State
Permit levels could make good irrigation targets for farmers
Delta Farm Press
Wed, 2014-12-17 21:27
18 and 36. Those two numbers are likely to take on increasing significance
in the months ahead as farmers, farm organization leaders and regulatory
officials continue to grapple with the problem of a declining alluvial
aquifer beneath the Mississippi Delta.
Those are the maximum amounts of irrigation water growers can apply – 18
inches for cotton, corn, soybeans and grain sorghum and 36 inches for rice
– under the irrigation well permits granted them by the Mississippi
Department of Environmental Quality.
http://deltafarmpress.com/government/permit-levels-could-make-good-irrigation-targets-farmers
New facility big step in fixing city's water woes
Jackson's master water improvement plan to be unveiled soon
WAPT
JACKSON, Miss. —Jackson city crews were working Wednesday to fix three
water leak problems that have popped up within the past 24 hours.
http://www.wapt.com/news/central-mississippi/jackson/new-facility-big-step-in-fixing-citys-water-woes/30280546
Bay St. Louis restaurant owners reach garbage controversy decision
WLOX
Restaurant Owners in Old Town Bay St. Louis have reached a decision they
hope will end a garbage controversy in the city.
http://www.wlox.com/story/27656656/bay-st-louis-restaurant-owners-reach-garbage-controversy-decision
Cleanup crews responding to diesel spill on Hwy. 49
WLOX
We have just received word that safety crews in Gulfport are responding to
an 18-wheeler leaking diesel fuel on Highway 49 just north of Dedeaux Road.
http://www.wlox.com/story/27655804/cleanup-crews-responding-to-diesel-spill-on-hwy-49
Jackson County, Pascagoula to make improvements to sewer system in
preparation of new jail
Mississippi Press
April M. Havens
December 17, 2014 at 11:47 AM
PASCAGOULA, Mississippi -- The Jackson County Board of Supervisors is
partnering with Pascagoula for upgrades to the city's sewer system, a
necessary step to prepare for the new Jackson County Adult Detention
Center.
http://blog.gulflive.com/mississippi-press-news/2014/12/jackson_county_pascagoula_to_m.html#incart_river
What's that smell?
Stone County Enterprise
By Jody O'Hara
Dec 11, 2014, 16:09
Some members of the Board of Directors of the Stone County Utility
Association expressed exasperation with some empty seats at Monday's
meeting.
They are beginning to question why representatives of Clearwater Solutions,
the company which holds the contract to maintain lift stations and operate
the Wiggins and McHenry wastewater treatment facilities, are not present
when the board meets.
http://www.stonecountyenterprise.com/article_2411.shtml
Pike gets grant greenlight
Ernest Herndon
Enterprise-Journal
December 16, 2014 2:00 pm
Pike County supervisors got a couple of early Christmas presents Monday — a
$1 million grant for a planned wood pellet mill, and a $122,640 grant
toward renovating the old courthouse at Holmesville.
http://www.enterprise-journal.com/news/article_95efa0ca-8549-11e4-85b8-bbe16f853f94.html
Ruling stands for Pearl River Co. in plant dispute
by Associated Press
Published: December 18,2014
JACKSON — The state Court of Appeals has upheld a judge's ruling against a
group of residents who sought to block development of five acres near the
construction site of a sand drying plant in Pearl River County.
http://msbusiness.com/blog/2014/12/18/ruling-stands-pearl-river-co-plant-dispute/
University of Southern Mississippi Gulf Coast Research Laboratory director
resigns
Sun Herald
BY JAMES SKRMETTA
OCEAN SPRINGS -- Dr. Eric Powell announced his retirement from the USM's
Gulf Coast Research Lab effective Dec. 16 and cited a desire to focus on
other responsibilities as the reason for his departure.
http://www.sunherald.com/2014/12/17/5975082/university-of-southern-mississippi.html?sp=/99/184/
Cochran, as expected, will chair Appropriations panel
BY JOE RUTHERFORD
Northeast Mississippi Daily Journal
Mississippi U.S. Sen. Thad Cochran has been given his committee assignments
by Republican Party leaders, and as expected, he will chair the
Appropriations Committee, one of the most influential positions in
Congress.
http://www.sunherald.com/2014/12/17/5975080/cochran-as-expected-will-chair.html?sp=/99/184/208/
Oil Spill
Mississippi governor says oceangoing drone just one spinoff technology from
BP spill money
Sun Herald
BY PAUL HAMPTON
GULFPORT -- Gov. Phil Bryant brought a singular oceangoing drone to the
Coast on Wednesday for a demonstration of the research and development
sparked by the state in the wake of the BP oil spill.
http://www.sunherald.com/2014/12/17/5975071_mississippi-governor-says-oceangoing.html?sp=/99/100/&rh=1
Gov. Bryant impressed with unmanned maritime system demonstration
WLOX
It can assist with search and rescue, map the ocean floor or be used for
environmental monitoring. On Wednesday, Gov. Phil Bryant took a boat trip
on the Mississippi Sound to watch a demonstration of an unmanned maritime
system.
http://www.wlox.com/story/27655157/gov-bryant-impressed-with-unmanned-maritime-system-demonstration
Alabama recovery council directs first $56 million to economic and
infrastructure projects
Press-Register
Michael Finch II
December 17, 2014 at 8:21 PM
MOBILE, Alabama -- The Alabama Gulf Coast Recovery Council will direct the
first round of oil spill penalties under its control toward economic and
infrastructure projects, using money from the fines paid by Transocean, a
cash amount that will reach $56 million by March 2015.
http://www.al.com/business/index.ssf/2014/12/alabama_recovery_council_direc.html
$4.3M in RESTORE funds available to Santa Rosa
Pensacola News Journal
Santa Rosa County will begin accepting proposals Jan. 12 for
projects to be included in the county's RESTORE multi-year
implementation plan, with about $4.3 million in RESTORE Act money
available to the county.
http://www.pnj.com/story/news/local/santa-rosa/2014/12/17/santa-rosa-restore-act-money-bp-oil-spill/20533327/
Regional
Another Earthquake in W. Alabama
WTOK
There has been an earthquake in west Alabama for the second time in a
month.
http://www.wtok.com/home/headlines/Another-Earthquake-in-W-Alabama-286160051.html
National
EPA punts decision on methane regs
The Hill
The Environmental Protection Agency is punting a decision on whether to
pursue regulations on methane emissions from industrial sources until after
the holidays.
http://thehill.com/policy/energy-environment/227489-epa-punts-decision-on-methane-regs
AP Interview: McConnell wants to stop coal rules
AP
By ERICA WERNER
WASHINGTON (AP) - Incoming Senate Majority Leader Mitch McConnell, R-Ky.,
pledged on Wednesday to do all he can to stop President Barack Obama's coal
plant regulations, saying a White House "crusade" has devastated his
state's economy.
http://m.apnews.com/ap/db_268798/contentdetail.htm?contentguid=FSj4vZCL
EPA rules on coal ash may disappoint environmentalists, buoy industry
BY SEAN COCKERHAM
McClatchy Washington BureauDecember 17, 2014
WASHINGTON — The federal government is about to announce its first rules
for the handling and storage of potentially toxic coal ash, months after
tons of the waste spilled into a major river in North Carolina.
http://www.mcclatchydc.com/2014/12/17/250368/epa-rules-on-coal-ash-may-disappoint.html
Brick masons facing new emissions standards
The Hill
Homebuilders are among those who could be affected by new emissions
standards from the Environmental Protection Agency that could cost industry
millions of dollars to comply with.
http://thehill.com/regulation/227493-brick-masons-facing-new-emissions-standards
Company at center of W.Va. spill is indicted
The Hill
The Department of Justice on Wednesday announced the indictment of the
company behind a January chemical spill in West Virginia, and six
officials.
http://thehill.com/policy/energy-environment/227452-doj-indicts-company-officials-involved-in-wva-chemical-spill
New York governor says he'll ban fracking in his state
Citing concerns over health risks, New York Gov. Andrew Cuomo's
administration announced Wednesday (Dec. 17) that it would ban fracking in
the state, the New York Times reported.
http://www.nola.com/politics/index.ssf/2014/12/new_york_governor_says_hell_ba.html#incart_river
More than 500 rigs may shut down as oil slides, analysts say
Houston Chronicle
HOUSTON – As many as 550 drilling rigs may have to sit on the sidelines of
U.S. shale oil patches over the next few months, analysts say, as oil
prices have folded nearly in half since this summer.
http://fuelfix.com/blog/2014/12/17/more-than-500-rigs-may-shut-down-as-oil-slides-analysts-say/
Press Releases
Presley: Major Solar Power Projects Gain Approval in Mississippi
Jackson, Mississippi (December 17, 2014) – Public Service Commissioner
Brandon Presley says that in a groundbreaking move last week, the Public
Service Commission approved three separate solar power projects to be
constructed by Entergy in Mississippi, ushering in the first
utility-sponsored solar projects in the state. The solar projects, slated
to be constructed in Senatobia, Jackson and Brookhaven, will each be able
to generate approximately 500kW of electric power and are part of a
Commission-approved solar energy pilot program by Entergy designed to
collect data on solar energy in Mississippi. Entergy will contract with a
Hattiesburg manufacturing facility, Stion Corporation, to install the
facilities.
"I am extremely proud that we have taken these first steps to make solar
energy a reality in Mississippi. These projects are a great start to making
sure we harness our natural resources to be more energy independent. I am
committed to making sure the Public Service Commission is door-opener and
not a gate-keeper when it comes to the production of solar energy in
Mississippi." Presley said. "Even better, we are using Mississippi
products, made by Mississippians to produce this electricity."
In a second similar project, the Commission has given the green light to
construction of a solar farm in Chickasaw County. The joint project between
Chickasaw County and Phoenix Solar will be a 30 acre site near Okolona
capable of producing enough power for 300 homes by way of 9,804 solar
panels.
NOAA RESTORE Act Science Program issues funding call for Gulf projects
First federal funding opportunity opens competition for up to $2.5 million
in grant support
December 17, 2014
NOAA has issued a call for proposals under the first federal funding
opportunity issued by theNOAA RESTORE Act Science Program, which supports
research in the Gulf of Mexico on long-term sustainability of the ecosystem
and its fisheries. The competition seeks proposals for timely and
high-quality scientific results that may be used to inform science-based
and system-wide strategies supporting the sustainability of the Gulf of
Mexico, including its fisheries.
NOAA invites the research and management community to apply for funding, up
to $2.5 million in total, for one- to two-year projects to conduct the
following types of work:
· Comprehensive assessment of current ecosystem computer modeling;
· Comparison and analysis of indicators for the health of the Gulf of
Mexico ecosystem including people and fisheries; and
· Assessment of monitoring and observing capabilities.
These proposals should address at least one of three areas:
· Ecosystem and living resources management, including fisheries;
· Climate change and extreme weather impacts on sustainability of
restoration; and
· Integration of social, behavioral and economic science into
restoration and management.
"This initial funding provides an opportunity for researchers to develop
innovative strategies and tools that will promote resiliency and
sustainability of the Gulf of Mexico, and help drive how this program and
initiatives of our partners move forward," said Becky Allee, Ph.D., acting
director of the NOAA RESTORE Act Science Program. "We are eager to make the
funds available to the research community and put their results to use as
soon as possible."
"The scientific information, syntheses, and strategies resulting from this
funding opportunity will help the program determine how to develop
information and tools that will be clearly usable by resource managers to
make more informed decisions on management and restoration of the Gulf of
Mexico," she added.
This federal funding opportunity is in response to the RESTORE Act, also
known as the Resources and Ecosystems Sustainability, Tourist
Opportunities, and Revived Economies of the Gulf Coast States Act, that
authorized NOAA to establish and administer a "Gulf Coast Ecosystem
Restoration Science, Observation, Monitoring, and Technology Program."
Details of the funding opportunity were published today on the NOAA RESTORE
Act Science Program website. The deadline for submissions of letters of
intent is January 30, 2015 and the deadline for final proposals is March
17, 2015
NOAA is currently in the process of finalizing the overall NOAA RESTORE Act
Science Program science plan which outlines 10 long-term research
priorities to guide how the program will invest its funds and explains how
these priorities were determined. The program anticipates releasing a final
version of the science plan early next year.
The NOAA program is funded by 2½ 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 provides 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.
http://www.noaanews.noaa.gov/stories2014/20141217_restoreact.html
EPA Prevents Harmful Chemicals from Entering the Marketplace
WASHINGTON – The U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) is taking
action to protect the public from certain chemicals that have the potential
to cause a range of health effects from cancer to reproductive and
developmental harm to people and aquatic organisms.
"We are committed to protecting all Americans from exposure to harmful
chemicals used in domestic and imported products," said Jim Jones,
assistant administrator for chemical safety and pollution prevention.
"There must be a level playing field for U.S. businesses – which is why
we're targeting harmful chemicals no longer used in the U.S. that find
their way into commerce, sometimes through imported products. This final
action will give EPA the opportunity to restrict or limit any new uses of
these chemicals, including imported goods with these chemicals."
Today's action addresses the following chemicals:
Most uses of certain benzidine-based dyes which can be used in textiles,
paints and inks and can be converted in the body into a chemical that is
known to cause cancer;
Most uses of DnPP, a phthalate, which can be used in PVC plastics and shown
to cause developmental and/or reproductive effects in laboratory animals;
and
Alkanes C 12-13, chloro, a short-chain chlorinated paraffin (SCCP), which
can be used as industrial lubricants and are persistent, bioaccumulative
and toxic to aquatic organisms at low concentrations and can be transported
globally in the environment.
Some of the chemicals in today's rule have previously been used in consumer
products but are not used in the market today. Today's Significant New Use
Rules (SNURs) issued under the Toxic Substances Control Act allow EPA to
review any efforts by manufacturers, including importers, to introduce
these chemicals into the market and take appropriate action to ensure that
human health and the environment are protected. EPA believes that new uses
of these chemicals should not be allowed without an opportunity for review
and, if necessary, to place restrictions on these chemicals, as warranted.
The action adds nine benzidine-based dyes to an existing SNUR. It closes a
loophole to ensure that these chemicals and products containing them, such
as clothing, cannot be imported without EPA review and possible
restriction. EPA has investigated safer dyes and colorants as alternatives
to benzidine as part of its Safer Chemical Ingredients List and Design for
the Environment program.
In 2012, EPA required companies to stop manufacturing and importing SCCPs
and to pay fines as a result of an enforcement action. The SCCPs have been
proposed for addition to the Stockholm Convention for Persistent Organic
Pollutants:
http://chm.pops.int/TheConvention/ThePOPs/ChemicalsProposedforListing/tabid/2510/Default.aspx
EPA is further evaluating related medium-chain (MCCPs) and long-chain
chlorinated paraffins (LCCPs) as part of the TSCA Work Plan for Chemical
Assessments.
EPA has added several phthalates to the TSCA Work Plan for Chemical
Assessments. If a TSCA Work Plan assessment indicates a potential risk, the
agency would determine if risk reduction actions, as appropriate, should be
taken.
These final SNURs will require anyone who wishes to manufacture (including
import) or process these chemical substances for a significant new use to
notify EPA 90 days before starting or resuming new uses of these chemicals.
This notice will provide EPA with the opportunity to evaluate the intended
use of the chemicals and, if necessary, take action to prohibit or limit
the activity.
Additional information on this SNUR:
http://www.epa.gov/oppt/existingchemicals/pubs/managechemrisk.html#current.
Fact sheet on benzidine-based dyes:
http://www.epa.gov/oppt/existingchemicals/pubs/actionplans/benzidinefaq.html
Fact sheet on DnPP:
http://www.epa.gov/oppt/existingchemicals/pubs/actionplans/dnppfaq.html
Fact sheet on Alkanes:
http://www.epa.gov/oppt/existingchemicals/pubs/actionplans/sccpsfaq.html
