

http://blog.al.com/live/2013/08/plains_southcap_asks_federal_j.html#incart_river





National





Senators tell EPA not to force farmers to comply with spill rules
The Hill


By Ramsey Cox - 08/22/13 10:21 AM ET


Sens. James Inhofe (R-Okla.) and Mark Pryor (D-Ark.) demanded that the
Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) not retroactively require farmers to
comply with spill regulations.
http://thehill.com/blogs/floor-action/senate/318227-senators-tell-epa-not-to-force-farmers-to-comply-with-spill-rules






Daryl Hannah, activists press White House on 'fracking' rule
The Hill


By Ben Geman - 08/22/13 11:40 AM ET





Actress Daryl Hannah and other "fracking" opponents will protest President
Obama's oil and gas policies just outside the White House on Thursday.
http://thehill.com/blogs/e2-wire/e2-wire/318257-daryl-hannah-activists-press-white-house-on-fracking-rule



Pro- and anti-fracking groups plan show for Obama
Associated Press

BINGHAMTON, N.Y. — Supporters and opponents of fracking for natural gas

are gathering in Binghamton to put on a show for President Obama when his

tour bus rolls in.

http://online.wsj.com/article/AP012624e83e14411f8245b6c04e96e5aa.html






Opinion





SUN HERALD | Editorial: DMR needs to recoup those misspent millions


Mississippi Department of Marine Resources Executive Director Jamie Miller

is asking the state Legislature for hundreds of thousands of additional tax

dollars. But until Miller and state Auditor Stacey Pickering recover

millions of dollars the DMR has misspent in recent years, the agency should

not receive additional taxpayer funding.





http://www.sunherald.com/2013/08/22/4894552/sun-herald-editorial-dmr-needs.html





BP works toward culture of safety after 2010 oil spill
Written by
C.T. Carley
MSU professor emeritus
After an accident-marred decade, BP is no longer "beyond petroleum." It is

now a smaller and vastly better managed company than the one Mississippian

Bob Dudley took over when he became BP's chief executive officer in the

aftermath of the disastrous Deepwater Horizon oil spill three years ago.

http://www.hattiesburgamerican.com/article/20130823/OPINION02/308230001/BP-works-toward-culture-safety-after-2010-oil-spill

News Clippings 8.22.13

8.22.2013



Oil Spill





House Republicans raise funding questions on implementation of Restore Act
Bruce Alpert
Times-Picayune
August 21, 2013 at 6:16 PM

WASHINGTON - Two Louisiana congressmen Wednesday urged the Senate

Appropriations Committee to reconsider a spending bill that allocates $7.4

million in Restore Act funding to help the Treasury Department oversee

distribution of the law's funds to the five Gulf states.

http://www.nola.com/politics/index.ssf/2013/08/funding_dispute_on_how_to_impl.html






Congressmen spar over BP money


Baton Rouge Advocate

by jordan blum

WASHINGTON — U.S. Reps. Bill Cassidy, R-Baton Rouge, and Steve Scalise,

R-Jefferson, sent a letter Wednesday criticizing the Senate Appropriations

Committee for proposing to take $10.2 million out of the Gulf Coast

recovery pool from the BP oil disaster.



http://theadvocate.com/news/6843854-123/congressmen-spar-over-bp-money





US shuffles prosecution team in Gulf spill case against ex-BP engineer
Houston Chronicle




The Justice Department asked Wednesday that three federal prosecutors
handling the case against a former BP engineer charged with obstructing the
government's investigation of the 2010 Gulf of Mexico oil spill be
withdrawn from the case.
http://fuelfix.com/blog/2013/08/21/us-shuffles-prosecution-team-in-gulf-spill-case-against-ex-bp-engineer/





State





Gautier seeks brownfield grant to revitalize contaminated sites

Mississippi Press

Joanne Anderson

August 21, 2013 at 7:04 PM



GAUTIER, Mississippi -- Petroleum contaminated sites like buried gas

station tanks and the creosote plant property would be prime candidates for

a revitalization program here if Gautier city officials are successful in

obtaining a $400,000 brownfield's grant from the U.S. Environmental

Protection Agency.

http://blog.gulflive.com/mississippi-press-news/2013/08/gautier_seeks_brownfield_grant.html#incart_river





Pontotoc Lake level lowered by DEQ

Pontotoc Progress



by Regina Butler | 5:07 am | August 22, 2013



A Department of Environmental Quality inspection of the Pontotoc Lake

revealed that the lake was at a higher level than is allowed for the dam.

Harry Patterson, who is on the Chiwapa Drainage District Board, said the

DEQ did a more rigid inspection of the riser (spillway) recently, and saw

that there was some obstruction placed there that caused the water level to

be at a higher point than is allowed for the lake.

http://pontotoc-progress.com/2013/08/22/pontotoc-lake-level-lowered-by-deq/



Bayou Casotte fish kill followed discharge of acidic liquid from plant
Sun Herald
By CHRISTINA STEUBE — csteube@sunherald.com


The fish kill caused by low pH levels in Bayou Casotte has left a mess, and

the Mississippi Department of Environmental Quality and Mississippi

Phosphates Corp. are working to clean up the bayou.

http://www.sunherald.com/2013/08/21/4892024/bayou-casotte-fish-kill-followed.html





Waste Pro to introduce new recycling carts in Jackson County's

unincorporated areas

Mississippi Press

August 21, 2013 at 11:29 AM



JACKSON COUNTY, Mississippi -- On Sept. 3, the new 35-gallon rolling

recycling carts will debut at the homes of residents in the unincorporated

areas of Jackson County.

http://blog.gulflive.com/mississippi-press-living/2013/08/waste_pro_to_begin_recycling_i.html#incart_river





County completes tornado clean-up with no outstanding debts

Chickasaw Journal



by Floyd Ingram | 12:55 PM | August 19, 2013



CHICKASAW COUNTY – The project is complete, the bills have been paid and

Chickasaw County has no debt on the books from the tornado of April 2011.

http://chickasawjournal.com/2013/08/19/county-completes-tornado-clean-up-with-no-outstanding-debts/






Friends of Boley set fall cleanup date

By Jennifer Lenain
The Picayune Item


PICAYUNE — Friends of Boley have set the date for the fall cleanup
"Cruisin' the Creek" for Oct. 5. The spring cleanup rescheduled for June 1,
was canceled due to high waters in the creek and safety concerns for
volunteers.
http://picayuneitem.com/local/x789510303/Friends-of-Boley-set-fall-cleanup-date/?state=taberU





Regional





New bluefin tuna rules proposed in Atlantic, Gulf
AP



NEW ORLEANS — Boats using surface fishing lines with miles of baited hooks

would get individual limits for bluefin tuna under rules proposed to end

the practice of dumping dead bluefin caught on hooks meant for other

species.

http://www.hattiesburgamerican.com/viewart/20130821/NEWS01/130821016/New-bluefin-tuna-rules-proposed-Atlantic-Gulf-






Report blames wielding for fatal Gulf oilrig fire


by Associated Press
Published: August 21,2013

GULF OF MEXICO — A consultant's report for a Texas-based company says a
deadly 2012 explosion on its Gulf of Mexico oil platform off the Louisiana
coast happened when workers for a subcontractor used unsafe welding
practices.

http://msbusiness.com/blog/2013/08/21/report-blames-wielding-for-fatal-gulf-oilrig-fire/





National






Obama's climate plan could cut power-plant emissions 26 percent. Or just 1
percent.

Washington Post
By Brad Plumer, Updated: August 21, 2013



As part of its big push to address climate change, the Obama administration
is crafting rules to cut carbon-dioxide emissions from the nation's power
plants. One big unknown, however, is how much these regulations will
actually do. A lot? A little?
http://www.washingtonpost.com/blogs/wonkblog/wp/2013/08/21/obamas-climate-plan-could-cut-power-plant-emissions-1-percent-or-26-percent/?print=1





Lawmakers want answers on 'social cost of carbon' decision
The Hill
By Ben Goad - 08/21/13 12:27 PM ET


The top Republican and Democratic members of a House panel are requesting
information about the White House's move to increase damage estimates
related to carbon emissions — a metric used to support regulatory
decisions.
http://thehill.com/blogs/regwatch/energyenvironment/318057-lawmakers-want-answers-on-social-cost-of-carbon-decision-


Senate Dem announces bill to cut 'red tape' on marine debris funds
The Hill
By Ramsey Cox - 08/21/13 01:31 PM ET


Sen. Jeff Merkley (D-Ore.) announced Tuesday he will introduce a bill would
fund marine debris emergencies when Congress returns in September.
The Marine Debris Emergency Act would expedite grant funding through
National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration's (NOAA) Marine Debris
program and prioritizes grants to communities facing severe debris events.
http://thehill.com/blogs/floor-action/senate/318079-senate-dem-announces-bill-to-cut-red-tape-on-marine-debris-funds


Thousands weigh in on proposed fracking rule
The Hill
By Julian Hattem - 08/21/13 12:09 PM ET


The Obama administration has received more than 5,000 comments on its
proposed regulation for hydraulic fracturing, or fracking, on public and
Native American lands.
http://thehill.com/blogs/regwatch/pending-regs/318051-thousands-weigh-in-on-proposed-fracking-rule-


Opinion





Editorial: BP oil spill dangers persisting
Wednesday, August 21, 2013 5:55pm


Tampa Bay Times


A new study by the University of South Florida underscores the need to
continue monitoring the impact of the 2010 BP oil spill. Researchers
testing the toxicity of the Gulf of Mexico found that a portion of the
spilled oil could have moved southeastward toward the Tampa Bay area,
potentially affecting marine life in ways that might not be known for
years. This is the latest reminder of the importance of tracking the
spill's long-term impact.
http://www.tampabay.com/opinion/editorials/editorial-bp-oil-spill-dangers-persisting/2137646





Press Releases





Gulf Coast Ecosystem Restoration Council Posts Materials for August 28,
2013, Council Meeting



The Gulf Coast Ecosystem Restoration Council (Council) will meet on
Wednesday, August 28, 2013, at 1:00 p.m. CST to vote on the Initial
Comprehensive Plan: Restoring the Gulf Coast's Ecosystem and Economy (Plan
). The public is invited to attend the Council Meeting.


Today, the Council posted meeting materials on its website:
www.restorethegulf.gov.


August 28, 2013 Meeting Agenda


Draft Plan as published on May 23, 2013


Appendix A - Background Information - Preliminary List of Authorized but
Not Commenced Projects and Programs.


Public comments received: on May 23, 2013 the Gulf Coast Ecosystem
Restoration Council released the Draft Initial Comprehensive Plan for 30
days of public comment. After receiving numerous requests to extend the
public comment period, the Council extended the deadline to July 8, 2013.
The attached PDF files reflect the comments submitted to the Council by the
public.


· Comments received by mail


· Comments received by email (1)


· Comments received by email (2)


· Comments received through PEPC


· Form Letters received


Response to Public Comments document


Initial Comprehensive Plan


Initial Comprehensive Plan – Vietnamese translation


Draft Programmatic Environmental Assessment


Final Programmatic Environmental Assessment


· Final PEA Table of Contents


· Final PEA


· Final PEA Summary-Vietnamese Translation


Finding of No Significant Impact (FONSI)


Additional translated materials will be available on this site shortly.


For more information about these materials, please contact the Council at
RestoreCouncil@doc.gov.


########


The meeting will take place at the Hyatt Regency Hotel, 601 Loyola Ave, New
Orleans, Louisiana. U.S. Secretary of Commerce Penny Pritzker, Chair of the
Council, will preside over the meeting and Louisiana Governor Bobby Jindal
will be in attendance as a Council member and host of the meeting. Council
representatives from the other Gulf States and participating federal
agencies will be in attendance.


Preregister for the Council meeting:
http://events.constantcontact.com/register/event?llr=b6avr5nab&oeidk=a07...
Pre-registration ends at midnight CST on August 25, 2013. On-site
registration will be available on August 28, 2013, beginning two hours
prior to the meeting start time.


In addition to voting on the Plan, the Council will hear from some of its
key restoration partners, including representatives from the Deepwater
Horizon Natural Resource Damage Trustees, the National Fish and Wildlife
Foundation, and the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA)
RESTORE Science Program about their Gulf restoration efforts.