State
Mississippi Phosphates set to plead guilty in pollution case
BY ROBIN FITZGERALD
Sun Herald
GULFPORT -- A plea hearing and sentencing have been scheduled for
Mississippi Phosphates, accused of violating the Clean Water Act by
polluting waterways, killing fish and destroying marshy areas around Bayou
Casotte in Pascagoula.
http://www.sunherald.com/2015/07/30/6343959/mississippi-phosphates-set-to.html
14th Ave. project complete
Commercial Dispatch
July 30, 2015
Columbus leaders and community organizers celebrated the completion of
roughly 1,800 feet of new construction for the 14th Avenue ditch
improvement project on Monday.
http://www.cdispatch.com/news/article.asp?aid=43574
MDEQ investigating poultry plant
WTVA
WATER VALLEY, Miss. (WTVA) -- The Mississippi Department of Environmental
Quality is investigating the burial of animal waste products on the
property of a poultry processing plant in Water Valley.
http://www.wtva.com/news/local/story/MDEQ-investigating-poultry-plant/BY9EnqRxHUSkrLanI0L-bg.cspx
City Looks to Attract Business to Old Titan Tire Site
Natchez Democrat
http://www.natchezdemocrat.com/2015/07/31/city-looks-to-attract-business-to-old-titan-tire-site/
Volunteers needed for water-quality sampling
Sun Herald
MOSS POINT -- A workshop is planned to train volunteers who want to help
improve local water quality and contribute to watershed science and
conservation.
http://www.sunherald.com/2015/07/30/6344667/around-south-mississippi.html
South Mississippi resident, group recognized at EPA's 2015 Gulf Guardian
Awards
Sun Herald
South Mississippi was honored twice for excellence in environmental and
social services Thursday at the 2015 Gulf Guardian Awards in Corpus
Christi, Texas, by the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency's Gulf of
Mexico Program.
http://www.sunherald.com/2015/07/30/6343789/coast-recognized-with-multiple.html
Glitch delays benefits for state retirees
Clarion Ledger
Paula Ainsworth of Tupelo put in her state retirement this month and
was expecting to begin receiving her benefits soon, but a glitch in
new software at the Public Employees Retirement System has caused a
large backlog in processing applications.
http://www.clarionledger.com/story/news/2015/07/30/glitch-delays-benefits-state-retirees/30916677/
Oil Spill
BP less likely to be acquired after $18.7 bln settlement - CEO
Reuters
BP is less likely to be acquired following its $18.7 billion settlement
over the 2010 Macondo oil spill, Chief Executive Officer Bob Dudley said on
Tuesday.
http://www.reuters.com/article/2015/07/28/bp-results-ma-idUSL5N1083A920150728
National
EPA Emissions Rule Sticks to Tough Targets
Compliance timetable for utilities, however, would be extended under final
carbon plan
WSJ
WASHINGTON—Final Environmental Protection Agency regulations to cut
emissions from U.S. power plants are expected to maintain ambitious
emission-reduction targets included in a draft proposal released last year
but give companies more time to meet them, according to people familiar
with the rule.
http://www.wsj.com/articles/epa-emissions-rule-sticks-to-tough-targets-1438300261
What changes to expect from Obama's final Clean Power Plan
Reuters
The U.S. Environmental Protection Agency will unveil as soon as Monday the
final version of a sweeping - and controversial - regulation to cut carbon
emissions from the electricity sector.
http://www.reuters.com/article/2015/07/31/us-usa-climatechange-epa-idUSKCN0Q50DD20150731
GOP probes alleged internal problems with Obama water rule
The Hill
The House Oversight Committee is looking into allegations that two Obama
administration agencies had sharp disagreements over the development of a
major water pollution rule.
http://thehill.com/policy/energy-environment/249860-gop-probes-alleged-internal-problems-with-obama-water-rule
Multimillion dollar settlement reached in Hawaii molasses spill
CNN
A shipping company will pay Hawaii more than $15 million to settle a spill
that put 233,000 gallons of molasses into Honolulu Harbor in 2013.
http://www.cnn.com/2015/07/30/us/hawaii-molasses-spill/
Press releases
Mississippi is Moving Forward, Gov. Bryant Tells Fairgoers
NESHOBA COUNTY FAIRGROUNDS—Mississippi is growing and moving forward under
conservative leadership Gov. Phil Bryant told the crowds gathered at the
Neshoba County Fair in Philadelphia, Miss., on Thursday.
"Nineteen years ago, I had the opportunity to speak on this stage as state
auditor. Today, I have the privilege to stand here as governor. With me
then and with me today is Mississippi's first lady and mine, Deborah
Bryant," Gov. Bryant told a packed crowd.
"Mississippi is on the right track," Gov. Bryant said. "We've added more
than 35,000 jobs to our economy over the past four years, and our state
gross domestic product has reached and exceeded $100 billion for the first
time in history. We've filled the Rainy Day Fund, and revenue has reached
its highest level ever—proof that our economy is growing.
"Our state's unemployment rate is 6.6 percent—the lowest it has been in
more than seven years," Gov. Bryant continued. "We've cut taxes on
businesses 49 times over the past four years, and as a result, global
corporations are choosing to locate in our state and local businesses are
expanding. Thanks to our pro-job policies, private companies have invested
more than $2.8 billion into growth and job expansion in our state in the
past four years.
"We make the most advanced warships on the planet, and we have built
500,000 Toyota Corollas in Blue Springs and build 360,000 Nissans a year in
Canton, Miss.—not China," Gov. Bryant added. "We are number five in America
for the growth of women-owned businesses, we have the number nine economic
development agency in the country and we are among the top ten states for
business."
Mississippi is also reforming and improving public education, Gov. Bryant
told fairgoers.
"This fiscal year, we invested $2.52 billion into K-12 education—more than
ever before in state history. We've established a $100 million teacher pay
raise, we've invested $39.5 million in reading coaches and we've trained
more National Board Certified teachers than our neighboring states.
"We have also been serious about implementing transformational reforms,"
Gov. Bryant said. "Before we created the Third Grade Gate literacy policy,
nearly half of Mississippi third graders couldn't read at an appropriate
level. Now, 91 percent of Mississippi third graders have passed the state's
literacy test—a remarkable achievement. In fact, some schools had a 100
percent pass rate because they made learning to read a priority for their
students and teachers.
"And this year, we established the Equal Opportunity for Students with
Special Needs Act to ensure that students with unique needs are given an
opportunity to pursue education options that work best for them.
"We've ensured that our warfighters in the Mississippi National Guard have
the opportunity to protect themselves, and we continue to defend and
protect the Second Amendment with new firearms freedoms.
"Mississippi is moving forward, and our state is on the right track," Gov.
Bryant concluded. "The Mississippi Constitution states that all power is
vested in and derived from the people. You are the sovereigns and we are
the servants. We have accomplished a great deal these last four years, and
I look forward to the challenge of continuing to make a positive difference
in this state. God bless you, God bless the United States of America and
God bless Mississippi."
Mississippi Resident Receives First Place EPA Gulf Guardian Award
Contact Information: Davina Marraccini, 404-562-8293 (direct), 404-562-8400
(main), marraccini.davina@epa.gov
ATLANTA – The U.S. Environmental Protection Agency's (EPA) Gulf of Mexico
Program recognized Mississippi resident Tracie Sempier with the First Place
2015 Gulf Guardian Award in the Individual Category. The awards ceremony
was held today at the Texas State Aquarium in Corpus Christi, Texas.
Since 2008, Sempier has been a driver for the development of one of the
most influential programs for coastal resilience planning in the Gulf of
Mexico. In her roles with Mississippi-Alabama Sea Grant Consortium based in
Ocean Springs, Miss., and the Gulf of Mexico Alliance, she has helped
inform Gulf coastal communities about the risks posed by coastal hazards,
and has helped connect those communities to resources and assistance using
a unique, hands-on approach to outreach. Her work has helped reduce the
negative impacts of coastal storms on communities, the environment and
natural resources across the region.
"This is the 13th year of the Gulf Guardian Awards, and I am proud to say
that each year the winners in all categories have represented the very best
of environmental accomplishments in the Gulf of Mexico," said Diane
Altsman, chief of staff for the Gulf of Mexico Program. "The Gulf of Mexico
Program partnership works to improve the environmental health of the Gulf,
and the Gulf Guardian Awards is an important way for us to recognize these
valuable efforts."
Some examples of Sempier's work come from her involvement in coastal
resilience planning. Sempier led the development of the Coastal Resilience
Index, a simple self-assessment tool that helps communities understand
their level of risk to coastal hazards. The widespread implementation of
this tool has served as the catalyst for the development of many
on-the-ground resilience planning efforts, including local hazard
mitigation plans, community resilience plans and the Community Rating
System Users groups across the region. Sempier was also a critical advisor
in the development and implementation of StormSmart Coasts, one of the
first web-based resilience tools.
Sempier continues to help communities address coastal resilience through
floodplain awareness. With her knowledge of FEMA's Community Rating System
and floodplain management, Sempier assisted in increasing the floodplain
awareness in Gulf communities. In Mississippi, she serves as a key member
of the regional Coastal Hazard Outreach Strategy Team that brings together
local government officials, community stakeholders, private businesses and
major employers to educate residents about flood hazards, protection
measures and insurance, including the National Flood Insurance Program.
This group has improved floodplain management in 11 Mississippi coastal
communities.
The Gulf of Mexico Program initiated the Gulf Guardian awards in 2000 as a
way to recognize and honor the individuals, businesses, community groups
and agencies that are taking positive steps to keep the Gulf healthy,
beautiful and productive. First, second and third place awards are given in
seven categories: individual, business/industry, youth environmental
education, civic/nonprofit organizations, cultural diversity/environmental
justice, partnership and bi-national efforts.
The Gulf of Mexico Program began in 1988 to protect, restore and maintain
the health and productivity of the Gulf of Mexico ecosystem in economically
sustainable ways. The Program is underwritten by the EPA and is a
non-regulatory, inclusive consortium of state and federal government
agencies and representatives of the business and agricultural community,
fishing industry, scientists, environmentalists, and community leaders from
all five Gulf states. The Program seeks to improve the environmental health
of the Gulf in concert with economic development.
More information about the Gulf of Mexico Program: www.epa.gov/gmpo
Mississippi State University's Gulf Community Design Studio Receives First
Place EPA Gulf Guardian Award
Contact Information: Davina Marraccini, 404-562-8293 (direct), 404-562-8400
(main), marraccini.davina@epa.gov
ATLANTA – The U.S. Environmental Protection Agency's (EPA) Gulf of Mexico
Program recognized Mississippi State University's Gulf Community Design
Studio (GCCDS) with a First Place 2015 Gulf Guardian Award in the
Civic/Non-Profit Category. The awards ceremony was held today at the Texas
State Aquarium in Corpus Christi, Texas.
In 2009, GCCDS worked to produce neighborhood plans for East Biloxi, Miss.,
a community still recovering from the devastation caused by Hurricane
Katrina. From a list of concerns, residents responded positively to
suggestions to improve a degraded inner-city bayou. GCCDS began its work to
restore Bayou Auguste by engaging elementary student in environmental
education activities, and later expanded outreach to a wider audience of
residents. The goals of the project were to restore and expand the natural
habitat, to make a beautiful natural place free of invasive species and
litter, to provide public access and learning opportunities, and to
increase local environmental stewardship.
GCCDS worked in partnership with other organizations to transform Bayou
Auguste into a neighborhood nature park. GCCDS secured several grants and
led a partnership with the City of Biloxi, the Biloxi Housing Authority,
Biloxi Public Schools, and the Land Trust for the Mississippi Coastal
Plain. The City provided assistance to remove fill material and a retaining
wall and to reshape the stream bank. Hundreds of students and volunteers
planted native plant species along the upland habitats of Bayou Auguste
that reduce erosion and filter stormwater runoff and improve water quality.
"This is the 13th year of the Gulf Guardian Awards, and I am proud to say
that each year the winners in all categories have represented the very best
of environmental accomplishments in the Gulf of Mexico," said Diane
Altsman, chief of staff for the Gulf of Mexico Program. "The Gulf of Mexico
Program partnership works to improve the environmental health of the Gulf,
and the Gulf Guardian Awards is an important way for us to recognize these
valuable efforts."
The Bayou Auguste restoration has improved Gulf heath. To date, the project
has improved a nine acre site of tidal marsh, created three acres of tidal
marsh and restored 2,000 feet of previously channelized and degraded
streambank along Bayou Auguste. These newly established plant communities
along Bayou Auguste also serve as a food source, breeding ground and
natural cover for many marine and avian animal species. Some key fish
species have benefitted and are critical to maintaining a balanced
ecosystem as well as supporting Mississippi's fishing economy. The restored
site is often used for educational programs and offers a place for people
to bird watch, fish, go crabbing or just relax.
The Gulf of Mexico Program initiated the Gulf Guardian awards in 2000 as a
way to recognize and honor the businesses, community groups, individuals,
and agencies that are taking positive steps to keep the Gulf healthy,
beautiful and productive. First, second and third place awards are given in
seven categories: individual, business/industry, youth environmental
education, civic/nonprofit organizations, cultural diversity/environmental
justice, partnership and bi-national efforts.
The Gulf of Mexico Program began in 1988 to protect, restore, and maintain
the health and productivity of the Gulf of Mexico ecosystem in economically
sustainable ways. The Gulf of Mexico Program is underwritten by the U.S.
Environmental Protection Agency and is a non-regulatory, inclusive
consortium of state and federal government agencies and representatives of
the business and agricultural community, fishing industry, scientists,
environmentalists, and community leaders from all five Gulf States. The
Gulf Program seeks to improve the environmental health of the Gulf in
concert with economic development.
Center for Environmental & Economic Justice in Biloxi, Miss., Receives EPA
Gulf Guardian Award
Contact Information: Davina Marraccini, 404-562-8293 (direct), 404-562-8400
(main), marraccini.davina@epa.gov
ATLANTA – The U.S. Environmental Protection Agency's (EPA) Gulf of Mexico
Program recognized the Center for Environmental & Economic Justice (CEEJ)
in Biloxi, Miss., with a Second Place 2015 Gulf Guardian Award in the
Environmental Justice Category. The awards ceremony was held today at the
Texas State Aquarium in Corpus Christi, Texas.
For over 20 years, CEEJ has advanced environmental and social justice by
working to eliminate environmental health hazards and promote economic
sustainability in impacted, predominantly African-American communities
through community education and training. Working in partnership with the
Deep South Center for Environmental Justice at Dillard University in New
Orleans, La., CEEJ has forged a new culturally-sensitive training model:
the Minority Worker Training Program. The Minority Worker Training Program
offers neighborhood residents impacted by natural disasters opportunities
to join forces with local construction workers and environmentalists and
proactively clean up their neighborhoods by removing environmental
contaminants from sediment, soil, homes and buildings. This program has
resulted in unparalleled partnership between labor, environmental and
community organizations, and academia.
"This is the 13th year of the Gulf Guardian Awards, and I am proud to say
that each year the winners in all categories have represented the very best
of environmental accomplishments in the Gulf of Mexico," said Diane
Altsman, chief of staff for the Gulf of Mexico Program. "The Gulf of Mexico
Program partnership works to improve the environmental health of the Gulf,
and the Gulf Guardian Awards is an important way for us to recognize these
valuable efforts."
CEEJ has conducted numerous community education campaigns in impacted
communities in all three coastal counties along the Mississippi Gulf Coast
to increase public awareness of various pollutants, including lead and
creosote. As an example, CEEJ worked with the Turkey Creek community in
Gulfport, Miss., to help residents address their concerns associated with
the Cavenham Forest Industries (CFI) plant. CFI operated a plant producing
wood products and used creosote, a possible human carcinogen, for the
treatment of these products to retard deterioration. CEEJ worked with
residents in Turkey Creek to complete health surveys and a risk assessment.
The Gulf of Mexico Program initiated the Gulf Guardian awards in 2000 as a
way to recognize and honor the individuals, businesses, community groups
and agencies that are taking positive steps to keep the Gulf healthy,
beautiful and productive. First, second and third place awards are given in
seven categories: individual, business/industry, youth environmental
education, civic/nonprofit organizations, cultural diversity/environmental
justice, partnership and bi-national efforts.
The Gulf of Mexico Program began in 1988 to protect, restore and maintain
the health and productivity of the Gulf of Mexico ecosystem in economically
sustainable ways. The Program is underwritten by the EPA and is a
non-regulatory, inclusive consortium of state and federal government
agencies and representatives of the business and agricultural community,
fishing industry, scientists, environmentalists, and community leaders from
all five Gulf states. The Program seeks to improve the environmental health
of the Gulf in concert with economic development.
Wicker Introduces Bill in Support of Ocean Monitoring
Miss. Senator Includes Priorities for Gulf Coast and State Universities
WASHINGTON – U.S. Senator Roger Wicker, R-Miss., has introduced legislation
to reauthorize and provide support to the U.S. Integrated Ocean Observing
System (IOOS). The network provides scientists and researchers with vital
information about the nation's coasts and oceans, as well as the Great
Lakes. Wicker's proposal, titled "Coordinated Ocean Monitoring and Research
Act," S.1886, is cosponsored by Sen. Maria Cantwell, D-Wash.
"This program helps improve weather forecasting, energy siting and
production, and marine navigation safety," Wicker said. "Mississippi's Gulf
Coast particularly benefits from the network's important collection of
coastal hazards and fisheries data. My bill would also ensure that our
university research teams are equipped with the tools they need to continue
conducting critical scientific studies."
IOOS, first authorized in 2009 by the "Integrated Coastal Ocean Observing
Act," comprises a partnership of 17 federal agencies and 11 regional
associations. The network supports a wide range of missions, including
national defense, search-and-rescue operations, marine commerce, navigation
safety, weather, economic development, and ecosystem-based marine resource
management.
More than 50 percent of the marine data now assembled and disseminated by
the National Oceanic Atmospheric Administration's (NOAA) National Data Buoy
Center – located in Bay Saint Louis, Mississippi, and part of IOOS – is
from non-federal sources.
Ocean modeling teams based at Stennis – made up of the Navy, the GCOOS-RA,
University of Southern Mississippi, Mississippi State University, NOAA, and
others – coordinate to develop the best physical and ecosystem models on
the Gulf. The NOAA National Weather Service uses the Navy model results for
their public safety hurricane forecasts.
EPA Reaches Agreement with Manufacturer to Stop Use of TCE in Spray
Fixative Products Used on Arts and Crafts
EPA also taking regulatory action to reduce exposure to this chemical
WASHINGTON –The U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) has reached an
agreement with a manufacturer to voluntarily phase-out the use of
trichloroethylene (TCE) in an aerosol arts and crafts spray fixative
product as part of EPA's ongoing efforts to reduce the public's exposure to
potentially harmful chemicals.
"We are pleased that a company's voluntary efforts to eliminate TCE from
their aerosol fixative product used for arts and crafts will soon mean that
all consumer products of this type are TCE-free," said Jim Jones, Assistant
Administrator for the Office of Chemical Safety and Pollution Prevention.
"We are also proposing a rule that will give EPA the opportunity to review
and, if necessary, block introduction, including imports, of new TCE spray
fixative and other consumer products before re-entry into the marketplace.
This will ensure a level playing field for American companies who step up
and do the right thing. In addition, we are pursuing regulatory action to
reduce the risks from exposure to TCE in other products that are not
voluntarily addressed."
TCE is an example of how EPA's assessment of existing chemicals can lead to
real results that protect health and the environment. After identifying
health risks associated with a number of TCE uses in its June 2014 Work
Plan Chemical Risk Assessment conducted under the Toxic Substances Control
Act (TSCA), EPA worked with the manufacturers of TCE on possible voluntary
efforts to reduce exposure.
The PLZ Aeroscience Corporation, of Addison, IL, has committed to cease
manufacturing its aerosol spray fixative product containing TCE by
September 1, 2015. This type of product is used by artists, picture
framers, graphic designers and printers to provide a water repellant and
protective finish. It is the only TCE-containing spray fixative product on
the market still used in arts and crafts.
EPA is issuing a proposed Significant New Use Rule (SNUR) under TSCA which
requires anyone intending to initiate manufacture (including import) or
processing of TCE for these uses to notify EPA at least 90 days before
doing so. The notification will allow EPA to evaluate the intended use and,
if necessary, to prohibit or limit the use prior to entering the
marketplace. Current uses of TCE are not subject to the proposed rule.
In addition to the phase-out and SNUR, the Agency is taking a number of
additional steps to reduce the risks from exposure to TCE. EPA is
encouraging the transition to safer chemicals and greener processes/
technologies, promoting the use of best practices, and pursuing regulatory
action under TSCA to reduce or limit the manufacture, import and use of TCE
in a range of products.
EPA is requesting a 60 day comment period that will begin upon publication
in the Federal Register at www.regulations.gov and searching for
EPA-HQ-OPPT-2014-0327.
A pre-publication copy of the proposal and more information can be found
at: http://www.epa.gov/oppt/existingchemicals/pubs/tce.html
Learn more about EPA's TSCA Work Plan Assessments.
