10/30/14
State
Greenville urges brownfields testing
The Associated Press
GREENVILLE, MISS. — The city of Greenville has $400,000 for environmental
contamination assessments on vacant and underutilized properties.
http://www.sunherald.com/2014/10/30/5884229/greenville-urges-brownfields-testing.html?sp=/99/184/218/
Wastewater project timetabled for Feb. 2015
Lee County Courier
By C. Richard Cotton
Wednesday, October 29, 2014 2:00 PM CDT
Work is well underway on the new Sand Creek Wastewater Authority pipeline
between Guntown and Saltillo. Since the first bucketful of dirt was removed
September 25 to install the four miles of 12-inch diameter pipe, less than
a mile remains to be buried.
http://www.leecountycourier.net/articles/2014/10/29/news/doc545139177570e238678516.txt
DeSoto, Tate kids trek into enviro-fun at annual Field Day
Commercial Appeal
Henry Bailey Jr.
"Excuse me, do you have an alligator in that truck?" asked Kaley Cassey, an
11-year-old fifth-grader at Sacred Heart School in Southaven.
It was a natural question directed Wednesday to Deborah Waz, conservation
educator with the Mississippi Museum of Natural Science, one some two-dozen
exhibitors at the annual Conservation Field Day learning experience at
Arkabutla Lake.
http://www.commercialappeal.com/news/local-news/desoto/desoto-tate-kids-trek-into-envirofun-at-annual-field-day_49238948
Oil Spill
Federal agencies join to bolster Gulf of Mexico ecosystem after 2010 oil
spill
Southeast Farm Press
Farm Press Staff
Wed, 2014-10-29
A new partnership between federal agencies looks to invest more money into
the restoration of the Gulf of Mexico ecosystem in response to impacts as a
result of the 2010 Deepwater Horizon explosion and oil spill.
http://southeastfarmpress.com/government/federal-agencies-join-bolster-gulf-mexico-ecosystem-after-2010-oil-spill
Disaster's Toll on the Gulf and Its People
'The Great Invisible,' on the Deepwater Horizon Oil Spill
NY Times Movie Review
"The Great Invisible," Margaret Brown's quietly infuriating documentary
filmabout the 2010 Deepwater Horizon oil spill, includes depressing
information that many would probably be happier not knowing.
http://mobile.nytimes.com/2014/10/29/movies/the-great-invisible-on-the-deepwater-horizon-oil-spill.html?referrer=&_r=0
National
Oil lobby: EPA refinery rule would increase emissions
The Hill
The American Petroleum Institute (API) says the Environmental Protection
Agency's proposed refinery rule would be "infeasible" to comply with and
could actually increase pollution.
http://thehill.com/regulation/222270-oil-companies-complain-about-pollution-rules-for-refineries
House to vote on bill requiring EPA to share scientific basis for
regulations
The Hill
The House will vote on legislation preventing the Environmental Protection
Agency from issuing regulations, unless all scientific data to support
implementation is publicly available.
http://thehill.com/blogs/floor-action/house/222173-house-to-vote-on-bill-requiring-epa-to-share-scientific-basis-for
Survey: Shrimp in US rife with murky labeling
BY CAIN BURDEAU
Associated Press
NEW ORLEANS — Consumers around the nation can't be sure what kind of shrimp
they're buying if they simply look at the label or menu at supermarkets,
grocers and restaurants, an advocacy group says.
http://www.sunherald.com/2014/10/30/5884223/survey-shrimp-in-us-rife-with.html?sp=/99/102/
Opinion
Heather McTeer Toney: Climate change offers opportunity
Tallahassee Democrat
Re: "EPA's Clean Power Plan would hurt our state" (My View, Oct.
27).
Forty years ago, scientists at the University of California
uncovered a global threat. From deodorants to refrigerators,
chemicals in our everyday lives were destroying our ozone layer —
Earth's natural shield against the sun's cancer-causing radiation.
http://www.tallahassee.com/story/opinion/columnists/2014/10/28/heather-mcteer-toney-climate-change-offers-opportunity/18076281/
Press Releases
NRCS Accepting Applications from Mississippi Farmers and Ranchers
for Key Conservation Program
JACKSON, MS, Oct. 29, 2014 -The U.S. Department of Agriculture's (USDA)
Natural Resources Conservation Service (NRCS) is accepting applications to
help producers improve water and air quality, build healthier soil, improve
grazing and forest lands, conserve energy, enhance organic operations, and
achieve other environmental benefits.
NRCS has directed millions of dollars in financial assistance for Fiscal
Year 2015 to help Mississippi producers implement conservation practices
through the Environmental Quality Incentives Program (EQIP). Interested
producers should visit their local NRCS office for information on EQIP
sign-up periods.
"The Environmental Quality Incentives Program offers farmers, ranchers and
forestland managers a variety of options to conserve natural resources,
while boosting production on their lands," State Conservationist, Kurt
Readus said. "This conservation investment helps improve environmental
health and the economy of Mississippi rural communities."
EQIP provides financial assistance for a variety of conservation
activities, such as irrigation water management, reduced tillage, field
buffers, rotational grazing systems and much more. NRCS accepts
applications on a continuous basis; however dates are set for ranking
applications. The deadline for accepting applications to be considered in
the first ranking period in Mississippi is November 21, 2014. The next
deadline for accepting applications for ranking is scheduled for February
20, 2015, pending available funding.
To participate in EQIP, an applicant must be an individual, entity or joint
operation that meets EQIP eligibility criteria. Applicants can sign up at
their local NRCS office.
For more information about EQIP or other technical or financial assistance
programs offered by NRCS, please contact your local USDA service center at
http://offices.sc.egov.usda.gov/locator/app?agency=nrcs
USDA's Natural Resources Conservation Service (NRCS) helps America's
farmers and ranchers conserve the Nation's soil, water, air and other
natural resources. All programs are voluntary and offer science-based
solutions that benefit both the landowner and the environment.
Follow NRCS on Twitter. Check out other conservation-related stories on the
USDA blog. Watch videos on our YouTube channel.
#
Ridgeland Adds CNG-Fueled Vehicles to Public Works Fleet
The city of Ridgeland has long has a reputation for being environmentally
friendly, implementing a management plan to ensure stewardship of the
environment and natural resources that can be enjoyed now and by future
generations.
Utilizing alternative fuels in its fleet is one way the city is continuing
its environmental management efforts. Mayor Gene McGee said, "We look at
programs that are not only environmentally friendly, but also make sense
for the city and help improve our residents' quality of life."
The city recently added compressed natural gas (CNG) fueled vehicles to its
public works fleet. CNG is a cleaner burning fuel that reduces tail pipe
emissions and extends the life of an engine. It also does not contain
impurities such as sulfur or lead.
Public Works Director Mike McCollum said Ridgeland now has two CNG-fueled
Ford F-550 trucks with plans to convert an F-150 next year. "The
environmental benefits combined with fuel cost savings led to our decision
to begin using alternative fuel vehicles," said McGee.
"We looked at converting other vehicles like the Mayor's, but didn't find
it economically feasible," said McCollum. "Unless you're putting 15 to 20
thousand miles on a vehicle annually, then it's unlikely you'll recoup the
conversion costs."
McCollum said that the CNG-fueled trucks see daily use by city work crews.
"These trucks are used for everything from infrastructure repairs to road
maintenance to landscaping. "Knowing that their engine emissions are less
and we're saving on fuel costs – well that's great news for Ridgeland" said
McGee.
The city utilized a Mississippi company, NGV Solutions, to install the
vehicle conversion kits. Kent Meadows, vice president of NGV Solutions,
said the company is dedicated to working with Mississippi cities and
agencies to provide CNG technology and fuel savings. "The folks in
Ridgeland are very knowledgeable about the benefits of using CNG fuels and
technology," said Meadows. "CNG is the cleanest fuel being used today.
Hopefully, other cities will follow suit and begin adding green technology
to their vehicle fleets."
McCollum said future plans for Ridgeland could include installing a
slow-fill CNG fueling station, if demand or usage makes it economically
feasible.
http://www.ridgelandms.org/ridgeland-adds-cng-fueled-vehicles-to-public-works-fleet/?utm_medium=Social&utm_source=Twitter&utm_campaign=Leadify
Public comments sought on RESTORE Act draft NOAA
science plan
Long-term priorities for Gulf of Mexico ecosystem research detailed
October 29, 2014
NOAA RESTORE Act Science Program research will focused on the health of the
Gulf of Mexico whose resources, such as these salt marshes near Grand Isle,
LA, were impacted by the Deepwater Horizon oil spill. (Credit: NOAA)
Today, NOAA released for public comment the draft science plan for the NOAA
RESTORE Act Science Program, which supports research in the Gulf of Mexico
on long-term sustainability of the ecosystem and its fisheries.
The draft plan, of which notice be to published appears on line today at
the Federal Register, outlines 10 long-term research priorities to guide
how the program will invest its funds and explains how these priorities
were determined. The program will review the comments received and
anticipates releasing a final version of the science plan early next year.
"The priorities in the draft plan were developed after discussions with
stakeholders and partners and continued input from stakeholders is
important to the success of this plan," said Becky Allee, Ph.D., acting
director of the NOAA RESTORE Act Science Program. "We look forward to
continued dialogue with those who care about the Gulf of Mexico and the
impact this program can have on the region."
In making its selection of long-term research priorities, NOAA considered
specific management or restoration needs in the Gulf of Mexico region that
fit within the requirements for the science program outlined in the RESTORE
Act, also known as the Resources and Ecosystems Sustainability, Tourist
Opportunities, and Revived Economies of the Gulf Coast States Act.
NOAA also sought to avoid duplicating the priorities of other Gulf of
Mexico science programs especially those created in the wake of the
Deepwater Horizon oil spill, such as the Gulf of Mexico Research Initiative
, the National Academy of Sciences Gulf Research Program and those funded
through the on-going Deepwater Horizon Natural Resource Damage Assessment.
Among the key research priorities:
· Addressing the needs of fisheries and other natural resource managers
with ready to use models, decision support tools and new monitoring
technologies;
· Focusing on developing a more complete understanding of how the
waters of the Gulf of Mexico, its natural resources, including
fisheries, and its coastal communities are connected;
· Seeking to improve the capacity to predict the impact of climate
change and severe weather on the Gulf of Mexico and its natural
resources; and
· Recognizing the importance of developing indicators for measuring the
long-term status and health of the Gulf of Mexico ecosystem including
fisheries.
The plan also provides information on how the program will be administered
and work with partners. Once finalized, the science plan will serve as the
basis for any future federal funding opportunities administered through
NOAA. NOAA anticipates that the final science plan and its long-term
research priorities will be evaluated and updated every five years.
Anyone may submit comments, including individuals and organizations with a
particular interest in Gulf of Mexico ecosystem restoration and related
science, observations, monitoring and technology, and the impact this
program will have on the region. Comments on the draft science plan can be
submitted via email tonoaarestorescience@noaa.gov, or by mail to Becky
Allee at NOAA Office for Coastal Management, Gulf of Mexico Division, Bldg.
1100, Room 232, Stennis Space Center, MS 39529. All comments are due no
later than December 15.
NOAA will also be hosting virtual engagement sessions to answer questions
about the plan. The details on how to join these sessions will be announced
on the program's website. Following the comment period, NOAA will assess
the input received and release a final version of the science plan, likely
in early 2015.
The RESTORE Act authorized NOAA to establish and administer the Gulf Coast
Ecosystem Restoration Science, Observation, Monitoring, and Technology
Program, also known as the NOAA RESTORE Act Science Program.
The NOAA program will be funded by 2.5 percent of the Gulf Coast
Restoration Trust Fund, established by the RESTORE Act, which comprises 80
percent of Clean Water Act civil penalties recovered from parties
responsible for the Deepwater Horizon oil spill. On February 19, 2013, a
federal judge approved a $1 billion civil settlement with Transocean, as a
responsible party for the oil spill. This settlement will provide the NOAA
Restore Act Science Program with $20 million plus 25 percent of any
interest accrued from the portion of the settlement deposited into the
Trust Fund.
Additional funding may become available from settlements with or judgments
against other parties deemed responsible by the courts for the Deepwater
Horizon oil spill.
The mission of the NOAA RESTORE Act Science Program is to increase
understanding of the Gulf of Mexico ecosystem, including its fisheries, and
to support its restoration and sustainability through research,
observation, monitoring, and technology development.
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| USDA to Provide $4 million For Honey Bee Habitat |
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|Announcement Builds on Previous Investment in Michigan, Minnesota, North Dakota, South |
| Dakota and Wisconsin |
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|WASHINGTON, Oct.29, 2014 – Agriculture Secretary Tom Vilsack announced today that more |
|than $4 million in technical and financial assistance will be provided to help farmers |
|and ranchers in the Midwest improve the health of honey bees, which play an important |
|role in crop production. |
| |
| |
|"The future of America's food supply depends on honey bees, and this effort is one way |
|USDA is helping improve the health of honey bee populations," Vilsack said. |
|"Significant progress has been made in understanding the factors that are associated |
|with Colony Collapse Disorder and the overall health of honey bees, and this funding |
|will allow us to work with farmers and ranchers to apply that knowledge over a broader |
|area." |
| |
| |
|An estimated $15 billion worth of crops is pollinated by honey bees, including more |
|than 130 fruits and vegetables. USDA's Natural Resources Conservation Service (NRCS) is|
|focusing the effort on five Midwestern states: Michigan, Minnesota, North Dakota, South|
|Dakota and Wisconsin. This announcement renews and expands a successful $3 million |
|pilot investment that was announced earlier this year and continues to have high levels|
|of interest. This effort also contributes to the June 2014 Presidential Memorandum – |
|Creating a Federal Strategy to Promote the Health of Honey Bees and Other Pollinators, |
|which directs USDA to expand the acreage and forage value in its conservation programs.|
| |
| |
|Funding will be provided to producers through the Environmental Quality Incentives |
|Program (EQIP). Applications are due Friday, November 21. |
| |
| |
|From June to September, the Midwest is home to more than 65 percent of the commercially|
|managed honey bees in the country. It is a critical time when bees require abundant and|
|diverse forage across broad landscapes to build up hive strength for the winter. |
| |
| |
|The assistance announced today will provide guidance and support to farmers and |
|ranchers to implement conservation practices that will provide safe and diverse food |
|sources for honey bees. For example, appropriate cover crops or rangeland and pasture |
|management may provide a benefit to producers by reducing erosion, increasing the |
|health of their soil, inhibiting invasive species, and providing quality forage and |
|habitat for honey bees and other pollinators. |
| |
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|This year, several NRCS state offices are setting aside additional funds for similar |
|efforts, including California – where more than half of all managed honey bees in the |
|U.S. help pollinate almond groves and other agricultural lands – as well as Ohio and |
|Florida. |
| |
| |
|The 2014 Farm Bill kept pollinators as a high priority, and these conservation efforts |
|are one way USDA is working to help improve pollinator habitat. |
| |
| |
|USDA is actively pursuing solutions to the multiple problems affecting honey bee |
|health. The Agricultural Research Service (ARS) maintains four laboratories across the |
|country conducting research into all aspects of bee genetics, breeding, biology and |
|physiology, with special focus on bee nutrition, control of pathogens and parasites, |
|the effects of pesticide exposure and the interactions between each of these factors. |
|The National Institute of Food and Agriculture (NIFA) supports bee research efforts in |
|Land Grant Universities. The Animal and Plant Health Inspection Service (APHIS) |
|conducts national honey bee pest and disease surveys and provides border inspections to|
|prevent new invasive bee pests from entering the U.S. The Farm Service Agency (FSA) and|
|NRCS work on improved forage and habitat for bees through programs such as the |
|Conservation Reserve Program (CRP) and EQIP. The Forest Service is restoring, |
|improving, and/or rehabilitating pollinator habitat on the national forests and |
|grasslands and conducting research on pollinators. Additionally, the Economic Research |
|Service (ERS) is currently examining the direct economic costs of the pollinator |
|problem and the associated indirect economic impacts, and the National Agricultural |
|Statistics Service (NASS) conducts limited surveys of honey production, number of |
|colonies, price, and value of production which provide some data essential for research|
|by the other agencies. |
| |
| |
|For more on technical and financial assistance available through conservation programs,|
|visit www.nrcs.usda.gov/GetStarted or a local USDA service center. |
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