State
EMA: Chevron incident no danger to community
WLOX
Video
http://www.wlox.com/clip/11883686/ema-chevron-incident-no-danger-to-community
PASCAGOULA, MS (WLOX) -Officials with the Jackson County Office of
Emergency Services tell us gasoline fumes released from a storage tanker at
the Chevron refinery in Pascagoula pose no threat to surrounding
neighborhoods.
http://www.wlox.com/story/30143959/ema-chevron-incident-no-danger-to-community
Alabama residents call Jackson County with complaints about Chevron
gasoline smell
Coast Guard, EPA, monitored situation with 4-million-gallon tank
BY KAREN NELSON
Sun Herald
PASCAGOULA -- Alabama residents on Dauphin Island are calling Jackson
County tonight with complaints about a strong smell of gasoline from the
Chevron Pascagoula Refinery.
http://www.sunherald.com/2015/09/29/6440145_chemicals-exposed-after-storage.html?rh=1
Chevron Pascagoula refinery working to reduce gas odors after storage tank
roof fails
Mississippi Press
PASCAGOULA, Mississippi -- Chevron leaders say they are working to contain
the odors caused by a storage tank roof failure at the Pascagoula refinery
Monday.
http://blog.gulflive.com/mississippi-press-news/2015/09/chevron_pascagoula_refinery_wo.html#incart_river
Leak at Chevron Refinery
WXXV
Residents in the Pascagoula area may notice a scent of gasoline in the air
over the next couple of days. This is due to a leak at the Chevron
refinery. News 25's Kendra Turley has details on the safety precautions
Chevron is taking to keep residents in the surrounding area safe.
http://www.wxxv25.com/news/local/story/Leak-at-Chevron-Refinery/y_tHk9hUKke0qIUjVoVzYQ.cspx
MDEQ to conduct survey on Leaf River
Hattiesburg American
he Mississippi Department of Environmental Qualitywill be installing
electronic monitoring equipment on Oct. 5 to help conduct a water
quality sampling survey on the Leaf River from Hattiesburg to
Beaumont.
http://www.hattiesburgamerican.com/story/news/local/2015/09/29/mdeq-to-conduct-survey-on-leaf-river/73049354/
MDWFP Investigating Sardis Fish Kill
WCBI
JACKSON – Mississippi Department of Wildlife, Fisheries, and Parks (MDWFP)
fisheries biologists investigated a fish kill reported on September 17, at
Sardis Lake. After evaluating the fish kill in several areas of the lake,
biologists determined that white bass comprised over 99 percent of the dead
fish.http://www.wcbi.com/local-news/mdwfp-investigating-sardis-fish-kill/
Mississippi PSC to consider rules on alternative power sources
Commercial Appeal
In a nod to the continuing effort to develop alternative energy sources in
Mississippi, the state's Public Service Commission will host a public
hearing in Jackson Tuesday on a proposed "net metering rule" that would
govern use of renewable resources such as solar power.
http://www.commercialappeal.com/news/suburbs/desoto/mississippi-psc-to-consider-rules-on-alternative-power-sources-20e5c7e9-6bfa-7c96-e053-0100007fd0a9-330020691.html
Hub City residents meet with energy company about proposed solar farm
WDAM
HATTIESBURG, MS (WDAM) -Hub City residents have met with a North
Carolina-based energy company that wants to build a large, solar energy
farm near Bonhomie Road in Hattiesburg.
http://www.wdam.com/story/30147046/hub-city-residents-meet-with-energy-company-about-solar-farm
Police collect record pounds of drugs
WHLT
LAUREL, Miss. (WHLT) – On Saturday, September 26th, law enforcement
agencies across the Pine Belt participated in Drug Take Back Day.
http://whlt.com/2015/09/28/police-collect-record-pounds-of-drugs/
Kemper Co. Plant cost increases $15 million, company says customers won't
pay
WLOX
GULFPORT, MS (WLOX) -The cost of Mississippi Power's Kemper County power
plant has increased $15 million, according the latest status report the
company filed with the Public Service Commission. In Tuesday's report, the
power company outlined additional costs to complete the plant and get it
operating, but Mississippi Power's CEO said that cost will not be passed on
to customers.
http://www.wlox.com/story/30145494/kemper-co-plant-cost-increases-15-million-company-says-customers-wont-pay
Regional
Duke Energy agrees to $7 million contamination settlement
Charlotte Observer
Duke Energy's $7 million settlement of groundwater contamination issues at
its 14 coal-fired power plants in North Carolina includes no admission of
wrongdoing.
http://www.sunherald.com/2015/09/29/6439827/duke-energy-agrees-to-20-million.html
National
New Regulations on Smog Remain as Divisive as Ever
NY Times
WASHINGTON — In August 2011, as President Obama prepared
to unveil a major new environmental regulation on smog,
his political advisers issued a warning: The rule would
affect power plants and factories throughout the Midwest,
slowing the economy in states like Ohio that would be
crucial to the president's re-election.
http://www.nytimes.com/2015/10/01/us/politics/new-regulations-on-smog-remain-as-divisive-as-ever.html?ref=earth&_r=0
EPA cracks down on oil refinery pollution
The Hill
The Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) has issued a new rule designed to
slash toxic air pollution generated by petroleum refineries.
http://thehill.com/policy/energy-environment/255299-epa-cracks-down-on-oil-refinery-pollution
EPA expects success from new methane rules
The Hill
A top environmental regulator said Tuesday that he expects new federal
standards for methane emissions will succeed in cutting down on the potent
greenhouse gas.
http://thehill.com/policy/energy-environment/255273-epa-expects-success-from-new-methane-rules
Big utilities enter market for small rooftop solar
AP
ALBUQUERQUE, N.M. -- Traditional power companies are getting into
small-scale solar energy and competing for space on your rooftop.
http://www.sunherald.com/2015/09/29/6440712/big-utilities-enter-market-for.html
New regs for Wednesday: Airplanes, rattlesnakes, pollution
The Hill
Pollution: The Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) is releasing a list of
national priorities targeting "hazardous substances, pollutants or
contaminants throughout the United States."
The EPA will use these priorities as a guide to help it "assess the nature
and extent of public health and environmental risks," the agency said.
The changes go into effect in 30 days.
Rattlesnakes: The Fish and Wildlife Service is proposing new protections
for certain rattlesnakes.
The eastern massasauga rattlesnake would be listed as a threatened species
under the agency's proposal. These rattlesnakes are found in 10 states
around the country.
The public has 60 days to comment.
http://thehill.com/regulation/255257-new-regs-for-wednesday-airplanes-rattlesnakes-pollution
Opinion
Exporting Oil and Protecting Wildlife
With U.S. petroleum production likely to increase, here's how to safeguard
the environment along the way.
WSJ
By COLLIN O'MARA
Sept. 29, 2015 7:17 p.m. ET
With a vote in the House to allow the export of U.S. crude oil expected
next week, most arguments are about the implications for gas prices,
refining jobs and domestic output, or about the geopolitical ramifications
of growing Russian and eventually Iranian oil exports. Missing in the
debate are the consequences for the nation's wildlife.
http://www.wsj.com/articles/exporting-oil-and-protecting-wildlife-1443568671
Wednesday, September 30, 2015
Tuesday, September 29, 2015
News Clippings 9.29.15
State
Lack of September rainfall has impact in area
Bolivar Commercial
The Mississippi Valley Division is under the jurisdiction of the US Army
Corps of Engineers Mississippi Valley Division Commander based in
Vicksburg. The Division is comprised of the World's 3rd Largest Watershed,
which is the Mississippi River Watershed.
http://www.bolivarcommercial.com/newsx/item/2790-lack-of-september-rainfall-has-impact-in-area
MS STATE VETERINARIAN PUTS POULTRY GROWERS ON HIGH ALERT FOR BIRD FLU
PREVENTION
MPB
This spring, the Bird Flu killed more than 48 million chickens and turkeys
in some 20 states according to Dr. Jim Watson. The State Veterinarian for
Mississippi's Board of Animal Health says it's the worst outbreak in the
nation's history. It impacted jobs and led to a 10 percent increase in egg
prices nationwide. Watson says the Bird Flu doesn't affect humans. But it's
highly contagious among poultry. The virus is largely transmitted by
migratory ducks and geese.
http://www.mpbonline.org/blogs/news/2015/09/29/ms-state-veterinarian-puts-poultry-growers-on-high-alert-for-bird-flu-prevention/
Opposition builds online against damming Pascagoula River tributary for
lakes
BY KAREN NELSON
Sun Herald
PASCAGOULA -- An uproar may have begun.
A public school teacher in Mobile County started a Facebook page called
Protect the Pascagoula River Basin on Friday and by Monday afternoon it had
2,150 followers.
http://www.sunherald.com/2015/09/28/6439318/opposition-builds-online-against.html
USDA kills Pascagoula ducks and geese citing 'health and safety' concerns
WLOX
PASCAGOULA, MS (WLOX) -More than a dozen Canada geese basked in the Friday
afternoon sun at picturesque I.G. Levy Park. But on Tuesday morning, it was
a much less pleasant scene.
http://www.wlox.com/story/30119568/usda-kills-pascagoula-ducks-and-geese-citing-health-and-safety-concerns
Health risk is real from duck and geese population at park
WLOX
PASCAGOULA, MS (WLOX) -The killing of more than a dozen ducks and geese at
a park in Pascagoula has sparked a strong reaction from some of you.
http://www.wlox.com/story/30135653/health-risk-is-real-from-duck-and-geese-population-at-park
Beer run in MDOT truck prompts investigation, claims of misuse
Clarion Ledger
A Facebook post capturing what appears to be a beer run in a
Mississippi Department of Transportation law enforcement vehicle has
resulted in a MDOT investigation.
http://www.clarionledger.com/story/news/2015/09/28/beer-run-mdot-truck-prompts-investigation-claims-misuse/72977258/
Regional
New Louisiana Superfund site: Colonial Creosote plant in Bogalusa
Times-Picayune
The Colonial Creosote wood preserving plant in Bogalusa has been added to
national list of Superfund hazardous waste sites eligible for federal
cleanup assistance, the Environmental Protection Agency announced Monday
(Sept. 28).
http://www.nola.com/environment/index.ssf/2015/09/colonial_creosote_bogalsua_add.html#incart_most_shared-environment
Georgia Power working on plan to close ash ponds
Atlanta Business Chronicle
Georgia Power Co. is working on a plan to close all 29 of its ash ponds
scattered across the state, the Atlanta-based utility announced Monday.
http://www.bizjournals.com/atlanta/blog/capitol_vision/2015/09/georgia-power-working-on-plan-to-close-ash-ponds.html
National
EPA set to tighten smog limits as business gears for fight
AP
WASHINGTON — Facing a court-ordered deadline, the Obama administration is
preparing to finalize stricter emissions limits on smog-forming pollution
linked to asthma and respiratory illness.
http://www.sunherald.com/2015/09/29/6439565/epa-set-to-tighten-smog-limits.html
EPA rolls out pesticide protections for farm workers
The Hill
Farm workers will be better protected from exposure to harmful pesticides
under new rules from the Obama administration.
http://thehill.com/regulation/labor/255176-epa-rolls-out-pesticide-protections-for-farm-workers
NFWF announces $3.3M in grants to save monarch butterfly
The Hill
In its first round of funding, the National Fish and Wildlife Foundation
(NFWF) is allocating $3.3 million in 22 grants to save the monarch
butterfly.
http://thehill.com/regulation/energy-environment/255168-nfwf-announces-33m-in-grants-to-save-monarch-butterfly
3 groups will use $5.9M to train firefighters for oil trains
AP
OMAHA, NEB. — Three groups will receive $5.9 million in federal grants to
train first responders to handle railroad incidents involving crude oil,
ethanol and other flammable liquids.
http://www.sunherald.com/2015/09/28/6438985/3-groups-will-use-59m-to-train.html
US Drilling States Guided on Handling Quakes
AP
A group of U.S. drilling states, seismologists, academics and industry
experts issued guidance Monday in a frank new report on handling
human-induced earthquakes caused by hydraulic fracturing or the disposal of
fracking wastewater.
http://abcnews.go.com/US/wireStory/apnewsbreak-us-drilling-states-guided-handling-quakes-34104556
Oil Prices Gain on Expectations U.S. Crude Output Will Slow Further
Other major producers from OPEC to Russia continue to pump at speed to
protect market share
WSJ
Oil prices gained on Tuesday on expectations that a slowdown in U.S. oil
production will accelerate, though the continued supply from the rest of
the world kept a cap on the gains.
http://www.wsj.com/articles/oil-prices-gain-on-expectations-u-s-crude-output-will-slow-further-1443520696
Opinion
A new low in science: Criminalizing climate change skeptics
Fox News
Scientists have many important roles to play in preparations for the
upcoming UN Conference on Climate Change in Paris. Some are working hard to
clarify uncertainties in the science, others on developing and evaluating
alternative climate policies.
http://www.foxnews.com/opinion/2015/09/28/new-low-in-science-criminalizing-climate-change-skeptics.html?intcmp=hplnws
Press Releases
EPA Announces $7 Million in Funding to Reduce Diesel Emissions from School
Buses
WASHINGTON – The U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) is announcing
the availability of approximately $7 million in funding for rebates to
public and private school bus fleet owners for the replacement and retrofit
of older school buses. Replacing these buses that have older engines will
reduce diesel emissions and improve air quality.
"Our kids spend a lot of time on the school bus, and buses spend a lot of
time in our neighborhoods and schoolyards. They are a national symbol of
safety," said Janet McCabe, Acting Assistant Administrator for EPA's Office
of Air and Radiation. "Significantly improving school bus fleets across the
country with retrofits, replacements, and idle reduction practices is
imperative in meeting the Agency's goal of reducing children's exposure to
air toxics."
New to this year's program is the option of implementing retrofit
technologies. Fleet owners can install Diesel Oxidation Catalysts (DOC)
plus Closed Crankcase Ventilation (CCV) systems to reduce emissions by up
to 25 percent, and they can replace older buses with newer ones that meet
the latest on-highway emission standards as in previous EPA rebate
programs. EPA will pay up to $3,000 for each DOC plus CCV, and between
$15,000 and $25,000 per replacement bus, depending on the size.
Applicants may request up to 10 buses for replacement and up to 10 buses
for the retrofit option on each application. Fleets with more than 101
buses currently in operation may submit two applications.
Many of the nation's school buses are powered by diesel engines. EPA
standards for new diesel engines make them more than 90 percent cleaner
than older ones, but many older diesel engines remain in operation and
predate these standards. Older diesel engines emit large quantities of
pollutants such as particulate matter (PM) and nitrogen oxides (NOx). These
pollutants are linked to health problems, including aggravated asthma, lung
damage and other serious health issues.
Public school bus fleets and those owned privately but contracted with a
public school system are eligible to apply for rebates to replace school
buses with engine model years of 2006 or older. They may also apply to
install DOC plus CCV technology on school buses with engine model years
1994-2006.
EPA will accept applications from September 28 to October 30, 2015.
This is the third rebate program offered under the Diesel Emission
Reduction Act (DERA) reauthorization to fund cleaner school buses. Nearly
25,000 buses across the country have already been made cleaner as a result
of DERA funding.
To learn more about the rebate program, applicant eligibility and selection
process, and informational webinar dates:
http://www2.epa.gov/cleandiesel/clean-diesel-rebates#2015sb
Questions may be directed to cleandieselrebate@epa.gov
EPA Adds Five Hazardous Waste Sites to Superfund's National Priorities List
& Proposes an Additional Seven
WASHINGTON -- Today, the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) is
adding five hazardous waste sites that pose risks to human health and the
environment to the Superfund National Priorities List (NPL). A separate
action includes a proposal to add seven sites to the list.
"Since the creation of the Superfund program 35 years ago, EPA has been
addressing the risk to human health and the environment as well as blight
to the economy due to contamination left behind by owners and operators,"
said Mathy Stanislaus, assistant administrator for EPA's Office of Solid
Waste and Emergency Response. "Superfund cleanups protect communities'
health, their environments and their economic wellbeing, including some of
the country's most vulnerable populations."
Sites EPA adds to the NPL represent the nation's most serious uncontrolled
or abandoned hazardous waste sites. Only sites added to the NPL are
eligible to receive federal funding for long-term permanent cleanup.
Cleanups reduce adverse human health impacts, including those affecting
infants, and also help facilitate economic revitalization of formerly toxic
sites. The list serves as the basis for prioritizing both enforcement
actions against polluters, and long-term EPA Superfund cleanup funding. The
time it takes to prepare to propose a site to the NPL varies depending on
many factors, for example, the site complexity, the extent of stakeholder
interest, state and tribal support, and the availability of other cleanup
options.
State partnership is critical to the cleanup of Superfund sites. EPA
responds to requests from states/tribes and communities to propose a site
to the NPL when non-NPL response options have not proved viable. EPA
requests state support to list sites on the NPL and coordinates with them
to conduct early site assessments. In some cases, states may lead the
remedial action work with EPA oversight.
Addition of a site to the NPL helps address potential adverse human health
impacts.
The National Bureau of Economic Research study, Superfund Cleanups and
Infant Health, shows that investment in Superfund cleanups reduces the
incidence of congenital abnormalities in infants by as much as 25 percent
for those living within approximately 2100 yards of a site. Cleanups
involving lead-contaminated soil have contributed to documented reduced
blood-lead levels in children. If left unaddressed, elevated blood-lead
levels may result in irreversible neurological deficits, such as lowered
intelligence and attention-related behavioral problems.
Adding a site to the NPL also stimulates economic revitalization.
A study by researchers at Duke and Pittsburgh Universities found that once
a site has all cleanup remedies in place, nearby property values reflect a
significant increase as compared to their values prior to the site being
proposed for the NPL. Cleanups also increase tax revenue for local
communities and state governments, including helping to create jobs during
and after cleanup. For example, at 450 of the 800 sites supporting use or
reuse activities, EPA found, at the end of fiscal year 2014, that there
were ongoing operations of approximately 3,400 businesses, generating
annual sales of more than $31 billion and employing more than 89,000
people.
EPA and its partners continue to discover new sites qualifying for NPL
addition. The contamination of some sites was caused by recent activity. At
other sites, contamination has been discovered due to factors such as
increased population growth, urban growth and the migration of contaminants
from the source. EPA works closely with states and tribes and seeks public
comment prior to adding sites to the NPL.
The Superfund program operates on the principle that polluters should pay
for the cleanups, rather than passing the costs to taxpayers. EPA searches
for parties legally responsible for the contamination at sites and it holds
those parties accountable for the costs of cleanups. For the newly added
sites without viable potentially responsible parties, EPA will investigate
the full extent of the contamination before starting substantial cleanup at
the site.
The following five sites have been added to the NPL:
• Illinois - Estech General Chemical Company (pesticide
manufacturer) in Calumet City, Ill.;
• Louisiana - Colonial Creosote (wood treatment plant) in
Bogalusa, La.;
• Massachusetts - BJAT LLC (various industrial operations) in
Franklin, Mass.;
• Texas - Main Street Ground Water Plume (ground water plume) in
Burnet, Texas.; and
• Washington - Grain Handling Facility at Freeman (grain handling
facility) in Freeman, Wash.
The following seven sites have been proposed for addition to the NPL:
• Iowa - PCE Former Dry Cleaner (dry cleaner) in Atlantic, Iowa;
• Illinois - Old American Zinc Plant (zinc smelter) in Fairmont
City, Ill.;
• Indiana - West Vermont Drinking Water Contamination (ground
water plume) in Indianapolis, Ind.;
• Louisiana - SBA Shipyard (barge construction and maintenance)
in Jennings, La.;
• Nebraska - Iowa-Nebraska Light & Power Co. (former manufactured
gas plant) in Norfolk, Neb.;
• New Jersey - Former Kil-Tone Company (pesticide manufacturer)
in Vineland, N.J.; and
• New Mexico - Lea and West Second Street (ground water plume) in
Roswell, N.M.
The sites announced today have characteristics and conditions that vary in
size, complexity and contamination. Past and current uses of the sites
announced today include pesticide manufacturing, dry cleaning, grain
handling, wood treatment, zinc smelting and former manufactured gas plant
operations. Operations at some of the five sites listed today continued
until as late as the 1990s and 2000s. Many site contaminants were released
into the environment, including lead, mercury, zinc and other metals;
polychlorinated biphenyls; pesticides; and semi-volatile organic compounds
(SVOCs). Contamination affects surface water, ground water, soil and
wetlands.
From the late 1800s until 1985, the BJAT LLC property in Franklin, Mass.
was used for industrial operations including the manufacture of rubber and
plastic products. Lead, mercury and zinc, as well as a number of SVOCs are
contaminating the soil, sediment and ground water. Over the years
manufacturing activity has left areas of process waste and debris on the
property. A contaminated ground water plume is affecting nearby properties
and wetlands, and contamination on the property poses a hazard to people
that may come in contact with soil and debris.
The Grain Handling Facility at Freeman, Wash., constructed in 1955, is a
seasonally active grain handling facility equipped with silos, a grain
elevator, and a subterranean receiving pit. Contaminants found in soil
samples collected at the grain handling facility property include carbon
tetrachloride and chloroform. Contaminants found in ground water samples
collected from the nearby Freeman School primary drinking water supply
well, located downgradient of the grain handling facility property, include
carbon tetrachloride and chloroform at concentrations above the Safe
Drinking Water Act's Maximum Contaminant Levels. The school used its own
funds to install a water treatment system. Sources and extent of the ground
water contamination must be further evaluated.
This year marks the 35th anniversary of the enactment of the Comprehensive
Environmental, Response, Compensation and Liability Act, the law
establishing the Superfund program. Superfund's passage was a giant step
forward in cleaning up industrial waste sites to help ensure human health
and environmental protection. The Superfund law gives EPA the authority to
clean up releases of hazardous substances and directs EPA to update the NPL
at least annually.
For Federal Register notices and supporting documents for the final and
proposed sites:
http://www.epa.gov/superfund/sites/npl/current.htm
For information about how a site is listed on the NPL:
http://www.epa.gov/superfund/sites/npl/npl_hrs.htm
For information on Superfund sites in local communities:
http://www.epa.gov/superfund/sites/index.htm
More information about the Comprehensive Environmental Response,
Compensation and Liability Act (CERCLA), the law establishing the Superfund
program, can be found at:
http://epa.gov/superfund/policy/cercla.htm
EPA Updates Standards to Increase Safety and Protect the Health of
America's Farmworkers
Revised standards give farmworkers health protections under the law similar
to those already afforded to workers in other industries
WASHINGTON - The U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) announced today
increased protections for the nation's two million agricultural workers and
their families. Each year, thousands of potentially preventable pesticide
exposure incidents are reported that lead to sick days, lost wages and
medical bills but with changes to the Agricultural Worker Protection
Standard the risk of injury or illness resulting from contact with
pesticides on farms and in forests, nurseries and greenhouses can be
reduced.
"President Obama has called closing gaps of opportunity a defining
challenge of our time. Meeting that challenge means ensuring healthy work
environments for all Americans, especially those in our nation's vulnerable
communities," said EPA Administrator Gina McCarthy. "We depend on
farmworkers every day to help put the food we eat on America's dinner
tables—and they deserve fair, equitable working standards with strong
health and safety protections. With these updates we can protect workers,
while at the same time preserve the strong traditions of our family farms
and ensure the continued the growth of our agricultural economy."
"No one should ever have to risk their lives for their livelihoods, but far
too many workers, especially those who work in agriculture, face conditions
that challenge their health and safety every day," said U.S. Secretary of
Labor Thomas E. Perez. "Workplace illness and injury contribute greatly to
economic inequality, and can have a devastating impact on workers and their
families. By promoting workplace safety, these provisions will enhance
economic security for people struggling to make ends meet and keep more
Americans on the job raising the crops that feed the world, and we are
proud to support the EPA in this effort."
Here are thoughts from a former farmworker on EPA's revised worker
protection standards:
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=TAYGb1-LUH4
EPA's updates reflect extensive stakeholder involvement from federal and
state partners and the agricultural community including farmworkers,
farmers and industry. These provisions will help ensure farmworkers
nationwide receive annual safety training; that children under the age of
18 are prohibited from handling pesticides; and that workers are aware of
the protections they are afforded under today's action and have the tools
needed to protect themselves and their families from pesticide exposure.
View the video to learn more about EPA's revised worker protection
standards:
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=p0PMYSirxlY
Listen to the actualities for the revisions to the farmworker protection
standards:
http://yosemite.epa.gov/opa/admpress.nsf/bd4379a92ceceeac8525735900400c27/b18112371b9d3f8985257ece0057f07a!OpenDocument
Additionally, EPA is making significant improvements to the training
programs including limiting pesticide exposure to farmworker families. By
better protecting our agricultural workers, the agency anticipates fewer
pesticide exposure incidents among farmworkers and their family members.
Fewer incidents means a healthier workforce and avoiding lost wages, and
medical bills.
These revisions will publish in the Federal Register within the next 60
days. For more information on the EPA's Worker Protection Standard:
www2.epa.gov/pesticide-worker-safety/revisions-worker-protection-standard
Lack of September rainfall has impact in area
Bolivar Commercial
The Mississippi Valley Division is under the jurisdiction of the US Army
Corps of Engineers Mississippi Valley Division Commander based in
Vicksburg. The Division is comprised of the World's 3rd Largest Watershed,
which is the Mississippi River Watershed.
http://www.bolivarcommercial.com/newsx/item/2790-lack-of-september-rainfall-has-impact-in-area
MS STATE VETERINARIAN PUTS POULTRY GROWERS ON HIGH ALERT FOR BIRD FLU
PREVENTION
MPB
This spring, the Bird Flu killed more than 48 million chickens and turkeys
in some 20 states according to Dr. Jim Watson. The State Veterinarian for
Mississippi's Board of Animal Health says it's the worst outbreak in the
nation's history. It impacted jobs and led to a 10 percent increase in egg
prices nationwide. Watson says the Bird Flu doesn't affect humans. But it's
highly contagious among poultry. The virus is largely transmitted by
migratory ducks and geese.
http://www.mpbonline.org/blogs/news/2015/09/29/ms-state-veterinarian-puts-poultry-growers-on-high-alert-for-bird-flu-prevention/
Opposition builds online against damming Pascagoula River tributary for
lakes
BY KAREN NELSON
Sun Herald
PASCAGOULA -- An uproar may have begun.
A public school teacher in Mobile County started a Facebook page called
Protect the Pascagoula River Basin on Friday and by Monday afternoon it had
2,150 followers.
http://www.sunherald.com/2015/09/28/6439318/opposition-builds-online-against.html
USDA kills Pascagoula ducks and geese citing 'health and safety' concerns
WLOX
PASCAGOULA, MS (WLOX) -More than a dozen Canada geese basked in the Friday
afternoon sun at picturesque I.G. Levy Park. But on Tuesday morning, it was
a much less pleasant scene.
http://www.wlox.com/story/30119568/usda-kills-pascagoula-ducks-and-geese-citing-health-and-safety-concerns
Health risk is real from duck and geese population at park
WLOX
PASCAGOULA, MS (WLOX) -The killing of more than a dozen ducks and geese at
a park in Pascagoula has sparked a strong reaction from some of you.
http://www.wlox.com/story/30135653/health-risk-is-real-from-duck-and-geese-population-at-park
Beer run in MDOT truck prompts investigation, claims of misuse
Clarion Ledger
A Facebook post capturing what appears to be a beer run in a
Mississippi Department of Transportation law enforcement vehicle has
resulted in a MDOT investigation.
http://www.clarionledger.com/story/news/2015/09/28/beer-run-mdot-truck-prompts-investigation-claims-misuse/72977258/
Regional
New Louisiana Superfund site: Colonial Creosote plant in Bogalusa
Times-Picayune
The Colonial Creosote wood preserving plant in Bogalusa has been added to
national list of Superfund hazardous waste sites eligible for federal
cleanup assistance, the Environmental Protection Agency announced Monday
(Sept. 28).
http://www.nola.com/environment/index.ssf/2015/09/colonial_creosote_bogalsua_add.html#incart_most_shared-environment
Georgia Power working on plan to close ash ponds
Atlanta Business Chronicle
Georgia Power Co. is working on a plan to close all 29 of its ash ponds
scattered across the state, the Atlanta-based utility announced Monday.
http://www.bizjournals.com/atlanta/blog/capitol_vision/2015/09/georgia-power-working-on-plan-to-close-ash-ponds.html
National
EPA set to tighten smog limits as business gears for fight
AP
WASHINGTON — Facing a court-ordered deadline, the Obama administration is
preparing to finalize stricter emissions limits on smog-forming pollution
linked to asthma and respiratory illness.
http://www.sunherald.com/2015/09/29/6439565/epa-set-to-tighten-smog-limits.html
EPA rolls out pesticide protections for farm workers
The Hill
Farm workers will be better protected from exposure to harmful pesticides
under new rules from the Obama administration.
http://thehill.com/regulation/labor/255176-epa-rolls-out-pesticide-protections-for-farm-workers
NFWF announces $3.3M in grants to save monarch butterfly
The Hill
In its first round of funding, the National Fish and Wildlife Foundation
(NFWF) is allocating $3.3 million in 22 grants to save the monarch
butterfly.
http://thehill.com/regulation/energy-environment/255168-nfwf-announces-33m-in-grants-to-save-monarch-butterfly
3 groups will use $5.9M to train firefighters for oil trains
AP
OMAHA, NEB. — Three groups will receive $5.9 million in federal grants to
train first responders to handle railroad incidents involving crude oil,
ethanol and other flammable liquids.
http://www.sunherald.com/2015/09/28/6438985/3-groups-will-use-59m-to-train.html
US Drilling States Guided on Handling Quakes
AP
A group of U.S. drilling states, seismologists, academics and industry
experts issued guidance Monday in a frank new report on handling
human-induced earthquakes caused by hydraulic fracturing or the disposal of
fracking wastewater.
http://abcnews.go.com/US/wireStory/apnewsbreak-us-drilling-states-guided-handling-quakes-34104556
Oil Prices Gain on Expectations U.S. Crude Output Will Slow Further
Other major producers from OPEC to Russia continue to pump at speed to
protect market share
WSJ
Oil prices gained on Tuesday on expectations that a slowdown in U.S. oil
production will accelerate, though the continued supply from the rest of
the world kept a cap on the gains.
http://www.wsj.com/articles/oil-prices-gain-on-expectations-u-s-crude-output-will-slow-further-1443520696
Opinion
A new low in science: Criminalizing climate change skeptics
Fox News
Scientists have many important roles to play in preparations for the
upcoming UN Conference on Climate Change in Paris. Some are working hard to
clarify uncertainties in the science, others on developing and evaluating
alternative climate policies.
http://www.foxnews.com/opinion/2015/09/28/new-low-in-science-criminalizing-climate-change-skeptics.html?intcmp=hplnws
Press Releases
EPA Announces $7 Million in Funding to Reduce Diesel Emissions from School
Buses
WASHINGTON – The U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) is announcing
the availability of approximately $7 million in funding for rebates to
public and private school bus fleet owners for the replacement and retrofit
of older school buses. Replacing these buses that have older engines will
reduce diesel emissions and improve air quality.
"Our kids spend a lot of time on the school bus, and buses spend a lot of
time in our neighborhoods and schoolyards. They are a national symbol of
safety," said Janet McCabe, Acting Assistant Administrator for EPA's Office
of Air and Radiation. "Significantly improving school bus fleets across the
country with retrofits, replacements, and idle reduction practices is
imperative in meeting the Agency's goal of reducing children's exposure to
air toxics."
New to this year's program is the option of implementing retrofit
technologies. Fleet owners can install Diesel Oxidation Catalysts (DOC)
plus Closed Crankcase Ventilation (CCV) systems to reduce emissions by up
to 25 percent, and they can replace older buses with newer ones that meet
the latest on-highway emission standards as in previous EPA rebate
programs. EPA will pay up to $3,000 for each DOC plus CCV, and between
$15,000 and $25,000 per replacement bus, depending on the size.
Applicants may request up to 10 buses for replacement and up to 10 buses
for the retrofit option on each application. Fleets with more than 101
buses currently in operation may submit two applications.
Many of the nation's school buses are powered by diesel engines. EPA
standards for new diesel engines make them more than 90 percent cleaner
than older ones, but many older diesel engines remain in operation and
predate these standards. Older diesel engines emit large quantities of
pollutants such as particulate matter (PM) and nitrogen oxides (NOx). These
pollutants are linked to health problems, including aggravated asthma, lung
damage and other serious health issues.
Public school bus fleets and those owned privately but contracted with a
public school system are eligible to apply for rebates to replace school
buses with engine model years of 2006 or older. They may also apply to
install DOC plus CCV technology on school buses with engine model years
1994-2006.
EPA will accept applications from September 28 to October 30, 2015.
This is the third rebate program offered under the Diesel Emission
Reduction Act (DERA) reauthorization to fund cleaner school buses. Nearly
25,000 buses across the country have already been made cleaner as a result
of DERA funding.
To learn more about the rebate program, applicant eligibility and selection
process, and informational webinar dates:
http://www2.epa.gov/cleandiesel/clean-diesel-rebates#2015sb
Questions may be directed to cleandieselrebate@epa.gov
EPA Adds Five Hazardous Waste Sites to Superfund's National Priorities List
& Proposes an Additional Seven
WASHINGTON -- Today, the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) is
adding five hazardous waste sites that pose risks to human health and the
environment to the Superfund National Priorities List (NPL). A separate
action includes a proposal to add seven sites to the list.
"Since the creation of the Superfund program 35 years ago, EPA has been
addressing the risk to human health and the environment as well as blight
to the economy due to contamination left behind by owners and operators,"
said Mathy Stanislaus, assistant administrator for EPA's Office of Solid
Waste and Emergency Response. "Superfund cleanups protect communities'
health, their environments and their economic wellbeing, including some of
the country's most vulnerable populations."
Sites EPA adds to the NPL represent the nation's most serious uncontrolled
or abandoned hazardous waste sites. Only sites added to the NPL are
eligible to receive federal funding for long-term permanent cleanup.
Cleanups reduce adverse human health impacts, including those affecting
infants, and also help facilitate economic revitalization of formerly toxic
sites. The list serves as the basis for prioritizing both enforcement
actions against polluters, and long-term EPA Superfund cleanup funding. The
time it takes to prepare to propose a site to the NPL varies depending on
many factors, for example, the site complexity, the extent of stakeholder
interest, state and tribal support, and the availability of other cleanup
options.
State partnership is critical to the cleanup of Superfund sites. EPA
responds to requests from states/tribes and communities to propose a site
to the NPL when non-NPL response options have not proved viable. EPA
requests state support to list sites on the NPL and coordinates with them
to conduct early site assessments. In some cases, states may lead the
remedial action work with EPA oversight.
Addition of a site to the NPL helps address potential adverse human health
impacts.
The National Bureau of Economic Research study, Superfund Cleanups and
Infant Health, shows that investment in Superfund cleanups reduces the
incidence of congenital abnormalities in infants by as much as 25 percent
for those living within approximately 2100 yards of a site. Cleanups
involving lead-contaminated soil have contributed to documented reduced
blood-lead levels in children. If left unaddressed, elevated blood-lead
levels may result in irreversible neurological deficits, such as lowered
intelligence and attention-related behavioral problems.
Adding a site to the NPL also stimulates economic revitalization.
A study by researchers at Duke and Pittsburgh Universities found that once
a site has all cleanup remedies in place, nearby property values reflect a
significant increase as compared to their values prior to the site being
proposed for the NPL. Cleanups also increase tax revenue for local
communities and state governments, including helping to create jobs during
and after cleanup. For example, at 450 of the 800 sites supporting use or
reuse activities, EPA found, at the end of fiscal year 2014, that there
were ongoing operations of approximately 3,400 businesses, generating
annual sales of more than $31 billion and employing more than 89,000
people.
EPA and its partners continue to discover new sites qualifying for NPL
addition. The contamination of some sites was caused by recent activity. At
other sites, contamination has been discovered due to factors such as
increased population growth, urban growth and the migration of contaminants
from the source. EPA works closely with states and tribes and seeks public
comment prior to adding sites to the NPL.
The Superfund program operates on the principle that polluters should pay
for the cleanups, rather than passing the costs to taxpayers. EPA searches
for parties legally responsible for the contamination at sites and it holds
those parties accountable for the costs of cleanups. For the newly added
sites without viable potentially responsible parties, EPA will investigate
the full extent of the contamination before starting substantial cleanup at
the site.
The following five sites have been added to the NPL:
• Illinois - Estech General Chemical Company (pesticide
manufacturer) in Calumet City, Ill.;
• Louisiana - Colonial Creosote (wood treatment plant) in
Bogalusa, La.;
• Massachusetts - BJAT LLC (various industrial operations) in
Franklin, Mass.;
• Texas - Main Street Ground Water Plume (ground water plume) in
Burnet, Texas.; and
• Washington - Grain Handling Facility at Freeman (grain handling
facility) in Freeman, Wash.
The following seven sites have been proposed for addition to the NPL:
• Iowa - PCE Former Dry Cleaner (dry cleaner) in Atlantic, Iowa;
• Illinois - Old American Zinc Plant (zinc smelter) in Fairmont
City, Ill.;
• Indiana - West Vermont Drinking Water Contamination (ground
water plume) in Indianapolis, Ind.;
• Louisiana - SBA Shipyard (barge construction and maintenance)
in Jennings, La.;
• Nebraska - Iowa-Nebraska Light & Power Co. (former manufactured
gas plant) in Norfolk, Neb.;
• New Jersey - Former Kil-Tone Company (pesticide manufacturer)
in Vineland, N.J.; and
• New Mexico - Lea and West Second Street (ground water plume) in
Roswell, N.M.
The sites announced today have characteristics and conditions that vary in
size, complexity and contamination. Past and current uses of the sites
announced today include pesticide manufacturing, dry cleaning, grain
handling, wood treatment, zinc smelting and former manufactured gas plant
operations. Operations at some of the five sites listed today continued
until as late as the 1990s and 2000s. Many site contaminants were released
into the environment, including lead, mercury, zinc and other metals;
polychlorinated biphenyls; pesticides; and semi-volatile organic compounds
(SVOCs). Contamination affects surface water, ground water, soil and
wetlands.
From the late 1800s until 1985, the BJAT LLC property in Franklin, Mass.
was used for industrial operations including the manufacture of rubber and
plastic products. Lead, mercury and zinc, as well as a number of SVOCs are
contaminating the soil, sediment and ground water. Over the years
manufacturing activity has left areas of process waste and debris on the
property. A contaminated ground water plume is affecting nearby properties
and wetlands, and contamination on the property poses a hazard to people
that may come in contact with soil and debris.
The Grain Handling Facility at Freeman, Wash., constructed in 1955, is a
seasonally active grain handling facility equipped with silos, a grain
elevator, and a subterranean receiving pit. Contaminants found in soil
samples collected at the grain handling facility property include carbon
tetrachloride and chloroform. Contaminants found in ground water samples
collected from the nearby Freeman School primary drinking water supply
well, located downgradient of the grain handling facility property, include
carbon tetrachloride and chloroform at concentrations above the Safe
Drinking Water Act's Maximum Contaminant Levels. The school used its own
funds to install a water treatment system. Sources and extent of the ground
water contamination must be further evaluated.
This year marks the 35th anniversary of the enactment of the Comprehensive
Environmental, Response, Compensation and Liability Act, the law
establishing the Superfund program. Superfund's passage was a giant step
forward in cleaning up industrial waste sites to help ensure human health
and environmental protection. The Superfund law gives EPA the authority to
clean up releases of hazardous substances and directs EPA to update the NPL
at least annually.
For Federal Register notices and supporting documents for the final and
proposed sites:
http://www.epa.gov/superfund/sites/npl/current.htm
For information about how a site is listed on the NPL:
http://www.epa.gov/superfund/sites/npl/npl_hrs.htm
For information on Superfund sites in local communities:
http://www.epa.gov/superfund/sites/index.htm
More information about the Comprehensive Environmental Response,
Compensation and Liability Act (CERCLA), the law establishing the Superfund
program, can be found at:
http://epa.gov/superfund/policy/cercla.htm
EPA Updates Standards to Increase Safety and Protect the Health of
America's Farmworkers
Revised standards give farmworkers health protections under the law similar
to those already afforded to workers in other industries
WASHINGTON - The U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) announced today
increased protections for the nation's two million agricultural workers and
their families. Each year, thousands of potentially preventable pesticide
exposure incidents are reported that lead to sick days, lost wages and
medical bills but with changes to the Agricultural Worker Protection
Standard the risk of injury or illness resulting from contact with
pesticides on farms and in forests, nurseries and greenhouses can be
reduced.
"President Obama has called closing gaps of opportunity a defining
challenge of our time. Meeting that challenge means ensuring healthy work
environments for all Americans, especially those in our nation's vulnerable
communities," said EPA Administrator Gina McCarthy. "We depend on
farmworkers every day to help put the food we eat on America's dinner
tables—and they deserve fair, equitable working standards with strong
health and safety protections. With these updates we can protect workers,
while at the same time preserve the strong traditions of our family farms
and ensure the continued the growth of our agricultural economy."
"No one should ever have to risk their lives for their livelihoods, but far
too many workers, especially those who work in agriculture, face conditions
that challenge their health and safety every day," said U.S. Secretary of
Labor Thomas E. Perez. "Workplace illness and injury contribute greatly to
economic inequality, and can have a devastating impact on workers and their
families. By promoting workplace safety, these provisions will enhance
economic security for people struggling to make ends meet and keep more
Americans on the job raising the crops that feed the world, and we are
proud to support the EPA in this effort."
Here are thoughts from a former farmworker on EPA's revised worker
protection standards:
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=TAYGb1-LUH4
EPA's updates reflect extensive stakeholder involvement from federal and
state partners and the agricultural community including farmworkers,
farmers and industry. These provisions will help ensure farmworkers
nationwide receive annual safety training; that children under the age of
18 are prohibited from handling pesticides; and that workers are aware of
the protections they are afforded under today's action and have the tools
needed to protect themselves and their families from pesticide exposure.
View the video to learn more about EPA's revised worker protection
standards:
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=p0PMYSirxlY
Listen to the actualities for the revisions to the farmworker protection
standards:
http://yosemite.epa.gov/opa/admpress.nsf/bd4379a92ceceeac8525735900400c27/b18112371b9d3f8985257ece0057f07a!OpenDocument
Additionally, EPA is making significant improvements to the training
programs including limiting pesticide exposure to farmworker families. By
better protecting our agricultural workers, the agency anticipates fewer
pesticide exposure incidents among farmworkers and their family members.
Fewer incidents means a healthier workforce and avoiding lost wages, and
medical bills.
These revisions will publish in the Federal Register within the next 60
days. For more information on the EPA's Worker Protection Standard:
www2.epa.gov/pesticide-worker-safety/revisions-worker-protection-standard
Monday, September 28, 2015
News Clippings 9.28.15
State
'Fake lakes' don't flow: Opposition building to damming Pascagoula River
'You can't be a wild, free-flowing river and be controlled by these fake
lakes'
BY KAREN NELSON
Sun Herald
PASCAGOULA -- No one seemed to be opposed to building two lakes by damming
a major tributary to the Pascagoula River … until they found out about it.
http://www.sunherald.com/2015/09/26/6436028_opposition-building-to-damming.html?rh=1
South Mississippi's expensive water system could soon tap out
BY PAUL HAMPTON
Sun Herald
GULFPORT -- If you live on the Coast, the water that flows out of your
faucet comes from an aquifer that is millions of years old.
http://www.sunherald.com/2015/09/26/6436031/tapped-out-south-mississippis.html
Aging water systems get federal cash, but spending lags
AP
CONCORD, N.H. — New Hampshire relies heavily on a federal loan program to
make improvements to an aging drinking water system but hundreds of
millions more is needed.
http://www.sunherald.com/2015/09/25/6426773/aging-water-systems-get-federal.html
DEQ chides Gateway
Ernest Herndon | Enterprise-Journal | Posted: Friday, September 25, 2015
2:58 pm
Pike County officials said Thursday they plan to buy ryegrass seed and
fertilizer for the Gateway Industrial Park property after receiving a
notice of violation from the Mississippi Department of Environmental
Quality. However, county officials said they were planning to seed the
property before they heard from DEQ.
http://www.enterprise-journal.com/news/article_c9413182-63bf-11e5-99f7-a7f1d35ccb4d.html
Meeting unveils visions for property rehabs
By Rhonda Dunaway | Enterprise-Journal | Posted: Sunday, September 27, 2015
8:00 am
Architects, engineers and city officials are creating a vision to revive
parts of McComb, some of which have been out of commercial use for decades.
http://www.enterprise-journal.com/news/article_9a546528-64ce-11e5-a2e6-abbcbd7f2e3d.html?_dc=620821539545.4318
Officials Look for Solutions to Continue Recycling Efforts
Natchez Democrat
http://www.natchezdemocrat.com/2015/09/27/sunday-focus-officials-look-for-solutions-to-continue-recycling-effort/
State attorneys general launching probe of Volkswagen
AP
LANSING, Mich. — Mississippi Attorney General Jim Hood is among at least 27
state attorneys general who are opening a multi-state investigation into
Volkswagen after it came clean about rigging diesel emissions technology to
pass U.S. smog tests.
http://www.gulflive.com/news/index.ssf/2015/09/state_attorneys_general_launch.html#incart_river
2 mayors to attend Paris conference on climate
AP
NATCHEZ, MISS. — The mayors of Natchez and Vidalia, Louisiana, will travel
to France in December for a global climate change conference.
http://www.sunherald.com/2015/09/28/6438089/2-mayors-to-attend-paris-conference.html
Toyota putting $250,000 into Tombigbee State Park
By Dennis Seid
Daily Journal
TUPELO – Royce Taylor was one of 700 volunteers at Tombigbee State Park
early Saturday morning, taking part in what is the beginning of a five-year
partnership between Toyota Mississippi and the state park.
http://djournal.com/news/toyota-putting-250000-into-tombigbee-state-park/
State launches emergency preparedness mobile app MS Ready
AP
JACKSON, Miss. — MS Ready is the Mississippi State Department of Health's
emergency preparedness mobile app.
http://www.gulflive.com/news/index.ssf/2015/09/state_launches_emergency_prepa.html#incart_river
Oil Spill
BP restoration projects too little too late for one former fisherman
WLOX
BILOXI, MS (WLOX) -Mike Layman was an avid fisherman. The only thing left
from his fishing days is his boat at Point Cadet Marina. Since the BP oil
spill, all it does is serve as a getaway apartment from his home in the
country.
http://www.wlox.com/story/30112687/bp-restoration-projects-too-little-too-late-for-one-former-fisherman
Gov. Bentley: Gulf State Park to receive $50 million in BP settlement funds
WALA
GULF SHORES, AL (WALA) -Every year, millions of people flock to Gulf State
Park either to return to their favorite spot or to explore it for the first
time.
http://www.wtvm.com/story/30120458/gov-bentley-gulf-state-park-to-receive-50-million-in-bp-settlement-funds
Santa Rosa seeks public input on RESTORE projects
Pensacola News Journal
After narrowing down more than $54 million in project applications
vying for about $4.4 million in available RESTORE Act money, Santa
Rosa County is seeking public input on the 15 projects chosen to
potentially receive funding.
http://www.pnj.com/story/news/2015/09/25/santa-rosa-seeks-public-input-restore-projects/72809700/
Pensacola Seeks RESTORE Funding For Marina
WUWF
Pensacola wants just over two million dollars in RESTORE Act funding, to
build a marina at Community Maritime Park.
http://wuwf.org/post/pensacola-seeks-restore-funding-marina
National
Week ahead: EPA set to release ozone rule
The Hill
The Environmental Protection Agency is set to release a contentious new
rule limiting surface-level ozone pollution.
http://thehill.com/policy/energy-environment/254994-week-ahead-epa-set-to-release-ozone-rule
Groups urge court to keep EPA air rule in place
The Hill
Groups are urging the D.C. Circuit Court of Appeals to leave the Obama
administration's landmark air quality rule in place.
http://thehill.com/regulation/court-battles/254930-groups-urge-court-to-leave-epa-air-quality-rule-in-place
Limited Progress Seen Even as More Nations Step Up on Climate
NY Times
The pledges that countries are making to battle climate
change would still allow the world to heat up by more than
6 degrees Fahrenheit, a new analysis shows, a level that
scientists say is likely to produce catastrophes ranging
from food shortages to widespread extinctions of plant and
animal life.
http://www.nytimes.com/2015/09/28/world/limited-progress-seen-even-as-more-nations-step-up-on-climate.html?hp&action=click&pgtype=Homepage&module=first-column-region®ion=top-news&WT.nav=top-news&_r=0
U.S., China Announce Steps on Climate Change, $3.1 Billion Contribution
Moves include pledge by China to launch cap-and-trade program to reduce and
put price on emissions
WSJ
WASHINGTON—The U.S. and China on Friday announced significant steps in
their efforts to combat climate change, including a pledge by China to
launch a program by 2017 to cap some emissions and put a price on carbon
and to contribute $3.1 billion to help poorer countries finance their own
transition programs.
http://www.wsj.com/articles/u-s-china-announce-steps-on-climate-change-3-1-billion-contribution-1443197680
EPA, Foreign Regulators Crack Down on Emissions Over Cheating Revelation
New U.S. test regimen aims to detect types of software Volkswagen used
WSJ
U.S. regulators on Friday joined with governments in Europe and South
America in pledging more emissions testing of diesel cars in real-world
driving conditions, in the wake of revelations Volkswagen AG manipulated
pollution checks.
http://www.wsj.com/articles/epa-to-overhaul-air-emissions-testing-in-wake-of-volkswagen-cheating-revelation-1443187913
EPA proposes new rules for hazardous waste imports, exports
The Hill
The Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) is moving forward with new rules
to ensure that shipments of hazardous waste are safely imported and
exported.
http://thehill.com/regulation/254915-epa-proposes-new-rules-for-hazardous-waste-imports-exports
Opinion
Kat Bergeron: Deer Island is a Coast treasure
Sun Herald
Deer Island is one of the Mississippi Coast's greatest but unsung natural
treasures.
http://www.sunherald.com/2015/09/26/6435880/kat-bergeron-deer-island-is-a.html
Congress must hold EPA responsible for its own environmental disaster
By Steve Forbes
Published September 28, 2015
FoxNews
If President Obama could play golf as well as his administration practices
hypocrisy, he would easily win every major tournament. Take the way Obama's
pet regulatory agency, the EPA treats its own environmental accidents with
those that occur in the private sector. Examine the EPA's latest debacle –
its disastrous spill into a Colorado river. An EPA contractor breached a
wall at a long-shuttered mine and roughly three million gallons of fluid
laden with arsenic, lead, mercury, and other heavy metals flowed freely
into the Animas River.
http://www.foxnews.com/opinion/2015/09/28/congress-must-hold-epa-responsible-for-its-own-environmental-disaster.html
'Fake lakes' don't flow: Opposition building to damming Pascagoula River
'You can't be a wild, free-flowing river and be controlled by these fake
lakes'
BY KAREN NELSON
Sun Herald
PASCAGOULA -- No one seemed to be opposed to building two lakes by damming
a major tributary to the Pascagoula River … until they found out about it.
http://www.sunherald.com/2015/09/26/6436028_opposition-building-to-damming.html?rh=1
South Mississippi's expensive water system could soon tap out
BY PAUL HAMPTON
Sun Herald
GULFPORT -- If you live on the Coast, the water that flows out of your
faucet comes from an aquifer that is millions of years old.
http://www.sunherald.com/2015/09/26/6436031/tapped-out-south-mississippis.html
Aging water systems get federal cash, but spending lags
AP
CONCORD, N.H. — New Hampshire relies heavily on a federal loan program to
make improvements to an aging drinking water system but hundreds of
millions more is needed.
http://www.sunherald.com/2015/09/25/6426773/aging-water-systems-get-federal.html
DEQ chides Gateway
Ernest Herndon | Enterprise-Journal | Posted: Friday, September 25, 2015
2:58 pm
Pike County officials said Thursday they plan to buy ryegrass seed and
fertilizer for the Gateway Industrial Park property after receiving a
notice of violation from the Mississippi Department of Environmental
Quality. However, county officials said they were planning to seed the
property before they heard from DEQ.
http://www.enterprise-journal.com/news/article_c9413182-63bf-11e5-99f7-a7f1d35ccb4d.html
Meeting unveils visions for property rehabs
By Rhonda Dunaway | Enterprise-Journal | Posted: Sunday, September 27, 2015
8:00 am
Architects, engineers and city officials are creating a vision to revive
parts of McComb, some of which have been out of commercial use for decades.
http://www.enterprise-journal.com/news/article_9a546528-64ce-11e5-a2e6-abbcbd7f2e3d.html?_dc=620821539545.4318
Officials Look for Solutions to Continue Recycling Efforts
Natchez Democrat
http://www.natchezdemocrat.com/2015/09/27/sunday-focus-officials-look-for-solutions-to-continue-recycling-effort/
State attorneys general launching probe of Volkswagen
AP
LANSING, Mich. — Mississippi Attorney General Jim Hood is among at least 27
state attorneys general who are opening a multi-state investigation into
Volkswagen after it came clean about rigging diesel emissions technology to
pass U.S. smog tests.
http://www.gulflive.com/news/index.ssf/2015/09/state_attorneys_general_launch.html#incart_river
2 mayors to attend Paris conference on climate
AP
NATCHEZ, MISS. — The mayors of Natchez and Vidalia, Louisiana, will travel
to France in December for a global climate change conference.
http://www.sunherald.com/2015/09/28/6438089/2-mayors-to-attend-paris-conference.html
Toyota putting $250,000 into Tombigbee State Park
By Dennis Seid
Daily Journal
TUPELO – Royce Taylor was one of 700 volunteers at Tombigbee State Park
early Saturday morning, taking part in what is the beginning of a five-year
partnership between Toyota Mississippi and the state park.
http://djournal.com/news/toyota-putting-250000-into-tombigbee-state-park/
State launches emergency preparedness mobile app MS Ready
AP
JACKSON, Miss. — MS Ready is the Mississippi State Department of Health's
emergency preparedness mobile app.
http://www.gulflive.com/news/index.ssf/2015/09/state_launches_emergency_prepa.html#incart_river
Oil Spill
BP restoration projects too little too late for one former fisherman
WLOX
BILOXI, MS (WLOX) -Mike Layman was an avid fisherman. The only thing left
from his fishing days is his boat at Point Cadet Marina. Since the BP oil
spill, all it does is serve as a getaway apartment from his home in the
country.
http://www.wlox.com/story/30112687/bp-restoration-projects-too-little-too-late-for-one-former-fisherman
Gov. Bentley: Gulf State Park to receive $50 million in BP settlement funds
WALA
GULF SHORES, AL (WALA) -Every year, millions of people flock to Gulf State
Park either to return to their favorite spot or to explore it for the first
time.
http://www.wtvm.com/story/30120458/gov-bentley-gulf-state-park-to-receive-50-million-in-bp-settlement-funds
Santa Rosa seeks public input on RESTORE projects
Pensacola News Journal
After narrowing down more than $54 million in project applications
vying for about $4.4 million in available RESTORE Act money, Santa
Rosa County is seeking public input on the 15 projects chosen to
potentially receive funding.
http://www.pnj.com/story/news/2015/09/25/santa-rosa-seeks-public-input-restore-projects/72809700/
Pensacola Seeks RESTORE Funding For Marina
WUWF
Pensacola wants just over two million dollars in RESTORE Act funding, to
build a marina at Community Maritime Park.
http://wuwf.org/post/pensacola-seeks-restore-funding-marina
National
Week ahead: EPA set to release ozone rule
The Hill
The Environmental Protection Agency is set to release a contentious new
rule limiting surface-level ozone pollution.
http://thehill.com/policy/energy-environment/254994-week-ahead-epa-set-to-release-ozone-rule
Groups urge court to keep EPA air rule in place
The Hill
Groups are urging the D.C. Circuit Court of Appeals to leave the Obama
administration's landmark air quality rule in place.
http://thehill.com/regulation/court-battles/254930-groups-urge-court-to-leave-epa-air-quality-rule-in-place
Limited Progress Seen Even as More Nations Step Up on Climate
NY Times
The pledges that countries are making to battle climate
change would still allow the world to heat up by more than
6 degrees Fahrenheit, a new analysis shows, a level that
scientists say is likely to produce catastrophes ranging
from food shortages to widespread extinctions of plant and
animal life.
http://www.nytimes.com/2015/09/28/world/limited-progress-seen-even-as-more-nations-step-up-on-climate.html?hp&action=click&pgtype=Homepage&module=first-column-region®ion=top-news&WT.nav=top-news&_r=0
U.S., China Announce Steps on Climate Change, $3.1 Billion Contribution
Moves include pledge by China to launch cap-and-trade program to reduce and
put price on emissions
WSJ
WASHINGTON—The U.S. and China on Friday announced significant steps in
their efforts to combat climate change, including a pledge by China to
launch a program by 2017 to cap some emissions and put a price on carbon
and to contribute $3.1 billion to help poorer countries finance their own
transition programs.
http://www.wsj.com/articles/u-s-china-announce-steps-on-climate-change-3-1-billion-contribution-1443197680
EPA, Foreign Regulators Crack Down on Emissions Over Cheating Revelation
New U.S. test regimen aims to detect types of software Volkswagen used
WSJ
U.S. regulators on Friday joined with governments in Europe and South
America in pledging more emissions testing of diesel cars in real-world
driving conditions, in the wake of revelations Volkswagen AG manipulated
pollution checks.
http://www.wsj.com/articles/epa-to-overhaul-air-emissions-testing-in-wake-of-volkswagen-cheating-revelation-1443187913
EPA proposes new rules for hazardous waste imports, exports
The Hill
The Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) is moving forward with new rules
to ensure that shipments of hazardous waste are safely imported and
exported.
http://thehill.com/regulation/254915-epa-proposes-new-rules-for-hazardous-waste-imports-exports
Opinion
Kat Bergeron: Deer Island is a Coast treasure
Sun Herald
Deer Island is one of the Mississippi Coast's greatest but unsung natural
treasures.
http://www.sunherald.com/2015/09/26/6435880/kat-bergeron-deer-island-is-a.html
Congress must hold EPA responsible for its own environmental disaster
By Steve Forbes
Published September 28, 2015
FoxNews
If President Obama could play golf as well as his administration practices
hypocrisy, he would easily win every major tournament. Take the way Obama's
pet regulatory agency, the EPA treats its own environmental accidents with
those that occur in the private sector. Examine the EPA's latest debacle –
its disastrous spill into a Colorado river. An EPA contractor breached a
wall at a long-shuttered mine and roughly three million gallons of fluid
laden with arsenic, lead, mercury, and other heavy metals flowed freely
into the Animas River.
http://www.foxnews.com/opinion/2015/09/28/congress-must-hold-epa-responsible-for-its-own-environmental-disaster.html
Friday, September 25, 2015
News Clippings 9.25.15
State
Environmental impact study to be done on possible Costco site
WLBT
We have obtained a copy of an application to The U.S. Army Corps of
Engineers and DEQ. It was submitted by developer Andrew Mattice for a
permit to construct a retail facility and flood retention basin along
Purple Creek.
http://www.msnewsnow.com/story/30111206/environmental-impact-study-to-be-done-on-possible-costco-site
MSU, KSU receives $20,000 grant from environmental agency
The Reflector
Jennifer Flinn
The Environmental Protection Agency has awarded Mississippi State
University a $20,000 grant, along with Kansas State University, in order to
carry out green infrastructure demonstrations and training projects.
http://www.reflector-online.com/news/article_9870f87a-60c8-11e5-b236-5f28683a1f4f.html
No questions asked during DEA's prescription drug take back event Saturday,
authorities say
Mississippi Press
JACKSON COUNTY, Mississippi -- Residents may drop off their unused and
unwanted prescription drugs during the DEA's national drug take back event
this Saturday, and authorities assure that no questions will be asked.
http://www.gulflive.com/news/index.ssf/2015/09/no_questions_asked_during_deas.html#incart_river
Drive-through dropoffs aim to collect unwanted drugs in South Mississippi
Sun Herald
Federal drug agents want South Mississippi residents to turn in their
unwanted prescription drugs Saturday. The program's aim is to help curb
prescription drug abuse in a region with the state's highest rate of drug
deaths.
http://www.sunherald.com/2015/09/24/6432150_drive-through-dropoffs-aim-to.html?rh=1
National Take Back Day
WTVA
TUPELO, Miss. (WTVA)--According to a 2011 nationwide survey, twice as many
Americans regularly abused pills more than cocaine, heroin, hallucinogens
and inhalants combined.
http://www.wtva.com/news/National_Take_Back_Drug_Day.html
State health department has $18.5 million deficit
Clarion Ledger
The Mississippi State Department of Health, faced with an $18.5
million budget deficit, is seeking to reduce some services and raise
fees.
http://www.clarionledger.com/story/news/2015/09/24/state-health-department-million-deficit/72740994/
MSU Rolls Out New Deer App
WCBI
STARKVILLE, Miss. — Hunters can go into the woods armed with the knowledge
of Mississippi State University deer experts, thanks to a newly updated MSU
phone app called "Deer Hunt."
http://www.wcbi.com/local-news/msu-rolls-out-new-deer-app/
National
China to Announce Cap-and-Trade Program to Limit Emissions
NY Times
WASHINGTON — President Xi Jinping of China will make a
landmark commitment on Friday to start a national program
in 2017 that will limit and put a price on greenhouse gas
emissions, Obama administration officials said Thursday.
http://www.nytimes.com/2015/09/25/world/asia/xi-jinping-china-president-obama-summit.html?ref=earth&_r=0
Investors mine for water, the next hot commodity
New York Times News Service
CADIZ, CALIF. — Gazing out of a turboprop high above his company's main
asset – 34,000 acres in the Mojave Desert with billions of gallons of fresh
water locked deep below the sagebrush-dotted land – Scott Slater paints a
lush picture that has enticed a hardy band of investors for a
quarter-century.
http://www.sunherald.com/2015/09/25/6432817/investors-mine-for-water-the-next.html
EPA's fondness for high-end furniture costs taxpayers $92 million
Washington Times
By Kellan Howell
September 24, 2015
The federal agency that has the job of protecting the environment doesn't
seem to have too much concern for trees, at least the ones cut down to make
furniture.
http://www.washingtontimes.com/news/2015/sep/24/golden-hammer-epas-fondness-for-high-end-furniture/
Press Releases
EPA Finalizes Rule to Modernize Clean Water Act Reporting
WASHINGTON -- Today, the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA)
finalized a rule to modernize Clean Water Act reporting for municipalities,
industries, and other facilities. The final rule will require regulated
entities and state and federal regulators to use existing, available
information technology to electronically report data required by the
National Pollutant Discharge Elimination System (NPDES) program instead of
filing written paper reports.
EPA estimates that, once the rule is fully implemented, the 46 states and
the Virgin Islands Territory that are authorized to administer the NPDES
program will collectively save approximately $22.6 million each year as a
result of switching from paper to electronic reporting. The final rule will
make facility-specific information, such as inspection and enforcement
history, pollutant monitoring results, and other data required by NPDES
permits accessible to the public through EPA's website.
"Electronic reporting will give the public full transparency into water
pollution sources, save millions of dollars, and lead to better water
quality in American communities," said Cynthia Giles, assistant
administrator for EPA's Office of Enforcement and Compliance Assurance.
"This rule will significantly reduce the burden and costs of paperwork,
freeing up limited resources for states and other regulatory authorities to
focus on the most serious water quality problems. After more than two years
of working closely with states and a range of stakeholders, today we take a
critical step to bring clean water protection into the modern age."
"ECOS is pleased to see a rule move ahead that modernizes how businesses,
states, and the federal government interface and share information in the
clean water program," said Alexandra Dapolito Dunn, Executive Director and
General Counsel of the Environmental Council of the States. "Our focus
going forward with EPA and the impacted regulated community will be on
smooth implementation of this rule, and on developing flexible approaches
when needed."
The Clean Water Act requires that municipal, industrial or commercial
facilities that discharge wastewater directly into waters of the United
States obtain a permit. The NPDES program requires that permitted
facilities monitor and report data on pollutant discharges and take other
actions to ensure discharges do not affect human health or the environment.
Currently, some facilities subject to these reporting requirements submit
data in paper form to states and other regulatory authorities, where the
information must be manually entered into data systems. Through the
e-reporting rule, these facilities will electronically report data directly
to the appropriate regulatory authority.
EPA proposed the e-reporting rule in July of 2013 with a public comment
period. Since then, EPA has held over more than 70 technical and individual
meetings with states to review the electronic reporting provisions and to
identify any issues requiring resolution. In addition, EPA held over 50
webinars and meetings with over 1,200 stakeholders to discuss the
rulemaking. EPA will continue collaborating with states as they enhance
their electronic reporting capabilities to support the rule's
implementation. Over the next few months, EPA will schedule trainings and
outreach webinar sessions for states and regulated entities to provide an
overview of the final rule, and the next steps for implementing electronic
reporting.
In response to state feedback, the final rule provides authorized NPDES
programs with more flexibility for implementation, providing more time for
the transition from paper to electronic reporting and more flexibility in
how they can grant electronic reporting waivers to facilities. Most
facilities subject to effluent monitoring reporting requirements will be
required to start submitting data electronically one year following the
effective date of the final rule. A second phase will incorporate
electronic reporting for other Clean Water Act reports such as performance
status reports for municipal urban stormwater programs, controls on
industrial discharges to local sewage treatment plants, and sewer
overflows. Also in response to comments and suggestions from states, EPA is
providing states with more time to electronically collect, manage, and
share this data – up to five years instead of two years as initially
proposed.
This rulemaking is part of EPA's Next Generation Compliance strategy, as
well as the E-Enterprise for the Environment strategy with states and
tribes, to take advantage of new tools and innovative approaches to
increase compliance and reduce pollution. The shift toward electronic
reporting in the NPDES program and others will help make environmental
reporting more accurate, complete, and efficient. It will also help EPA and
co-regulators better manage information, and improve effectiveness and
transparency.
EPA expects to publish the final rule in the Federal Register in October,
2015. The final rule will be effective 60 days following this publication.
View the final rule at:
http://www2.epa.gov/compliance/final-national-pollutant-discharge-elimination-system-npdes-electronic-reporting-rule
More information on Next Generation Compliance:
http://www2.epa.gov/compliance/next-generation-compliance
EPA Proposes New Protections for International Hazardous Waste Shipments
WASHINGTON – The U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) is proposing
enhancements to the oversight of hazardous waste shipments to help ensure
safe management of imported and exported hazardous wastes.
"When hazardous waste is shipped across multiple countries there can be a
higher risk of mismanagement from unsafe transport, recycling and disposal
practices," said Mathy Stanislaus, assistant administrator of EPA's Office
of Solid Waste and Emergency Response. "This proposal will provide greater
protection to communities and the environment through increased
transparency, better data sharing and more efficient compliance
monitoring."
The rule proposes consolidation of the regulations so that one set of
protective requirements will apply to transboundary movements of hazardous
waste. The proposal, when finalized, will affect the approximately 3,000
hazardous waste import shipments and 49,000 hazardous waste export
shipments that largely occur within North America.
The proposal will also make electronic reporting to EPA mandatory and will
require linking the consent to export with the exporter declaration
submitted to U.S. Customs and Border Protection. These changes will provide
for more efficient compliance monitoring and will enable increased sharing
of hazardous waste import and export data with state programs, the general
public, and individual hazardous waste exporters and importers.
The Agency will accept public comments on the proposal for 60 days
following publication in the Federal Register.
For additional information on the proposed rule, including how to submit
comments, visit http://www2.epa.gov/hwgenerators.
Environmental impact study to be done on possible Costco site
WLBT
We have obtained a copy of an application to The U.S. Army Corps of
Engineers and DEQ. It was submitted by developer Andrew Mattice for a
permit to construct a retail facility and flood retention basin along
Purple Creek.
http://www.msnewsnow.com/story/30111206/environmental-impact-study-to-be-done-on-possible-costco-site
MSU, KSU receives $20,000 grant from environmental agency
The Reflector
Jennifer Flinn
The Environmental Protection Agency has awarded Mississippi State
University a $20,000 grant, along with Kansas State University, in order to
carry out green infrastructure demonstrations and training projects.
http://www.reflector-online.com/news/article_9870f87a-60c8-11e5-b236-5f28683a1f4f.html
No questions asked during DEA's prescription drug take back event Saturday,
authorities say
Mississippi Press
JACKSON COUNTY, Mississippi -- Residents may drop off their unused and
unwanted prescription drugs during the DEA's national drug take back event
this Saturday, and authorities assure that no questions will be asked.
http://www.gulflive.com/news/index.ssf/2015/09/no_questions_asked_during_deas.html#incart_river
Drive-through dropoffs aim to collect unwanted drugs in South Mississippi
Sun Herald
Federal drug agents want South Mississippi residents to turn in their
unwanted prescription drugs Saturday. The program's aim is to help curb
prescription drug abuse in a region with the state's highest rate of drug
deaths.
http://www.sunherald.com/2015/09/24/6432150_drive-through-dropoffs-aim-to.html?rh=1
National Take Back Day
WTVA
TUPELO, Miss. (WTVA)--According to a 2011 nationwide survey, twice as many
Americans regularly abused pills more than cocaine, heroin, hallucinogens
and inhalants combined.
http://www.wtva.com/news/National_Take_Back_Drug_Day.html
State health department has $18.5 million deficit
Clarion Ledger
The Mississippi State Department of Health, faced with an $18.5
million budget deficit, is seeking to reduce some services and raise
fees.
http://www.clarionledger.com/story/news/2015/09/24/state-health-department-million-deficit/72740994/
MSU Rolls Out New Deer App
WCBI
STARKVILLE, Miss. — Hunters can go into the woods armed with the knowledge
of Mississippi State University deer experts, thanks to a newly updated MSU
phone app called "Deer Hunt."
http://www.wcbi.com/local-news/msu-rolls-out-new-deer-app/
National
China to Announce Cap-and-Trade Program to Limit Emissions
NY Times
WASHINGTON — President Xi Jinping of China will make a
landmark commitment on Friday to start a national program
in 2017 that will limit and put a price on greenhouse gas
emissions, Obama administration officials said Thursday.
http://www.nytimes.com/2015/09/25/world/asia/xi-jinping-china-president-obama-summit.html?ref=earth&_r=0
Investors mine for water, the next hot commodity
New York Times News Service
CADIZ, CALIF. — Gazing out of a turboprop high above his company's main
asset – 34,000 acres in the Mojave Desert with billions of gallons of fresh
water locked deep below the sagebrush-dotted land – Scott Slater paints a
lush picture that has enticed a hardy band of investors for a
quarter-century.
http://www.sunherald.com/2015/09/25/6432817/investors-mine-for-water-the-next.html
EPA's fondness for high-end furniture costs taxpayers $92 million
Washington Times
By Kellan Howell
September 24, 2015
The federal agency that has the job of protecting the environment doesn't
seem to have too much concern for trees, at least the ones cut down to make
furniture.
http://www.washingtontimes.com/news/2015/sep/24/golden-hammer-epas-fondness-for-high-end-furniture/
Press Releases
EPA Finalizes Rule to Modernize Clean Water Act Reporting
WASHINGTON -- Today, the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA)
finalized a rule to modernize Clean Water Act reporting for municipalities,
industries, and other facilities. The final rule will require regulated
entities and state and federal regulators to use existing, available
information technology to electronically report data required by the
National Pollutant Discharge Elimination System (NPDES) program instead of
filing written paper reports.
EPA estimates that, once the rule is fully implemented, the 46 states and
the Virgin Islands Territory that are authorized to administer the NPDES
program will collectively save approximately $22.6 million each year as a
result of switching from paper to electronic reporting. The final rule will
make facility-specific information, such as inspection and enforcement
history, pollutant monitoring results, and other data required by NPDES
permits accessible to the public through EPA's website.
"Electronic reporting will give the public full transparency into water
pollution sources, save millions of dollars, and lead to better water
quality in American communities," said Cynthia Giles, assistant
administrator for EPA's Office of Enforcement and Compliance Assurance.
"This rule will significantly reduce the burden and costs of paperwork,
freeing up limited resources for states and other regulatory authorities to
focus on the most serious water quality problems. After more than two years
of working closely with states and a range of stakeholders, today we take a
critical step to bring clean water protection into the modern age."
"ECOS is pleased to see a rule move ahead that modernizes how businesses,
states, and the federal government interface and share information in the
clean water program," said Alexandra Dapolito Dunn, Executive Director and
General Counsel of the Environmental Council of the States. "Our focus
going forward with EPA and the impacted regulated community will be on
smooth implementation of this rule, and on developing flexible approaches
when needed."
The Clean Water Act requires that municipal, industrial or commercial
facilities that discharge wastewater directly into waters of the United
States obtain a permit. The NPDES program requires that permitted
facilities monitor and report data on pollutant discharges and take other
actions to ensure discharges do not affect human health or the environment.
Currently, some facilities subject to these reporting requirements submit
data in paper form to states and other regulatory authorities, where the
information must be manually entered into data systems. Through the
e-reporting rule, these facilities will electronically report data directly
to the appropriate regulatory authority.
EPA proposed the e-reporting rule in July of 2013 with a public comment
period. Since then, EPA has held over more than 70 technical and individual
meetings with states to review the electronic reporting provisions and to
identify any issues requiring resolution. In addition, EPA held over 50
webinars and meetings with over 1,200 stakeholders to discuss the
rulemaking. EPA will continue collaborating with states as they enhance
their electronic reporting capabilities to support the rule's
implementation. Over the next few months, EPA will schedule trainings and
outreach webinar sessions for states and regulated entities to provide an
overview of the final rule, and the next steps for implementing electronic
reporting.
In response to state feedback, the final rule provides authorized NPDES
programs with more flexibility for implementation, providing more time for
the transition from paper to electronic reporting and more flexibility in
how they can grant electronic reporting waivers to facilities. Most
facilities subject to effluent monitoring reporting requirements will be
required to start submitting data electronically one year following the
effective date of the final rule. A second phase will incorporate
electronic reporting for other Clean Water Act reports such as performance
status reports for municipal urban stormwater programs, controls on
industrial discharges to local sewage treatment plants, and sewer
overflows. Also in response to comments and suggestions from states, EPA is
providing states with more time to electronically collect, manage, and
share this data – up to five years instead of two years as initially
proposed.
This rulemaking is part of EPA's Next Generation Compliance strategy, as
well as the E-Enterprise for the Environment strategy with states and
tribes, to take advantage of new tools and innovative approaches to
increase compliance and reduce pollution. The shift toward electronic
reporting in the NPDES program and others will help make environmental
reporting more accurate, complete, and efficient. It will also help EPA and
co-regulators better manage information, and improve effectiveness and
transparency.
EPA expects to publish the final rule in the Federal Register in October,
2015. The final rule will be effective 60 days following this publication.
View the final rule at:
http://www2.epa.gov/compliance/final-national-pollutant-discharge-elimination-system-npdes-electronic-reporting-rule
More information on Next Generation Compliance:
http://www2.epa.gov/compliance/next-generation-compliance
EPA Proposes New Protections for International Hazardous Waste Shipments
WASHINGTON – The U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) is proposing
enhancements to the oversight of hazardous waste shipments to help ensure
safe management of imported and exported hazardous wastes.
"When hazardous waste is shipped across multiple countries there can be a
higher risk of mismanagement from unsafe transport, recycling and disposal
practices," said Mathy Stanislaus, assistant administrator of EPA's Office
of Solid Waste and Emergency Response. "This proposal will provide greater
protection to communities and the environment through increased
transparency, better data sharing and more efficient compliance
monitoring."
The rule proposes consolidation of the regulations so that one set of
protective requirements will apply to transboundary movements of hazardous
waste. The proposal, when finalized, will affect the approximately 3,000
hazardous waste import shipments and 49,000 hazardous waste export
shipments that largely occur within North America.
The proposal will also make electronic reporting to EPA mandatory and will
require linking the consent to export with the exporter declaration
submitted to U.S. Customs and Border Protection. These changes will provide
for more efficient compliance monitoring and will enable increased sharing
of hazardous waste import and export data with state programs, the general
public, and individual hazardous waste exporters and importers.
The Agency will accept public comments on the proposal for 60 days
following publication in the Federal Register.
For additional information on the proposed rule, including how to submit
comments, visit http://www2.epa.gov/hwgenerators.
Thursday, September 24, 2015
News Clippings 9.24.15
State
COSTCO PROJECT COULD AFFECT WETLANDS AND CREEKS
Northside Sun
Despite developers' best efforts to seal their plans for a Costco, more
details about the project are coming to light.
Last week, the Sun learned several specifics about the project in a notice
from the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers.
Developers Andrew Mattiace and H.C. Bailey are in talks with Costco to
bring the big box retailer to Ridgeland as part of the Renaissance phase
three development.
Last week, the Sun reported on the fact that a local chancery judge had
sealed records regarding the project at developers' request.
However, a better picture of the size and scope of the project can be found
in a recent notice issued by the corps.
The corps and the Mississippi Department of Environmental Quality (MDEQ)
have to sign off on the project because of its impact on nearby creeks and
more than 14 acres of wetlands.
The center would be located on roughly 45 acres of property on Highland
Colony Parkway, south of the roundabout.
The development would "consist of one primary tenant and five additional
tenants," according to the release.
"The anchor tenant would be located in the southern portion of the
development and include an approximately 150,000-square-foot building with
… 650 parking spaces."
The entire development would be 158,000 square feet and include 955 parking
spaces, the notice states.
The project is opposed by many residents because of the impact it could
have on traffic, property values, and the historic nature of the area. The
development would be located near the Natchez Trace Parkway and Old Agency
Road.
The project also would impact 14.06 acres of wetlands, as well as two
nearby creeks.
The notice states that if the project is allowed to move forward there
would be an "unavoidable loss of wetland."
Mattiace and Bailey are proposing purchasing credits from a wetland
mitigation bank to offset the loss.
Wetland mitigation banks are aquatic areas that are set aside to offset the
"unavoidable impacts" of wetlands, streams or other aquatic resources to
development, according to the Environmental Protection Agency's Web site.
Because aquatic resources would be affected by Renaissance phase three,
developers must obtain a water quality permit from MDEQ and the corps.
"If you don't get it from MDEQ you don't get anywhere," said Greg Raimondo,
chief of public affairs with the corps' Vicksburg district.
Mattiace applied for the permit earlier this year, and a notice for a
public hearing was issued on September 2, according to corps documents. The
deadline to ask for a hearing was September 23.
At press time, Raimondo said the corps had received no requests for a
hearing. The corps and state likely will decide whether or not to grant the
permit within approximately 60 days of the permit's expiration date,
Raimondo said.
Mattiace and Bailey came under fire recently for asking a chancery judge to
seal records related to his application for a "cultural retail
attraction" (CRA) tax subsidy to help finance an expansion of Renaissance.
The Sun was notified by the Mississippi Development Authority last week
that the records had been sealed by Judge William Singletary. MDA
administers the CRA program, which sunset in 2014.
Mattiace was awarded nearly $30 million in CRA rebates to help finance a
$98.6 million expansion of the Renaissance at Colony Park. Some, including
Ridgeland Alderman Ken Heard, believe the application for the subsidy was
modified to include Costco.
$30 million JCUA bond needed to 'catch up' on infrastructure repairs,
director says
Mississippi Press
April M. Havens
September 23, 2015 at 3:58 PM
PASCAGOULA, Mississippi -- Utility rate hikes that are part of the Jackson
County Utility Authority's proposed budget are due to JCUA's increasing
energy costs, new positions and an anticipated bond issuance.
http://blog.gulflive.com/mississippi-press-news/2015/09/30_million_jcua_bond_needed_to.html#incart_river
Improvements being made at Rotten Bayou
WLOX
DIAMONDHEAD, MS (WLOX) -Rotten Bayou in Harrison and Hancock Counties is on
its way to becoming a healthier body of water, thanks to the completion of
the Building Rotten Bayou Watershed Partnership.
http://www.msnewsnow.com/story/30095946/improvements-being-made-at-rotten-bayou
Hunter-Douglas celebrates 30 years
Lee County Courier
SHANNON, MISS. – Hunter Douglas Tupelo welcomed current employees, former
employees, local officials and manufacturing neighbors today as it
celebrated its 30th anniversary in Lee County. Mike Robinson, general
manager of metals and distribution, commented, "This is truly a milestone
for this Hunter Douglas plant. We want to thank Tupelo and Lee County for
the opportunities extended to us to do business here. We are proud to be a
corporate citizen. Our 30th anniversary is your accomplishment, too."
http://www.leecountycourier.net/articles/2015/09/23/news/doc5602fcf85fa1b109952816.txt
Jackson residents to get free tire collection
Clarion Ledger
Jackson residents won't see an increase in garbage fees under the
city's new garbage collection contract.
http://www.clarionledger.com/story/news/2015/09/23/jackson-residents-get-free-tire-collection/72702816/
Dispose of old medication properly, not into the environment
WDAM
Unused drugs stored at home can be dangerous to other people and the
environment.
http://www.wdam.com/story/30102193/dispose-of-old-medication-properly-not-into-the-environment
Stormwater readers tap young minds
DeSoto Times-Tribune
Tracking paths in a maze in their "Adventures of Stormy the Raindrop" book,
6-year-old Hernando Elementary first-grader Louis Harrell told classmate
Eason Goss: "If you get the dog poop, you can go to the soap and get
clean."
http://www.desototimes.com/news/stormwater-readers-tap-young-minds/article_a8242d76-624b-11e5-b0bd-1b77db2a335b.html
On the move: Brunini, Grantham, Grower & Hewes PLLC
Clarion Ledger
John Milner, an attorney in the Jackson-based firm, has been elected vice
chairman of the American Bar Association's Section of Environment, Energy
and Resources. Milner concentrates his practice primarily in environmental
law and litigation.
http://www.clarionledger.com/story/money/business/2015/09/23/move-brunini-grantham-grower-hewes-pllc/72700972/
Oil Spill
Latest round of early-restoration projects approved for BP money include 2
in South Mississippi
Sea turtles, birds, fish, recreation, reefs to benefit
BY KAREN NELSON
Sun Herald
Trustees have selected and approved 10 projects for the latest round of
Deepwater Horizon early-restoration projects totaling $134 million. Two of
the projects are specific to Mississippi.
http://www.sunherald.com/2015/09/23/6430364/latest-round-of-early-restoration.html
$134M for recovery projects arising from 2010 Gulf oil spill
The Associated Press
September 23, 2015 at 9:10 PM
A panel on Wednesday approved using $134 million provided by energy giant
BP PLC on 10 projects to help the Gulf of Mexico recover from a
catastrophic 2010 oil spill.
http://www.nola.com/environment/index.ssf/2015/09/134m_for_recovery_projects_ari.html#incart_river
LSU professor studies oil spills' impact on plankton
Daily Reveille
Sam Karlin
Wednesday, September 23, 2015 6:45 pm
Coastal Fisheries Institute Assistant Professor Malinda Sutor has a
"plankton lab" dedicated to researching offshore ecosystems.
http://www.lsureveille.com/daily/lsu-professor-studies-oil-spills-impact-on-plankton/article_3631f250-624d-11e5-b39b-1bc23105c676.html
UNO Professor Receives Grant For Oil Cleanup Study
WWNO
The National Science Foundation will spend nearly half a million dollars to
help a University of New Orleans chemistry professor study sunlight and oil
spills. WWNO reporter Tegan Wendland had a conversation with UNO chemistry
professor Matthew Tarr.
http://wwno.org/post/uno-professor-receives-grant-oil-cleanup-study
Should BP fine money go toward building a bridge?
Todd Masson
The Times-Picayune
September 23, 2015 at 10:06 AM
Louisiana will get a windfall when the $18.7 billion fine the Gulf states
negotiated with BP is finally meted out. The money is supposed to be used
to rebuild the coast and mitigate damage from the 2010 Deepwater Horizon
spill, but last week, Gov. Bobby Jindal petitioned the Coastal Protection
and Restoration Authority to divert some of the cash to a bridge project
that would connect Port Fourchon and Golden Meadow.
http://www.nola.com/outdoors/index.ssf/2015/09/should_bp_fine_money_go_toward.html#incart_river
National
EPA hears widely different views on methane threat
AP
DENVER — Over-regulating methane emissions could discourage the use of
environment-friendly natural gas, an energy industry representative told
the Environmental Protection Agency on Wednesday.
http://fuelfix.com/blog/2015/09/23/epa-hears-widely-different-views-on-methane-threat/
EPA puts $12.3M in program to help cities cleanup contaminated sites
The Hill
The Environmental Protection Agency is putting another $13.2 million
towards a program to help communities clean up contaminated development
sites, known as brownfields.
http://thehill.com/regulation/254656-epa-puts-123m-in-program-to-help-cities-cleanup-contaminated-sites
Pope praises Obama's climate change rule
The Hill
Pope Francis on Wednesday praised the main piece of President Obama's
climate change agenda, his limits on carbon dioxide emissions from power
plants.
http://thehill.com/policy/energy-environment/254622-pope-backs-obamas-on-climate
EPA says it will build temporary treatment plant for mine
AP
DENVER — The Environmental Protection Agency said Wednesday it will set up
a temporary treatment plant for wastewater flowing from the Gold King Mine
in southwestern Colorado after 3 million gallons surged out of the mine in
August, tainting rivers in three states.
https://www.washingtonpost.com/national/energy-environment/epa-says-it-will-build-temporary-treatment-plant-for-mine/2015/09/23/3a733ee8-623c-11e5-8475-781cc9851652_story.html
Watchdog: EPA official flew home nearly every weekend on taxpayer's dime
Fox News
An Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) official flew nearly every weekend
from his office in San Francisco to his home in southern California,
amassing $69,000 in "excessive trips," according to the Office of Inspector
General (OIG).
http://www.foxnews.com/politics/2015/09/24/watchdog-epa-official-flew-home-nearly-every-weekend-on-taxpayers-dime/?intcmp=hplnws
Researchers finish study of Michigan oil, gas fracking
AP
TRAVERSE CITY, Mich. (AP) — Michigan's oil and gas industry and its
regulators have a long way to go toward convincing the public that
hydraulic fracturing, or fracking, is environmentally sound, said the
director of a study on the practice released Wednesday.
http://www.seattlepi.com/business/energy/article/Researchers-finish-study-of-Michigan-oil-gas-6523830.php
'Blood & Oil' Brings Fracking to Prime Time
In ABC's 'Blood & Oil,' the oil-drilling of 'Dallas' moves to fracking in
North Dakota
WSJ
Fracking now has its own prime-time TV show.
ABC's new "Blood & Oil," which premieres Sunday, shifts the oil-drilling
action from the fields of Texas ("Dallas") and Colorado ("Dynasty") to
North Dakota, where the vast Bakken Shale oil deposit ignited a boom in the
town of Williston in 2008.
http://www.wsj.com/articles/blood-oil-brings-fracking-to-prime-time-1443022073
Press Releases
EPA Announces $13.2 Million in Supplemental Funds to Clean up Contaminated
Brownfields Sites Across the Country
WASHINGTON – Today the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) announced
approximately $13.2 million in supplemental funding to help transform
communities by cleaning up contaminated Brownfields properties.
Supplemental funding of the Revolving Loan Funding (RLF) will be given to
31 successful RLF grantees helping 44 communities carry out cleanup and
redevelopment projects. These projects will help communities create jobs
while protecting people's health and the environment. Many of the RLF
cleanups are in under-served and economically disadvantages neighborhoods -
places where environmental cleanup and new jobs are most needed.
"These funds – granted to communities who have already achieved success in
their work to clean up and redevelop brownfields – will help boost local
economies, create local jobs and protect people from harmful pollution by
expediting Brownfield projects," said Mathy Stanislaus, assistant
administrator for EPA's Office of Solid Waste and Emergency Response. "The
RLF supplemental recipients are some of the nation's top performers.
Collectively, these communities have already leveraged more than $5 billion
in clean up and redevelopment investment – the RLF funding announced today
will help sustain that incredible progress."
The RLF grantees provide a level of funding for cleanups that isn't
available through traditional financing options or through other brownfield
grants, serving as the critical gap financing needed to jump-start the
redevelopment process. RLF funding is often the last key piece of funding
needed to make the cleanup and reuse of the property happen. RLFs
specifically supply funding for loans and sub-grants to carry out cleanup
activities at brownfield sites. When these loans are repaid, the loan
amount is then returned to the fund and re-loaned to other borrowers,
providing an ongoing sustainable source of capital within a community for
additional cleanup of brownfield sites. The supplemental funding to each
grantee ranges from about $250,000 to $700,000.
EPA continues to engage and help new communities address barriers to
redeveloping sites which are plaguing their communities. All of the
grantees selected for funding have significantly depleted their RLF funds
and need supplemental funding in order to recapitalize their loan pool to
continue making loans and subgrants to clean up brownfields properties. The
supplemental funds help keep the cleanup momentum going so that more
cleanups can be completed. To date, RLF grantees have completed over 400
cleanups, leveraged approximately 15,000 jobs and over $5 billion of public
and private funding.
The grantees receiving supplemental funding this year continue to
demonstrate a high-level of preparedness to undertake specific shovel ready
projects and have the committed leveraged funds necessary to move projects
forward. This year's supplemental funds will support an array of cleanup
and redevelopment projects across the country. For example:
· The City of Kansas City, Mo. will use their funding to continue
making loans to clean brownfields sites - similar to what they have
done at the Ivanhoe Gateway at 39th street project where the RLF
helped in the financing of a brownfield cleanup project which enabled
the nearly $5M first phase of this $100M redevelopment project to
proceed. Construction is underway on seven two-story duplex units to
be followed by 12 one-story senior cottages. The entire mixed income,
multi-phased development will not only feature the new duplexes and
senior cottages, but will also include detached single family units,
restoration/rehab of existing buildings, and new infrastructure and
green space for the area.
· Southern Maine Planning & Development Commission will contribute
$500,000 toward a $1,121,000 loan to Biddeford, Maine for the Lincoln
Mill site. The site will be a mixed-use development with 92
residential units, 79 room hotel with meeting space, restaurant &
pool.
· The Colorado Department of Public Health and the Environment (CDPHE)
will use its supplemental funding for the Freight Residences in
Denver, Colo. The Freight Residence project will include mixed-use
residential and commercial spaces. In addition to providing much
needed housing for the area, there is also extensive job creation
potential from the commercial redevelopment aspects of the project.
· Detroit/Wayne County will make a loan to the Henry Ford Community
Heath project in Mich. The reuse will support buildings for Henry
Ford Hospital as well as mixed-use development including retail near
the hospital. The project will create jobs in a community
economically disrupted by the closure of auto plants and other
manufacturing. RLF funded projects for the Henry Ford Hospital have
already leveraged $30 million.
· The City of Rockford, Ill. will make a loan to clean up the Rockford
Watch Factory. The site will be home to a downtown sports complex.
The project has $18 million in state grants, local bonds and City
funding.
There are an estimated 450,000 abandoned and contaminated sites in the
United States. EPA's Brownfields program targets these sites to encourage
redevelopment, and help to provide the opportunity for productive community
use of contaminated properties. Since the inception of the EPA's
Brownfields Program in 1995, cumulative brownfield program investments have
leveraged more than $23.3 billion from a variety of public and private
sources for cleanup and redevelopment activities. This equates to an
average of $17.79 leveraged per EPA brownfield dollar expended. These
investments have resulted in approximately 109,787 jobs nationwide.
More information on EPA's Brownfields program:
http://www.epa.gov/brownfields/
More information on Brownfields Revolving Loan Fund grants:
http://www.epa.gov/brownfields/rlflst.htm
COSTCO PROJECT COULD AFFECT WETLANDS AND CREEKS
Northside Sun
Despite developers' best efforts to seal their plans for a Costco, more
details about the project are coming to light.
Last week, the Sun learned several specifics about the project in a notice
from the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers.
Developers Andrew Mattiace and H.C. Bailey are in talks with Costco to
bring the big box retailer to Ridgeland as part of the Renaissance phase
three development.
Last week, the Sun reported on the fact that a local chancery judge had
sealed records regarding the project at developers' request.
However, a better picture of the size and scope of the project can be found
in a recent notice issued by the corps.
The corps and the Mississippi Department of Environmental Quality (MDEQ)
have to sign off on the project because of its impact on nearby creeks and
more than 14 acres of wetlands.
The center would be located on roughly 45 acres of property on Highland
Colony Parkway, south of the roundabout.
The development would "consist of one primary tenant and five additional
tenants," according to the release.
"The anchor tenant would be located in the southern portion of the
development and include an approximately 150,000-square-foot building with
… 650 parking spaces."
The entire development would be 158,000 square feet and include 955 parking
spaces, the notice states.
The project is opposed by many residents because of the impact it could
have on traffic, property values, and the historic nature of the area. The
development would be located near the Natchez Trace Parkway and Old Agency
Road.
The project also would impact 14.06 acres of wetlands, as well as two
nearby creeks.
The notice states that if the project is allowed to move forward there
would be an "unavoidable loss of wetland."
Mattiace and Bailey are proposing purchasing credits from a wetland
mitigation bank to offset the loss.
Wetland mitigation banks are aquatic areas that are set aside to offset the
"unavoidable impacts" of wetlands, streams or other aquatic resources to
development, according to the Environmental Protection Agency's Web site.
Because aquatic resources would be affected by Renaissance phase three,
developers must obtain a water quality permit from MDEQ and the corps.
"If you don't get it from MDEQ you don't get anywhere," said Greg Raimondo,
chief of public affairs with the corps' Vicksburg district.
Mattiace applied for the permit earlier this year, and a notice for a
public hearing was issued on September 2, according to corps documents. The
deadline to ask for a hearing was September 23.
At press time, Raimondo said the corps had received no requests for a
hearing. The corps and state likely will decide whether or not to grant the
permit within approximately 60 days of the permit's expiration date,
Raimondo said.
Mattiace and Bailey came under fire recently for asking a chancery judge to
seal records related to his application for a "cultural retail
attraction" (CRA) tax subsidy to help finance an expansion of Renaissance.
The Sun was notified by the Mississippi Development Authority last week
that the records had been sealed by Judge William Singletary. MDA
administers the CRA program, which sunset in 2014.
Mattiace was awarded nearly $30 million in CRA rebates to help finance a
$98.6 million expansion of the Renaissance at Colony Park. Some, including
Ridgeland Alderman Ken Heard, believe the application for the subsidy was
modified to include Costco.
$30 million JCUA bond needed to 'catch up' on infrastructure repairs,
director says
Mississippi Press
April M. Havens
September 23, 2015 at 3:58 PM
PASCAGOULA, Mississippi -- Utility rate hikes that are part of the Jackson
County Utility Authority's proposed budget are due to JCUA's increasing
energy costs, new positions and an anticipated bond issuance.
http://blog.gulflive.com/mississippi-press-news/2015/09/30_million_jcua_bond_needed_to.html#incart_river
Improvements being made at Rotten Bayou
WLOX
DIAMONDHEAD, MS (WLOX) -Rotten Bayou in Harrison and Hancock Counties is on
its way to becoming a healthier body of water, thanks to the completion of
the Building Rotten Bayou Watershed Partnership.
http://www.msnewsnow.com/story/30095946/improvements-being-made-at-rotten-bayou
Hunter-Douglas celebrates 30 years
Lee County Courier
SHANNON, MISS. – Hunter Douglas Tupelo welcomed current employees, former
employees, local officials and manufacturing neighbors today as it
celebrated its 30th anniversary in Lee County. Mike Robinson, general
manager of metals and distribution, commented, "This is truly a milestone
for this Hunter Douglas plant. We want to thank Tupelo and Lee County for
the opportunities extended to us to do business here. We are proud to be a
corporate citizen. Our 30th anniversary is your accomplishment, too."
http://www.leecountycourier.net/articles/2015/09/23/news/doc5602fcf85fa1b109952816.txt
Jackson residents to get free tire collection
Clarion Ledger
Jackson residents won't see an increase in garbage fees under the
city's new garbage collection contract.
http://www.clarionledger.com/story/news/2015/09/23/jackson-residents-get-free-tire-collection/72702816/
Dispose of old medication properly, not into the environment
WDAM
Unused drugs stored at home can be dangerous to other people and the
environment.
http://www.wdam.com/story/30102193/dispose-of-old-medication-properly-not-into-the-environment
Stormwater readers tap young minds
DeSoto Times-Tribune
Tracking paths in a maze in their "Adventures of Stormy the Raindrop" book,
6-year-old Hernando Elementary first-grader Louis Harrell told classmate
Eason Goss: "If you get the dog poop, you can go to the soap and get
clean."
http://www.desototimes.com/news/stormwater-readers-tap-young-minds/article_a8242d76-624b-11e5-b0bd-1b77db2a335b.html
On the move: Brunini, Grantham, Grower & Hewes PLLC
Clarion Ledger
John Milner, an attorney in the Jackson-based firm, has been elected vice
chairman of the American Bar Association's Section of Environment, Energy
and Resources. Milner concentrates his practice primarily in environmental
law and litigation.
http://www.clarionledger.com/story/money/business/2015/09/23/move-brunini-grantham-grower-hewes-pllc/72700972/
Oil Spill
Latest round of early-restoration projects approved for BP money include 2
in South Mississippi
Sea turtles, birds, fish, recreation, reefs to benefit
BY KAREN NELSON
Sun Herald
Trustees have selected and approved 10 projects for the latest round of
Deepwater Horizon early-restoration projects totaling $134 million. Two of
the projects are specific to Mississippi.
http://www.sunherald.com/2015/09/23/6430364/latest-round-of-early-restoration.html
$134M for recovery projects arising from 2010 Gulf oil spill
The Associated Press
September 23, 2015 at 9:10 PM
A panel on Wednesday approved using $134 million provided by energy giant
BP PLC on 10 projects to help the Gulf of Mexico recover from a
catastrophic 2010 oil spill.
http://www.nola.com/environment/index.ssf/2015/09/134m_for_recovery_projects_ari.html#incart_river
LSU professor studies oil spills' impact on plankton
Daily Reveille
Sam Karlin
Wednesday, September 23, 2015 6:45 pm
Coastal Fisheries Institute Assistant Professor Malinda Sutor has a
"plankton lab" dedicated to researching offshore ecosystems.
http://www.lsureveille.com/daily/lsu-professor-studies-oil-spills-impact-on-plankton/article_3631f250-624d-11e5-b39b-1bc23105c676.html
UNO Professor Receives Grant For Oil Cleanup Study
WWNO
The National Science Foundation will spend nearly half a million dollars to
help a University of New Orleans chemistry professor study sunlight and oil
spills. WWNO reporter Tegan Wendland had a conversation with UNO chemistry
professor Matthew Tarr.
http://wwno.org/post/uno-professor-receives-grant-oil-cleanup-study
Should BP fine money go toward building a bridge?
Todd Masson
The Times-Picayune
September 23, 2015 at 10:06 AM
Louisiana will get a windfall when the $18.7 billion fine the Gulf states
negotiated with BP is finally meted out. The money is supposed to be used
to rebuild the coast and mitigate damage from the 2010 Deepwater Horizon
spill, but last week, Gov. Bobby Jindal petitioned the Coastal Protection
and Restoration Authority to divert some of the cash to a bridge project
that would connect Port Fourchon and Golden Meadow.
http://www.nola.com/outdoors/index.ssf/2015/09/should_bp_fine_money_go_toward.html#incart_river
National
EPA hears widely different views on methane threat
AP
DENVER — Over-regulating methane emissions could discourage the use of
environment-friendly natural gas, an energy industry representative told
the Environmental Protection Agency on Wednesday.
http://fuelfix.com/blog/2015/09/23/epa-hears-widely-different-views-on-methane-threat/
EPA puts $12.3M in program to help cities cleanup contaminated sites
The Hill
The Environmental Protection Agency is putting another $13.2 million
towards a program to help communities clean up contaminated development
sites, known as brownfields.
http://thehill.com/regulation/254656-epa-puts-123m-in-program-to-help-cities-cleanup-contaminated-sites
Pope praises Obama's climate change rule
The Hill
Pope Francis on Wednesday praised the main piece of President Obama's
climate change agenda, his limits on carbon dioxide emissions from power
plants.
http://thehill.com/policy/energy-environment/254622-pope-backs-obamas-on-climate
EPA says it will build temporary treatment plant for mine
AP
DENVER — The Environmental Protection Agency said Wednesday it will set up
a temporary treatment plant for wastewater flowing from the Gold King Mine
in southwestern Colorado after 3 million gallons surged out of the mine in
August, tainting rivers in three states.
https://www.washingtonpost.com/national/energy-environment/epa-says-it-will-build-temporary-treatment-plant-for-mine/2015/09/23/3a733ee8-623c-11e5-8475-781cc9851652_story.html
Watchdog: EPA official flew home nearly every weekend on taxpayer's dime
Fox News
An Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) official flew nearly every weekend
from his office in San Francisco to his home in southern California,
amassing $69,000 in "excessive trips," according to the Office of Inspector
General (OIG).
http://www.foxnews.com/politics/2015/09/24/watchdog-epa-official-flew-home-nearly-every-weekend-on-taxpayers-dime/?intcmp=hplnws
Researchers finish study of Michigan oil, gas fracking
AP
TRAVERSE CITY, Mich. (AP) — Michigan's oil and gas industry and its
regulators have a long way to go toward convincing the public that
hydraulic fracturing, or fracking, is environmentally sound, said the
director of a study on the practice released Wednesday.
http://www.seattlepi.com/business/energy/article/Researchers-finish-study-of-Michigan-oil-gas-6523830.php
'Blood & Oil' Brings Fracking to Prime Time
In ABC's 'Blood & Oil,' the oil-drilling of 'Dallas' moves to fracking in
North Dakota
WSJ
Fracking now has its own prime-time TV show.
ABC's new "Blood & Oil," which premieres Sunday, shifts the oil-drilling
action from the fields of Texas ("Dallas") and Colorado ("Dynasty") to
North Dakota, where the vast Bakken Shale oil deposit ignited a boom in the
town of Williston in 2008.
http://www.wsj.com/articles/blood-oil-brings-fracking-to-prime-time-1443022073
Press Releases
EPA Announces $13.2 Million in Supplemental Funds to Clean up Contaminated
Brownfields Sites Across the Country
WASHINGTON – Today the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) announced
approximately $13.2 million in supplemental funding to help transform
communities by cleaning up contaminated Brownfields properties.
Supplemental funding of the Revolving Loan Funding (RLF) will be given to
31 successful RLF grantees helping 44 communities carry out cleanup and
redevelopment projects. These projects will help communities create jobs
while protecting people's health and the environment. Many of the RLF
cleanups are in under-served and economically disadvantages neighborhoods -
places where environmental cleanup and new jobs are most needed.
"These funds – granted to communities who have already achieved success in
their work to clean up and redevelop brownfields – will help boost local
economies, create local jobs and protect people from harmful pollution by
expediting Brownfield projects," said Mathy Stanislaus, assistant
administrator for EPA's Office of Solid Waste and Emergency Response. "The
RLF supplemental recipients are some of the nation's top performers.
Collectively, these communities have already leveraged more than $5 billion
in clean up and redevelopment investment – the RLF funding announced today
will help sustain that incredible progress."
The RLF grantees provide a level of funding for cleanups that isn't
available through traditional financing options or through other brownfield
grants, serving as the critical gap financing needed to jump-start the
redevelopment process. RLF funding is often the last key piece of funding
needed to make the cleanup and reuse of the property happen. RLFs
specifically supply funding for loans and sub-grants to carry out cleanup
activities at brownfield sites. When these loans are repaid, the loan
amount is then returned to the fund and re-loaned to other borrowers,
providing an ongoing sustainable source of capital within a community for
additional cleanup of brownfield sites. The supplemental funding to each
grantee ranges from about $250,000 to $700,000.
EPA continues to engage and help new communities address barriers to
redeveloping sites which are plaguing their communities. All of the
grantees selected for funding have significantly depleted their RLF funds
and need supplemental funding in order to recapitalize their loan pool to
continue making loans and subgrants to clean up brownfields properties. The
supplemental funds help keep the cleanup momentum going so that more
cleanups can be completed. To date, RLF grantees have completed over 400
cleanups, leveraged approximately 15,000 jobs and over $5 billion of public
and private funding.
The grantees receiving supplemental funding this year continue to
demonstrate a high-level of preparedness to undertake specific shovel ready
projects and have the committed leveraged funds necessary to move projects
forward. This year's supplemental funds will support an array of cleanup
and redevelopment projects across the country. For example:
· The City of Kansas City, Mo. will use their funding to continue
making loans to clean brownfields sites - similar to what they have
done at the Ivanhoe Gateway at 39th street project where the RLF
helped in the financing of a brownfield cleanup project which enabled
the nearly $5M first phase of this $100M redevelopment project to
proceed. Construction is underway on seven two-story duplex units to
be followed by 12 one-story senior cottages. The entire mixed income,
multi-phased development will not only feature the new duplexes and
senior cottages, but will also include detached single family units,
restoration/rehab of existing buildings, and new infrastructure and
green space for the area.
· Southern Maine Planning & Development Commission will contribute
$500,000 toward a $1,121,000 loan to Biddeford, Maine for the Lincoln
Mill site. The site will be a mixed-use development with 92
residential units, 79 room hotel with meeting space, restaurant &
pool.
· The Colorado Department of Public Health and the Environment (CDPHE)
will use its supplemental funding for the Freight Residences in
Denver, Colo. The Freight Residence project will include mixed-use
residential and commercial spaces. In addition to providing much
needed housing for the area, there is also extensive job creation
potential from the commercial redevelopment aspects of the project.
· Detroit/Wayne County will make a loan to the Henry Ford Community
Heath project in Mich. The reuse will support buildings for Henry
Ford Hospital as well as mixed-use development including retail near
the hospital. The project will create jobs in a community
economically disrupted by the closure of auto plants and other
manufacturing. RLF funded projects for the Henry Ford Hospital have
already leveraged $30 million.
· The City of Rockford, Ill. will make a loan to clean up the Rockford
Watch Factory. The site will be home to a downtown sports complex.
The project has $18 million in state grants, local bonds and City
funding.
There are an estimated 450,000 abandoned and contaminated sites in the
United States. EPA's Brownfields program targets these sites to encourage
redevelopment, and help to provide the opportunity for productive community
use of contaminated properties. Since the inception of the EPA's
Brownfields Program in 1995, cumulative brownfield program investments have
leveraged more than $23.3 billion from a variety of public and private
sources for cleanup and redevelopment activities. This equates to an
average of $17.79 leveraged per EPA brownfield dollar expended. These
investments have resulted in approximately 109,787 jobs nationwide.
More information on EPA's Brownfields program:
http://www.epa.gov/brownfields/
More information on Brownfields Revolving Loan Fund grants:
http://www.epa.gov/brownfields/rlflst.htm
Wednesday, September 23, 2015
News Clippings 9.23.15
State
School ballot politics dominate budget hearings
Clarion Ledger
As agencies presented spending requests at hearings Monday and
Tuesday, legislative leaders appeared more intent on scoring points
against a school-funding ballot initiative than on budget details.
Department of Environmental Quality
Mississippi Department of Environmental Quality Executive Director
Gary Rikard said that agency's request for $723,300 more than it got
last year was primarily an effort to improve recruitment and
retention.
Specifically, MDEQ's engineers, he said, should make more than they
do now, so turnover is less of a problem.
"They should be in the same ballpark as private sector engineers,
but right now we're not even in the parking lot of the ballpark,"
Rikard said.
The problem could soon worsen, he added. Within five years, 25
percent of MDEQ employees will be eligible for retirement, leaving
the agency in a lurch if it can't entice more workers to stay.
The total request for the agency is about $13.8 million. Last year,
it received $13.03 million.
http://www.clarionledger.com/story/news/2015/09/22/school-politics-budget/72634254/
Water Quality Improvement Plans for Diamondhead
WXXV
Since 2012, the Land Trust for the Mississippi Coastal Plain and
Mississippi State University's Gulf Coast Community Design Studio have been
working on a plan to improve water quality for Rotten Bayou watershed in
Hancock and Harrison County.
http://www.wxxv25.com/news/local/story/Water-Quality-Improvement-Plans-for-Diamondhead/tEENRphd6E2ghFRWA8kv-w.cspx
Pilot solar power operation flips switch in DeSoto
Commercial Appeal
The weather did its part Tuesday, providing ample sunshine to underscore
what the new solar farm sprouting from a vacant field along U.S. 61 can do.
http://www.commercialappeal.com/news/suburbs/desoto/pilot-solar-power-operation-flips-switch-in-desoto-200b5c66-adaa-3590-e053-0100007f5d07-328728071.html
Regional
Sierra Club sues EPA over haze from Louisiana coal plants
AP
NEW ORLEANS (AP) - The Sierra Club is suing the Environmental Protection
Agency to force the regulator to make sure Louisiana's coal-powered plants
cut down on haze-causing pollution, and thereby clear up the skies above
wilderness areas in Louisiana and Arkansas.
http://www.washingtontimes.com/news/2015/sep/22/sierra-club-sues-epa-over-haze-from-louisiana-coal/
?
Records suggest feds ignoring offshore environmental enforcement
WWL
NEW ORLEANS — The federal agency that regulates offshore oil and gas
drilling and production has used budget increases since the BP
disaster to hire dozens of engineers and geologists, but has all but
ignored an environmental enforcement division beset by understaffing
and massive work backlogs.
http://www.usatoday.com/story/news/nation/2015/09/23/records-suggest-feds-ignoring-offshore-environmental-enforcement/72663860/
National
EPA holding hearings on rules to cut methane emissions
AP
DENVER (AP) — The Environmental Protection Agency is holding public
hearings on the Obama administration's proposal to slash methane emissions
from oil and gas production to rein in climate change.
http://www.denverpost.com/news/ci_28862917/epa-holding-hearings-rules-cut-methane-emissions
EPA is 'Upping its Game' After Volkswagen Allegations
Top administrator is pleased with auto maker's 'aggressive stance' on
tackling problem
WSJ
WASHINGTON—The top official at the Environmental Protection Agency said the
agency is "upping its game" in the search for possible violations of U.S.
pollution rules following allegations that Volkswagen AG circumvented
emissions standards.
http://www.wsj.com/articles/epa-is-upping-its-game-after-volkswagen-allegations-1442929373
Wyoming Seeks More Funds to Clean Up Abandoned Wells
If approved, rules would boost company bonding fees from $75,000 to
$150,000
WSJ
Wyoming is moving forward with sweeping new rules to double the money oil
and gas companies must put aside before drilling new wells, a measure
prompted by the large number of abandoned wells that litter the state.
http://www.wsj.com/articles/wyoming-seeks-more-funds-to-clean-up-abandoned-wells-1442966988
New regs for Wednesday: Radioactive disposal, efficiency, endangered fish
The Hill
Wednesday's edition of the Federal Register contains new rules for the
disposal of radioactive materials, efficiency rules for air conditioners
and heat pumps, and protections for endangered fish.
http://thehill.com/regulation/254540-new-regs-for-wednesday-radioactive-disposal-efficiency-endangered-fish
School ballot politics dominate budget hearings
Clarion Ledger
As agencies presented spending requests at hearings Monday and
Tuesday, legislative leaders appeared more intent on scoring points
against a school-funding ballot initiative than on budget details.
Department of Environmental Quality
Mississippi Department of Environmental Quality Executive Director
Gary Rikard said that agency's request for $723,300 more than it got
last year was primarily an effort to improve recruitment and
retention.
Specifically, MDEQ's engineers, he said, should make more than they
do now, so turnover is less of a problem.
"They should be in the same ballpark as private sector engineers,
but right now we're not even in the parking lot of the ballpark,"
Rikard said.
The problem could soon worsen, he added. Within five years, 25
percent of MDEQ employees will be eligible for retirement, leaving
the agency in a lurch if it can't entice more workers to stay.
The total request for the agency is about $13.8 million. Last year,
it received $13.03 million.
http://www.clarionledger.com/story/news/2015/09/22/school-politics-budget/72634254/
Water Quality Improvement Plans for Diamondhead
WXXV
Since 2012, the Land Trust for the Mississippi Coastal Plain and
Mississippi State University's Gulf Coast Community Design Studio have been
working on a plan to improve water quality for Rotten Bayou watershed in
Hancock and Harrison County.
http://www.wxxv25.com/news/local/story/Water-Quality-Improvement-Plans-for-Diamondhead/tEENRphd6E2ghFRWA8kv-w.cspx
Pilot solar power operation flips switch in DeSoto
Commercial Appeal
The weather did its part Tuesday, providing ample sunshine to underscore
what the new solar farm sprouting from a vacant field along U.S. 61 can do.
http://www.commercialappeal.com/news/suburbs/desoto/pilot-solar-power-operation-flips-switch-in-desoto-200b5c66-adaa-3590-e053-0100007f5d07-328728071.html
Regional
Sierra Club sues EPA over haze from Louisiana coal plants
AP
NEW ORLEANS (AP) - The Sierra Club is suing the Environmental Protection
Agency to force the regulator to make sure Louisiana's coal-powered plants
cut down on haze-causing pollution, and thereby clear up the skies above
wilderness areas in Louisiana and Arkansas.
http://www.washingtontimes.com/news/2015/sep/22/sierra-club-sues-epa-over-haze-from-louisiana-coal/
?
Records suggest feds ignoring offshore environmental enforcement
WWL
NEW ORLEANS — The federal agency that regulates offshore oil and gas
drilling and production has used budget increases since the BP
disaster to hire dozens of engineers and geologists, but has all but
ignored an environmental enforcement division beset by understaffing
and massive work backlogs.
http://www.usatoday.com/story/news/nation/2015/09/23/records-suggest-feds-ignoring-offshore-environmental-enforcement/72663860/
National
EPA holding hearings on rules to cut methane emissions
AP
DENVER (AP) — The Environmental Protection Agency is holding public
hearings on the Obama administration's proposal to slash methane emissions
from oil and gas production to rein in climate change.
http://www.denverpost.com/news/ci_28862917/epa-holding-hearings-rules-cut-methane-emissions
EPA is 'Upping its Game' After Volkswagen Allegations
Top administrator is pleased with auto maker's 'aggressive stance' on
tackling problem
WSJ
WASHINGTON—The top official at the Environmental Protection Agency said the
agency is "upping its game" in the search for possible violations of U.S.
pollution rules following allegations that Volkswagen AG circumvented
emissions standards.
http://www.wsj.com/articles/epa-is-upping-its-game-after-volkswagen-allegations-1442929373
Wyoming Seeks More Funds to Clean Up Abandoned Wells
If approved, rules would boost company bonding fees from $75,000 to
$150,000
WSJ
Wyoming is moving forward with sweeping new rules to double the money oil
and gas companies must put aside before drilling new wells, a measure
prompted by the large number of abandoned wells that litter the state.
http://www.wsj.com/articles/wyoming-seeks-more-funds-to-clean-up-abandoned-wells-1442966988
New regs for Wednesday: Radioactive disposal, efficiency, endangered fish
The Hill
Wednesday's edition of the Federal Register contains new rules for the
disposal of radioactive materials, efficiency rules for air conditioners
and heat pumps, and protections for endangered fish.
http://thehill.com/regulation/254540-new-regs-for-wednesday-radioactive-disposal-efficiency-endangered-fish
Tuesday, September 22, 2015
News Clippings 9.22.15
State
Lake George plan submitted for federal, state permitting after 3 years of
analysis
Mississippi Press
April M. Havens
September 21, 2015 at 6:06 PM
LUCEDALE, Mississippi -- The Pat Harrison Waterway District has submitted
the 2,868-acre Lake George project, proposed in George and Jackson
counties, to the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers and several state offices for
permitting.
http://blog.gulflive.com/mississippi-press-news/2015/09/lake_george_plan_submitted_for.html#incart_river
Jackson County leaders discuss damming Pascagoula River tributary to make
recreational lake
BY KAREN NELSON
Sun Herald
PASCAGOULA -- Lake George, which is actually two lakes totalling 2,900
acres proposed to be built by damming a tributary to the Pascagoula River,
is "moving along and getting a little more traction than what I thought,"
declared Jackson County Supervisor Troy Ross on Monday.
http://www.sunherald.com/2015/09/21/6427091_jackson-county-leaders-discuss.html?rh=1
Sludge removal: Competitors dig up dirt
Clarion Ledger
While the Jackson City Council could vote again Tuesday on an
approximately $15 million contract to remove sewage sludge from a
wastewater treatment plant, questions remain about one of the two
companies that submitted a proposal and its minority partner.
http://www.clarionledger.com/story/news/2015/09/21/sludge-removal-competitors-dig-dirt/72591050/
Lawmakers begin budget work
Clarion Ledger
State K-12 education leaders on Monday asked lawmakers for a budget
increase of $250 million for the coming year, $200 million of that
to fully fund the state's adequate education formula, the source of
much political debate these days.
http://www.clarionledger.com/story/news/2015/09/21/lawmakers-begin-budget-work/72594906/
Regional
How does the Mississippi River impact the Gulf? Research aims to find out
The Associated Press
September 21, 2015 at 7:44 AM
BATON ROUGE — Research funded by a $300,000 federal grant should shed more
light on how the Mississippi River impacts the water quality and wildlife
of the Gulf of Mexico.
http://www.nola.com/environment/index.ssf/2015/09/how_does_the_mississippi_river.html#incart_most_shared-environment
National
Natural gas rule begins final review
The Hill
The White House has started its final review of a proposed regulation to
limit natural gas waste on public lands.
http://thehill.com/policy/energy-environment/254386-natural-gas-venting-rule-enters-final-review
US tossing out 5 pounds of trash per person per day, twice what EPA had
thought, study says
AP
WASHINGTON — Americans are sending more than twice as much trash to
landfills as the federal government has estimated, according to a new
study.
http://www.startribune.com/study-twice-as-much-trash-put-in-landfills-than-estimated/328506721/
Volkswagen software thwarted pollution regulations for 7 years, EPA says
The Associated Press
September 21, 2015 at 10:05 PM
DETROIT — Volkswagen became the world's top-selling carmaker trumpeting the
environmental friendliness, fuel efficiency and high performance of
diesel-powered vehicles that met America's tough Clean Air laws.
http://www.gulflive.com/news/index.ssf/2015/09/volkswagen_software_thwarted_p.html#incart_river
Drinking water systems imperiled by failing infrastructure
AP
DES MOINES, Iowa — Deep inside a 70-year-old water-treatment plant,
drinking water for Iowa's capital city is cleansed of harmful nitrates that
come from the state's famously rich farmland.
http://www.sfgate.com/nation/article/Drinking-water-systems-imperiled-by-failing-6519620.php
USDA, EPA want to cut food waste by 50 percent; some ask, 'Where are the
teeth?'
Molly Harbarger
The Oregonian/OregonLive
September 21, 2015 at 11:27 AM
About 35 million pounds of food is wasted in the United States every year.
Feds want to reduce that by 50 percent in 15 years.
http://www.oregonlive.com/business/index.ssf/2015/09/usda_epa_want_to_cut_food_wast.html
Lake George plan submitted for federal, state permitting after 3 years of
analysis
Mississippi Press
April M. Havens
September 21, 2015 at 6:06 PM
LUCEDALE, Mississippi -- The Pat Harrison Waterway District has submitted
the 2,868-acre Lake George project, proposed in George and Jackson
counties, to the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers and several state offices for
permitting.
http://blog.gulflive.com/mississippi-press-news/2015/09/lake_george_plan_submitted_for.html#incart_river
Jackson County leaders discuss damming Pascagoula River tributary to make
recreational lake
BY KAREN NELSON
Sun Herald
PASCAGOULA -- Lake George, which is actually two lakes totalling 2,900
acres proposed to be built by damming a tributary to the Pascagoula River,
is "moving along and getting a little more traction than what I thought,"
declared Jackson County Supervisor Troy Ross on Monday.
http://www.sunherald.com/2015/09/21/6427091_jackson-county-leaders-discuss.html?rh=1
Sludge removal: Competitors dig up dirt
Clarion Ledger
While the Jackson City Council could vote again Tuesday on an
approximately $15 million contract to remove sewage sludge from a
wastewater treatment plant, questions remain about one of the two
companies that submitted a proposal and its minority partner.
http://www.clarionledger.com/story/news/2015/09/21/sludge-removal-competitors-dig-dirt/72591050/
Lawmakers begin budget work
Clarion Ledger
State K-12 education leaders on Monday asked lawmakers for a budget
increase of $250 million for the coming year, $200 million of that
to fully fund the state's adequate education formula, the source of
much political debate these days.
http://www.clarionledger.com/story/news/2015/09/21/lawmakers-begin-budget-work/72594906/
Regional
How does the Mississippi River impact the Gulf? Research aims to find out
The Associated Press
September 21, 2015 at 7:44 AM
BATON ROUGE — Research funded by a $300,000 federal grant should shed more
light on how the Mississippi River impacts the water quality and wildlife
of the Gulf of Mexico.
http://www.nola.com/environment/index.ssf/2015/09/how_does_the_mississippi_river.html#incart_most_shared-environment
National
Natural gas rule begins final review
The Hill
The White House has started its final review of a proposed regulation to
limit natural gas waste on public lands.
http://thehill.com/policy/energy-environment/254386-natural-gas-venting-rule-enters-final-review
US tossing out 5 pounds of trash per person per day, twice what EPA had
thought, study says
AP
WASHINGTON — Americans are sending more than twice as much trash to
landfills as the federal government has estimated, according to a new
study.
http://www.startribune.com/study-twice-as-much-trash-put-in-landfills-than-estimated/328506721/
Volkswagen software thwarted pollution regulations for 7 years, EPA says
The Associated Press
September 21, 2015 at 10:05 PM
DETROIT — Volkswagen became the world's top-selling carmaker trumpeting the
environmental friendliness, fuel efficiency and high performance of
diesel-powered vehicles that met America's tough Clean Air laws.
http://www.gulflive.com/news/index.ssf/2015/09/volkswagen_software_thwarted_p.html#incart_river
Drinking water systems imperiled by failing infrastructure
AP
DES MOINES, Iowa — Deep inside a 70-year-old water-treatment plant,
drinking water for Iowa's capital city is cleansed of harmful nitrates that
come from the state's famously rich farmland.
http://www.sfgate.com/nation/article/Drinking-water-systems-imperiled-by-failing-6519620.php
USDA, EPA want to cut food waste by 50 percent; some ask, 'Where are the
teeth?'
Molly Harbarger
The Oregonian/OregonLive
September 21, 2015 at 11:27 AM
About 35 million pounds of food is wasted in the United States every year.
Feds want to reduce that by 50 percent in 15 years.
http://www.oregonlive.com/business/index.ssf/2015/09/usda_epa_want_to_cut_food_wast.html
Monday, September 21, 2015
News Clippings 9/21/15
State
Hunter Douglas celebrates 30th anniversary
By Dennis Seid
Daily Journal
Mike Berry, Anita Fowler and Jim Wall were among the large gathering of
Hunter Douglas employees and retirees who celebrated the company's 30th
anniversary Friday in the Tupelo Lee Industrial Park.
…The Mississippi Department of Environmental Quality also awarded it an
enHance Leadership Award, which recognizes environmental leaders in the
state.http://djournal.com/news/hunter-douglas-celebrates-30th-anniversary/
MSU scientists boost recreational fishing industry
MBJ
STARKVILLE — Nature offers a narrow and unpredictable window for breeding
fish, and Mississippi State University scientists are studying ways to help
hatcheries stock the state's lakes.
http://msbusiness.com/2015/09/msu-scientists-boost-recreational-fishing-industry/
Deer season: Looking back and going forward
Clarion Ledger
Reports of fewer deer sightings left many Mississippi hunters
grumbling last season, but in the end, the harvest was only slightly
lower than the previous year.
http://www.clarionledger.com/story/sports/2015/09/20/deer-season-looking-back-going-forward/72510748/
Teal season good, expected to improve
Clarion Ledger
Early reports of preseason teal arriving in Mississippi had hunters
counting the days until they could pull on their waders and hear the
splash of decoys landing in the water. The arrival of a cold front
on opening day only heightened that excitement.
http://www.clarionledger.com/story/sports/2015/09/20/teal-season-good-expected-improve/72511158/
Regional
State fairs take steps to guard against bird flu
AP
NEW ORLEANS — The South is the heart of U.S. broiler chicken
production and escaped the deadly bird flu virus that devastated
flocks in the Midwest this spring. Autumn, however, brings the
possibility that migrating wild birds will carry the virus to the
lower half of the U.S.
http://www.clarionledger.com/story/news/2015/09/20/state-fairs-take-steps-guard-bird-flu/72523560/
Senators warn of possible bird flu outbreak
The Hill
Members of the Senate Agriculture, Nutrition and Forestry Committee are
bracing for the possibility of another outbreak of the Avian bird flu that
devastated the poultry industry this year.
http://thehill.com/regulation/254169-senators-ask-usda-if-its-prepared-for-another-bird-flu-outbreak
Some state agencies looking at severe cuts
Montgomery Advertiser
With the budget for 2016 put in place Thursday, state agencies began
to review their General Fund allocations. Many didn't like what they
saw.
• The Alabama Department of Environmental Management said it would
raise fees on some permits by as much as 20 percent, and warned the
cuts could draw federal scrutiny.
http://www.montgomeryadvertiser.com/story/news/politics/southunionstreet/2015/09/20/state-agencies-looking-severe-cuts/72512046/
National
VW chief "sorry" after EPA says firm skirted clean air law
AP
WASHINGTON — The CEO of Volkswagen apologized Sunday and VW customers said
they felt duped after the Environmental Protection Agency revealed that the
German automaker skirted clean air rules by rigging emissions tests for
about 500,000 diesel cars.
http://www.sunherald.com/2015/09/20/6425136/vw-chief-sorry-after-epa-says.html
Is the shale gas revolution over?
USA Today
While everyone is watching the oil bust, there is another bust going
on — one for natural gas.
http://www.usatoday.com/story/money/markets/2015/09/19/oilprice-dotcom-shale-gas-revolution/32554735/
Hunter Douglas celebrates 30th anniversary
By Dennis Seid
Daily Journal
Mike Berry, Anita Fowler and Jim Wall were among the large gathering of
Hunter Douglas employees and retirees who celebrated the company's 30th
anniversary Friday in the Tupelo Lee Industrial Park.
…The Mississippi Department of Environmental Quality also awarded it an
enHance Leadership Award, which recognizes environmental leaders in the
state.http://djournal.com/news/hunter-douglas-celebrates-30th-anniversary/
MSU scientists boost recreational fishing industry
MBJ
STARKVILLE — Nature offers a narrow and unpredictable window for breeding
fish, and Mississippi State University scientists are studying ways to help
hatcheries stock the state's lakes.
http://msbusiness.com/2015/09/msu-scientists-boost-recreational-fishing-industry/
Deer season: Looking back and going forward
Clarion Ledger
Reports of fewer deer sightings left many Mississippi hunters
grumbling last season, but in the end, the harvest was only slightly
lower than the previous year.
http://www.clarionledger.com/story/sports/2015/09/20/deer-season-looking-back-going-forward/72510748/
Teal season good, expected to improve
Clarion Ledger
Early reports of preseason teal arriving in Mississippi had hunters
counting the days until they could pull on their waders and hear the
splash of decoys landing in the water. The arrival of a cold front
on opening day only heightened that excitement.
http://www.clarionledger.com/story/sports/2015/09/20/teal-season-good-expected-improve/72511158/
Regional
State fairs take steps to guard against bird flu
AP
NEW ORLEANS — The South is the heart of U.S. broiler chicken
production and escaped the deadly bird flu virus that devastated
flocks in the Midwest this spring. Autumn, however, brings the
possibility that migrating wild birds will carry the virus to the
lower half of the U.S.
http://www.clarionledger.com/story/news/2015/09/20/state-fairs-take-steps-guard-bird-flu/72523560/
Senators warn of possible bird flu outbreak
The Hill
Members of the Senate Agriculture, Nutrition and Forestry Committee are
bracing for the possibility of another outbreak of the Avian bird flu that
devastated the poultry industry this year.
http://thehill.com/regulation/254169-senators-ask-usda-if-its-prepared-for-another-bird-flu-outbreak
Some state agencies looking at severe cuts
Montgomery Advertiser
With the budget for 2016 put in place Thursday, state agencies began
to review their General Fund allocations. Many didn't like what they
saw.
• The Alabama Department of Environmental Management said it would
raise fees on some permits by as much as 20 percent, and warned the
cuts could draw federal scrutiny.
http://www.montgomeryadvertiser.com/story/news/politics/southunionstreet/2015/09/20/state-agencies-looking-severe-cuts/72512046/
National
VW chief "sorry" after EPA says firm skirted clean air law
AP
WASHINGTON — The CEO of Volkswagen apologized Sunday and VW customers said
they felt duped after the Environmental Protection Agency revealed that the
German automaker skirted clean air rules by rigging emissions tests for
about 500,000 diesel cars.
http://www.sunherald.com/2015/09/20/6425136/vw-chief-sorry-after-epa-says.html
Is the shale gas revolution over?
USA Today
While everyone is watching the oil bust, there is another bust going
on — one for natural gas.
http://www.usatoday.com/story/money/markets/2015/09/19/oilprice-dotcom-shale-gas-revolution/32554735/
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