11.21.13
State
St. Tammany residents question Mississippi officials about Pearl River dam
proposal
Robert Rhoden
The Times-Picayune
November 20, 2013 at 10:12 PM
A couple dozen St. Tammany Parish residents peppered Mississippi officials
with questions and concerns Wednesday night (Nov. 20) about a flood control
proposal to widen the Pearl River in Jackson and build a dam that would
create a 1,500-acre lake. The concerns focused primarily on the already-low
river levels on the Pearl River system in St. Tammany, and how such a
project would affect wetlands and wildlife along one of the state's most
beautiful rivers.
http://www.nola.com/politics/index.ssf/2013/11/st_tammany_residents_voice_str.html#incart_river
Mississippi Power Company in Court Over Kemper Facility
MPB
The Mississippi Power Company, finds itself in court over whether it can
legally charge consumers for the Kemper County Coal Plant now under
construction in East Mississippi.
http://mpbonline.org/News/article/mississippi_power_company_in_court_over_kemper_facility
City receives Earth Day Grant early
Bolivar Commercial
by Paisley Boston
11.20.13 - 04:46 pm
The Cleveland Public Works office put in some extra work a little early
this year to ensure that a solid waste assistance grant would be in place
for next year.
http://www.bolivarcom.com/view/full_story/24091515/article-City-receives-Earth-Day-Grant-early?instance=homesecondleft
Boys and Girls Recycling Initiative
WCBI
STARKVILLE, Miss. (WCBI) – The Boys and Girls Club of Starkville steps up a
recycling initiative.
http://www.wcbi.com/wordpress/boys-and-girls-recycling-initiative
Oxford ponders poop power
By Errol Castens
Daily Journal
OXFORD – City officials voted Tuesday to explore a partnership using
municipal sewage to generate electricity while purifying wastewater.
http://djournal.com/news/oxford-ponders-poop-power/
Woman Wants Ross Barnett Reservoir Name Changed
WJTV
METRO - TaJuana Byrd believes changing the name of the Ross Barnett
Reservoir will be a positive change for the state of Mississippi.
"The past of Mississippi is riddled with hate and racism. And, I'm trying
to show everyone else that Mississippi isn't like that anymore," expresses
Byrd.
http://www.wjtv.com/story/24028705/woman-wants-ross-barnett-reservoir-name-changed
Hancock Co dedicates 'great, glorious, green' school
WLOX
HANCOCK COUNTY, MS (WLOX) -The Hancock County community gave thanks
Wednesday for a "green" school that could set the standard for the rest of
the state. Hundreds of people gathered to dedicate the new Hancock North
Central Elementary School. It could become the first LEED school in
Mississippi.
http://www.wlox.com/story/24027758/hancock-co-dedicates-green-school
Water-contact advisoryissued in west Biloxi
Sun Herald
BILOXI -- The state Department of Environmental Quality issued a water
contact advisory Wednesday for a sampling station. Station 11A runs between
DeBuys Road and Edgewater Avenue.
http://www.sunherald.com/2013/11/20/5133762/around-south-mississippi.html
National
States press EPA for flexibility in power plant climate rules
The Hill
By Ben Geman
State power regulators are urging the Environmental Protection Agency to
give states plenty of leeway to decide how they would meet upcoming carbon
emissions standards for existing power plants.
http://thehill.com/blogs/e2-wire/e2-wire/190916-states-press-epa-for-flexibility-in-power-plant-climate-rules
EPA guidelines seek green standards on procurement
The Hill
By Ben Goad
The Environmental Protection Agency issued draft guidelines Wednesday in
support of the federal government's effort to go green with its purchasing
policies.
http://thehill.com/blogs/regwatch/energyenvironment/190963-epa-issues-guidelines-for-environmentally-preferable-federal
Democrats recruit pro sports leagues for climate push
Politico
By: Andrew Restuccia
November 21, 2013 05:10 AM EST
Democrats in Congress are recruiting a varsity squad of sports officials to
help make the case for action on climate change.
Rep. Henry Waxman of California and Sen. Sheldon Whitehouse of Rhode Island
are slated to meet Thursday with officials from most of the country's major
sports leagues, including Major League Baseball, the National Basketball
Association, the National Hockey League and the National Football League.
http://www.politico.com/story/2013/11/democrats-recruit-professional-sports-leagues-for-climate-push-100172.html?hp=l7
EPA Wet Weather Policies Limited To Eighth Circuit Jurisdiction, Agency
Says
Bloomberg
Wednesday, November 20, 2013
Nov. 19 --A March appeals court ruling rejecting the Environmental
Protection Agency's restrictive policies on wastewater discharges during
periods of heavy rainfall, is limited to that court's jurisdiction, the
agency said.
http://www.bna.com/epa-wet-weather-n17179880233/
House OKs bills to speed oil, gas drilling
BY MATTHEW DALY
Associated Press
WASHINGTON — The House approved two bills Wednesday aimed at speeding up
drilling for oil and natural gas on public lands.
http://www.sunherald.com/2013/11/20/5131936/house-set-to-ok-bills-to-speed.html
Opinion
Coal's Challenge to the EPA
Bloomberg
By the Editors - Nov 20, 2013
The Environmental Protection Agency's effort to limit carbon emissions from
coal plants is facing a new congressional challenge this week. In choosing
how to respond, the agency should be willing to adjust its short-term
tactics in service of its long-term goal -- even if it seems nonsensical.
http://www.bloomberg.com/news/2013-11-20/coal-s-challenge-to-the-epa.html
Press Releases
EPA Offers Funding to Reduce Pollution from Diesel Engines
WASHINGTON – The U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) has made
available $2 million in funding for rebates to help public and private
construction equipment owners replace or retrofit older diesel construction
engines. The rebates will reduce harmful pollution and improve air quality
in local areas.
"Exhaust from diesel construction equipment affects children, senior
citizens and others in neighborhoods across the country"," said Janet
McCabe, acting assistant administrator for EPA's Office of Air and
Radiation. "These rebates will help equipment owners protect public health
and improve air quality near construction sites while updating their
fleets."
Rebates will be offered as part of the Diesel Emission Reduction Act, also
known as DERA. This is the second rebate program offered since Congress
reauthorized DERA in 2010 to allow rebates in addition to grants and
revolving loans. The rebates will support the program's effort to replace
and update existing diesel vehicles, and will target where people are
exposed to unhealthy air.
Since 2008, DERA has awarded more than $500 million to grantees across the
country to retrofit, replace, or repower more than 50,000 vehicles. By
cutting air pollution and preventing thousands of asthma attacks, emergency
room visits and premature deaths, these clean diesel projects are projected
to generate health benefits worth up to $8.2 billion.
Public and private construction equipment owners in eligible counties that
are facing air quality challenges are encouraged to apply for rebates for
the replacement or retrofit of construction equipment engines. EPA will
accept applications from November 20, 2013, to January 15, 2014 and
anticipates awarding the rebates in February 2014.
Construction equipment engines are very durable and can operate for
decades. EPA has implemented standards to make diesel engines cleaner, but
many older pieces of construction equipment remain in operation and predate
these standards. Older diesel engines emit large amounts of pollutants
such as nitrogen oxides (NOx) and particulate matter (PM). These pollutants
are linked to health problems, including asthma, lung and heart disease,
and even premature death. Equipment is readily available that can reduce
emissions from these engines.
To learn more about the rebate program, the list of eligible counties,
applicant eligibility and selection process, please visit
http://www.epa.gov/cleandiesel/dera-rebate-construction.htm
EPA Study: Mercury Levels in Women of Childbearing Age Drop 34 Percent
Data suggest women making more informed seafood choices
WASHINGTON — Today the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) released
a study showing that blood mercury levels in women of childbearing age
dropped 34 percent from a survey conducted in 1999-2000 to follow-up
surveys conducted from 2001 to 2010. Additionally, the percentage of women
of childbearing age with blood mercury levels above the level of concern
decreased 65 percent from the 1999-2000 survey and the follow-up surveys
from 2001-2010.
During the survey period there was very little change in the amount of fish
consumed. The decrease in the ratio of mercury intake to fish consumed
suggests that women may have shifted to eating types of fish with lower
mercury concentrations.
For the peer-reviewed study, Trends in Blood Mercury Concentrations and
Fish Consumption among U.S. Women of Childbearing Age, NHANES (1999-2010),
EPA analyzed measurements of blood mercury levels from the Center for
Disease Control and Prevention's National Health and Nutrition Examination
Survey. EPA found that blood methylmercury concentrations in women of
childbearing age in the first survey cycle (1999-2000) were 1.5 times
higher than the average concentration of the five subsequent cycles
(2001-2010). The average of blood mercury concentrations changed only
slightly from 2001 to 2010, and remained below levels of concern for
health.
EPA's study provides a nationwide perspective on trends in mercury levels
based mostly on consumption of ocean fish. It does not reflect trends in
mercury levels in communities that depend on locally caught fish for
subsistence. EPA and states recommend that people check local advisories
before eating fish caught from local waterways.
Fish and shellfish are an important part of a healthy diet because they are
a source of high-quality protein, many vitamins and minerals, omega-3 fatty
acids, and are mostly low in saturated fat. A well-balanced diet that
includes a variety of fish and shellfish can be beneficial for heart health
and children's proper growth and development.
However, nearly all fish and shellfish contain traces of mercury. For most
people, the risk from mercury by eating fish and shellfish is not a health
concern. Yet, some fish and shellfish contain higher levels of mercury that
may harm an unborn baby or young child's developing nervous system. The
risks from mercury depend on the amount of fish and shellfish eaten and the
levels of mercury in the fish.
EPA and the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) advise women who may
become pregnant, pregnant women, nursing mothers, and young children to
avoid some types of fish and to eat fish and shellfish that are low in
mercury for the health benefits and to reduce exposure to mercury.
EPA and FDA advise:
· Do not eat shark, swordfish, king mackerel or tilefish because they
have high levels of mercury.
· Eat up to 12 ounces (2 average meals) per week of a variety of fish
and shellfish low in mercury.
o Five of the most commonly eaten fish that are low in mercury
are shrimp, canned light tuna, salmon, pollock, and catfish.
o Another commonly eaten fish, albacore ("white") tuna has more
mercury than canned light tuna. So, when choosing two meals of
fish and shellfish, you may eat up to 6 ounces (one average
meal) of albacore tuna per week.
· Check local advisories about the safety of fish caught in local
lakes, rivers, and coastal areas. If no advice is available, eat up
to 6 ounces (one average meal) per week of fish caught from local
waters, but don't consume any other fish during that week.
· Follow these same recommendations for young children, but serve
smaller portions.
EPA and the FDA issued national mercury advisories on fish consumption in
2001 and 2004. The agency conducted an extensive national outreach
campaign, including distributing millions of advisory brochures;
translating information into Spanish, Portuguese, Chinese, Vietnamese,
Korean, Cambodian and Hmong; and providing materials to more than 150,000
doctors and healthcare professionals. EPA has also worked closely with
state and tribal partners on developing and communicating risk and benefit
messages related to consuming fish.
In 2013 EPA took two significant actions toward making fish and shellfish
safer to eat. In June, the agency proposed new effluent guidelines for
steam electric power plants, which currently account for more than half of
all toxic pollutants discharged into streams, rivers and lakes from
industrial facilities in the U.S. In April, EPA issued the new Mercury and
Air Toxics rule, which sets emissions limitation standards for mercury
emitted from power plants. Compliance with this rule may take up to four
years.
More information:
http://water.epa.gov/scitech/swguidance/fishshellfish/fishadvisories/technical.cfm#tabs-4
EPA Proposes New Guidelines for Greener Federal Purchases
WASHINGTON — The U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) is proposing
draft guidelines that will help the federal government buy greener and
safer products. In response to broad stakeholder interest, EPA is seeking
public input on these draft guidelines and a potential approach to
assessing non-governmental environmental standards and ecolabels already in
the marketplace.
"As the largest purchaser in the world, the U.S. government is working to
reduce its environmental footprint," said Jim Jones, Assistant
Administrator for the Office of Chemical Safety and Pollution Prevention.
"The government buys everything from furniture to lighting to cleaning
products. These guidelines will make it easier for federal purchasers to
meet the existing goal of 95 percent sustainable purchases while spurring
consumers and the private sector to use and demand safer and greener
products."
The draft guidelines were developed by EPA, the General Services
Administration, and others following several listening sessions with a wide
range of stakeholders on how the federal government can be more sustainable
in its purchasing and how it can best meet the numerous Federal
requirements for the procurement of sustainable and environmentally
preferable products and services. The draft guidelines were designed to
assist federal purchasing decision makers in more consistently using
existing non-governmental product environmental performance standards and
ecolabels.
The draft guidelines address key characteristics of environmental standards
and ecolabels, including the credibility of the development process and the
effectiveness of the criteria for environmental performance. The draft
guidelines were developed to be flexible enough to be applied to standards
and ecolabels in a broad range of product categories.
For more information on the draft guidelines, please visit:
http://www.epa.gov/epp/draftGuidelines
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| U.S. Forest Service Offers New Digital Maps for Mobile Devices |
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|WASHINGTON, Nov. 20, 2013 - The U.S. Forest Service now offers access to |
|variety of visitor maps for people using Android and iOS devices. |
| |
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|"This mobile app makes it easier than ever to plan your visit to a national |
|forest or grassland," said U.S. Forest Service Chief Tom Tidwell. "By |
|putting important forest information right at your fingertips, it will |
|encourage more Americans to get outside and explore their forests." |
| |
| |
|The digital maps are part of USDA's work toward reaching President Obama's |
|initiative to create a paperless government that also provides the American |
|public with better, more accessible information. Online customer surveys |
|also indicated a desire for more online products and information, such as |
|maps. The Forest Service is currently working on the first phase of a |
|website redesign, expected to debut early in 2014, which centers on a |
|map-based tool for planning trips onto our nation's forests, grasslands and |
|other special places. |
| |
| |
|The PDF Maps Mobile App, developed by Avenza Systems Inc., is available as a|
|free download from iTunes and the Android Play Store. The app provides |
|access to Forest Service maps, such as motor-vehicle-use maps, which are |
|free while pages from national forest atlases are 99 cents and forest |
|visitor maps are $4.99. Prices are pending for other agency maps. |
| |
| |
|The maps are geo-referenced with the user's location appearing as a blue |
|dot. The app works on iPhones (3GS or newer) and iPads with WiFi+3G. It also|
|works with Android 4 or newer operating systems on devices with at least 1 |
|gigabyte of memory. |
| |
| |
|Through the app, users can purchase and download professionally created maps|
|that are stored on their devices. They can use the maps based on their |
|location when GPS is available. The maps also will allow users to measure |
|distance and area, find coordinates, open a current view in Google maps, |
|plot place marks, add notes, enter their own data and add photos as |
|attributes. Almost 700 Forest Service maps are available through the app. |
| |
| |
|In areas of national forests and grasslands where Internet connections are |
|unavailable, the app and static maps work well if users download the maps |
|prior to their visit. The apps and maps also will be useful for wildland |
|firefighters. |
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| |
|In geographic areas with internet availability users will be able to use the|
|products with live data. The interactive map is expected to be available on |
|a limited basis starting in March 2014. The Forest Service's seven regions |
|are tasked with uploading maps. Users should contact the regional office |
|where a forest or grassland is located if maps are not available on the app.|
| |
| |
|Paper maps are still available for purchase online at the National Forest |
|Store. |
| |
| |
|The Forest Service differs from other federal government agencies in how the|
|Forest Visitor map is funded. The Agriculture Adjustment Act of 1938 calls |
|for the sale of maps as the funding mechanism to revise and produce maps for|
|the public. In 1999 the Act was amended to include products available |
|through the web as "geo-referenced data." |
| |
| |
|The mission of the U.S. Forest Service, an agency of the U.S. Department of |
|Agriculture, is to sustain the health, diversity and productivity of the |
|nation's forests and grasslands to meet the needs of present and future |
|generations. The agency manages 193 million acres of public land, provides |
|assistance to state and private landowners, and maintains the largest |
|forestry research organization in the world. Public lands the Forest Service|
|manages contribute more than $13 billion to the economy each year through |
|visitor spending alone. Those same lands provide 20 percent of the nation's |
|clean water supply, a value estimated at $7.2 billion per year. The agency |
|has either a direct or indirect role in stewardship of about 80 percent of |
|the 850 million forested acres within the U.S., of which 100 million acres |
|are urban forests where most Americans live. |
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