State
Council moves on with wastewater plan
Hattiesburg American
After Thursday, the City of Hattiesburg's proposed land application
wastewater system is a little closer to reality, with the caveat of
higher sewer and water rates for Hub City residents.
http://www.hattiesburgamerican.com/story/news/local/hattiesburg/2016/04/28/council-moves-wastewater-plan/83668406/
Hattiesburg City Council one step closer to buying land to treat wastewater
WDAM
HATTIESBURG, MS -After a special city council meeting held Thursday
evening, the Hattiesburg City Council is one step closer to buying land to
treat its wastewater.
http://www.wdam.com/story/31845388/hattiesburg-city-council-one-step-closer-to-buying-land-to-treat-wastewater
Fire reported as minor at Burnsville plant
Daily Corinthian
BURNSVILLE – Mississippi Silicon officials are calling the Thursday morning
fire at the Tishomingo County plant "minor."
http://www.dailycorinthian.com/view/full_story/27169513/article-Fire-reported-as-minor-at-Burnsville-plant
?
Ten years after: USGBC Mississippi forges ahead
MBJ
The Mississippi chapter of the U.S. Green Building Council is alive and
well.
Rumors about the demise of the decade-old organization are greatly
exaggerated, according to chapter Chairman Perry Richardson. In the midst
of a transition period, USGBC Mississippi remains a viable organization
with a planned strategy to recapture former members and add new ones.
http://msbusiness.com/2016/04/ten-years-after-usgbc-mississippi-forges-ahead-2/
Bryant Responds To MEMA Budget Cuts
WCBI
LOUISVILLE, Miss. (WCBI) — Governor Phil Bryant responds to WCBI about the
worrying of some at the state level that budget cuts will affect severe
weather response.
http://www.wcbi.com/local-news/bryant-responds-to-mema-budget-cuts/
Oil Spill
BP oil spill settlement paves the way for recovery progress
MBJ
By BECKY GILLETTE
The Deepwater Horizon oil spill court settlement between BP and the
government reached April 4—just a couple weeks before the sixth anniversary
of the world's largest oil spill disaster—opens the way for millions of
dollars being allocated for projects on the Mississippi Gulf Coast designed
to compensate for the environmental damages.
http://msbusiness.com/2016/04/bp-oil-spill-settlement-paves-the-way-for-recovery-progress/
Regional
Agency to cease issuing permit like hog farm's
Arkansas Democrat-Gazette
The Arkansas Department of Environmental Quality will discontinue the type
of general permit that allowed a large hog farm to open in the Buffalo
River watershed, the department announced Thursday.
http://www.arkansasonline.com/news/2016/apr/29/agency-to-cease-issuing-permit-like-hog-1/?f=news-arkansas
National
Mayors push Obama to write methane regulations
The Hill
A group of American mayors are asking the Obama administration to issue
strong rules on methane leaks and emissions at oil and gas drilling sites.
http://thehill.com/policy/energy-environment/278021-mayors-push-obama-to-write-methane-regulations
EPA Paying $1 Million in Response Costs After Mine Spill
AP
The Environmental Protection Agency said Thursday it is reimbursing states,
tribes and local governments about $1 million for their costs after the
agency accidentally triggered a massive wastewater spill from a Colorado
mine.
http://abcnews.go.com/US/wireStory/epa-paying-million-response-costs-mine-spill-38748928
EPA Announces Latest Steps Addressing Missouri Landfill Fire
AP
The owner of a burning suburban St. Louis landfill near buried radioactive
waste has agreed to new measures meant to slow and help monitor the
underground blaze, a U.S. Environmental Agency administrator said Thursday.
http://abcnews.go.com/US/wireStory/epa-announces-latest-steps-addressing-missouri-landfill-fire-38746422
Press releases
EPA Administrator McCarthy Announces 2016 Safer Choice Partner of the Year
Awards
(WASHINGTON) – The U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) is
recognizing 24 Safer Choice Partner of the Year award winners across 12
states, the District of Columbia and Canada for outstanding achievement in
the design, manufacture, promotion and use of a range of cleaning and other
household products that carry the Safer Choice label. Administrator
McCarthy announced the winners at an event at a local hardware store in San
Francisco today.
"Everyone wants products with ingredients that are safer for their kids,
pets, communities and the environment," said EPA Administrator Gina
McCarthy. "Using technology and innovation to turn challenges into
profitable opportunities makes our businesses stronger and more
competitive, our families and workers healthier, and our environment
cleaner."
The Safer Choice standards were developed through a multi-stakeholder
process, with a range of businesses and public interest groups, including
environmental and health advocacy organizations. EPA assesses ingredients
for the Safer Choice program based on a full chemical identification. Where
necessary, EPA requires studies to prove safety of the chemicals used, and
applies the expertise of chemists and toxicologists who have assessed
thousands of chemicals.
These stringent human and environmental health safety standards mean that
consumers can know with certainty that a product's safety claims are backed
by science. Safer Choice currently has around 500 formulator-manufacturer
partners who make more than 2,000 products for retail and institutional
customers.
The 2016 Partner of the Year award winners represent a wide variety of
leadership organizations. Participants include Fortune 500 companies,
small- and medium-sized businesses, and non-governmental organizations. The
2016 Safer Choice Partner of the Year Awards will be presented at 2:00 p.m.
on May 9, 2016 at the Ronald Reagan Building and International Trade Center
in Washington, D.C. The winners fall under the following categories:
Safer Formulator-Manufacturer: Boulder Clean (Boulder, Colo.), BISSELL
(Grand Rapids, Mich.), Case Medical, Inc. (South Hackensack, N.J.), Clean
Control Corporation (Warner Robins, Ga.), The Clorox Company (Pleasanton,
Calif.), Futurescape Inc. (Port Orange, Fla.), Jelmar, LLC (Skokie, Ill.),
Osprey Biotechnics Inc. (Sarasota, Fla.), RB (Parsippany, N.J.) and Seventh
Generation Inc. (Burlington, Vt.)
Safer Chemical Innovator: BASF Corporation (Florham Park, N.J.), Ecolab
(Eagan, Minn.), Osprey Biotechnics (Sarasota, Fla.) and Virox Technologies
Inc. (Oakville, Ontario, Canada)
Purchaser/Distributor: Solutex, Inc. (Sterling, Va.)
Retailer: Albertsons Companies (Boise, Idaho) and Wegmans Food Markets,
Inc. (Rochester, N.Y.)
Program Supporter: American Sustainable Business Council (Washington,
D.C.), The Ashkin Group (Los Angeles), Consumer Specialty Products
Association (Washington, D.C.), Environmental Defense Fund (New York,
N.Y.), Federal Sustainable Acquisitions and Materials Management Practices
(SAMM) Working Group (Washington, D.C.), Healthy Schools Campaign
(Chicago), ISSA, the Worldwide Cleaning Industry Association (Northbrook,
Ill.), Safer Chemicals, Healthy Families (New York, N.Y.)
When companies demonstrate a commitment to the health of their customers
and the planet, consumers respond. Not only does the Safer Choice program
put the power of choice into the hands of consumers, it actually
incentivizes manufacturers to change the ingredients in their products – so
they can meet the strict safety criteria the Safer Choice label demands.
More on the 2016 Safer Choice Partner of the Year award winners, and
registration for the Awards Ceremony, can be found at
http://www.epa.gov/saferchoice/safer-choice-partner-year-awards.
Friday, April 29, 2016
Thursday, April 28, 2016
News Clippings 4.28.16
State
County Hires Attorneys For Lawsuit Against EnPro
North Mississippi Herald
By David Howell
WATER VALLEY – County supervisors voted unanimously to hire a group of
attorneys for a potential lawsuit against EnPro Industries following recent
scrutiny from the Mississippi Department of Environ-mental Quality (MDEQ)
of a decades old spill at the former Colt Industries /Holley Carburetor
site.
As a litigation matter, the vote was held in executive session during a
recessed meeting on April 11, but Board Attorney John Crow provided details
to the Herald about the case after the meeting.
"It will take a year to get it together, because of the thousands and
thousands of pages of records involved," Crow explained about the
litigation. Crow also said his firm, Crow Martin LLC has joined multiple
attorneys to jointly represent numerous plaintiffs including Yalobusha
County, Yalo-busha Health Services and a significant number of homeowners
who have property in the area affected by the spill of trichloroethylene
(TCE) at the BorgWarner site in 1988.
TCE is a non-flammable, colorless liquid used as a solvent for cleaning
metal parts. It is a common ground water contaminant, but can also vaporize
and migrate from ground water and through the soil into outside and indoor
air in a process called vapor intrusion. In February MDEQ tested multiple
sites for vapor intrusion in an area defined as a plume where levels of TCE
have been identified as the chemical has migrated north from the original
spill. The contaminated area could impact as many as 28 residences and 11
commercial buildings, including the property that encompasses the hospital,
nursing home and surrounding buildings. The area extends north from
BorgWarner and includes portions of South Main Street, Frostland Drive and
Champion Circle.
Crow identified the attorneys involved in case including Liston and Deas,
Grenada attorney Reid Stanford, Texas environmental law firm Ted B. Lyon
and Associates, Southaven attorney Craig Treadway and Crow Martin LLC.
"The hospital has got the same lawyers," Crow added.
Crow said his firm's involvement came after careful consideration when he
was approached by other attorneys involved in the case.
"I told them I was not going to sue BorgWarner. I am not going to be
involved in a suit like that. They said BorgWarner is not going to be
involved, it's EnPro Industries," Crow told the Herald, explaining that
EnPro assumed the liability for the site following multiple ownership
changes.
"If they file suit here and it is not removed, they want somebody here the
jury is going to know," Crow explained. "I expect to litigate and I want to
litigate because of my feelings about it," the attorney added, explaining
that county and hospital officials were not informed that earlier testing
revealed that TCE in the ground had continued to drift north of the
original spill.
"After they cleaned it up, in 2002 they did some more testing and knew it
was on the move. The county didn't hear anything about it and yet we spent
all of this money down there, especially the hospital," Crow said. "The
hospital is the biggest issue."
Crow said the ultimate goal is "to make the dirt safe." He also explained
initial work will include additional testing to ensure the plume is
properly identified with more testing scheduled this summer from an
independent firm hired by the plaintiff attorneys.
"The board was faced to spend their own money (general fund) and it would
bust the budget, or to go with these plaintiff attorneys," Crow added. He
also explained the group of attorneys have secured funding for the case and
will pay for all of the testing and legal fees in a contingency fee
arrangement with the lawyers receiving a portion of the settlement if they
win the case. In this arrangement, Crow said his firm will not bill the
county for work on the case, instead his firm will also receive
compensation if the lawsuit is successful.
Crow said that the entire process will likely take years.
"There is so much data and the work starts with piecing it all together,"
Crow added.
http://yalnews.com/v2/content.aspx?module=contentitem&ID=412565&MemberID=1175&Title=county-hires-attorneys-for-lawsuit-against-enpro&Postback=1
Oyster fishermen happy to be working the waters
WLOX
PASS CHRISTIAN, MS (WLOX) -It's been a tough season for Mississippi oyster
fishermen. However, they had reason to smile on Wednesday when two reef
areas re-opened.
http://www.wlox.com/story/31833466/oyster-fishermen-happy-to-be-working-the-waters
Millard Lake Project Being Considered
Picayune Item
http://www.picayuneitem.com/2016/04/supers-part-2-2/
Fire at MS Silicon in Tishomingo County
Daily Corinthian
BURNSVILLE -- A large, very active fire has been reported at Mississippi
Silicon in Burnsville.
http://www.dailycorinthian.com/view/full_story/27169513/article-BREAKING--Fire-at-MS-Silicon-in-Tishomingo-County
?
Ground broken for solar energy facility in Hattiesburg
Hattiesburg American
Local and state officials were on hand Wednesday for a ceremonial
groundbreaking of a new solar energy facility in Hattiesburg.
http://www.hattiesburgamerican.com/story/news/local/hattiesburg/2016/04/27/ground-broken-solar-energy-facility-hattiesburg/83559574/
Area law enforcement hosting prescription drug dropoff event
Madison County Journal
The Madison Police Department, Ridgeland Police Department, Madison County
Sheriff's Department, and the Madison/Rankin County District Attorney's
Office, in conjunction with Leadership Madison County's D4 Team, announce
"Take Back Your Meds" day on Saturday, April 30.
http://www.onlinemadison.com/Content/Default/News/Article/Area-law-enforcement-hosting-prescription-drug-dropoff-event/-3/592/37895
Oil Spill
Special BP session would be bad for Coast, Reeves said
Sun Herald
Lt. Gov. Tate Reeves said a special session to discuss spending $110
million in BP settlement money is a bad idea for the Coast.
http://www.sunherald.com/news/politics-government/article74289337.html
Six years after gulf oil spill, BP has gushed an average $25.5 million a
day to cover disaster
Tampa Bay Times
Remember the disastrous BP oil spill in the Gulf of Mexico? BP sure hasn't
forgotten, given that by this month's six-year anniversary, the giant
oil-exploration company has paid out $56 billion in costs related to the
spill.
http://web.tampabay.com/news/business/six-years-after-gulf-oil-spill-bp-has-gushed-an-average-of-255-million-a/2274896
Alabama Committee Passes BP Settlement Proposal
AP
The Alabama House budget committee has approved a compromise bill dividing
state settlement money from the BP oil spill, using the money to pay off
state debts and pay for road projects in coastal counties.
http://www.wtok.com/home/headlines/Alabama-Committee-Passes-BP-Settlement-Proposal-377321161.html
National
EPA advances state incentives despite hold on climate rule
The Hill
The Obama administration is moving forward with a state incentive program
related to its contentious climate change rule, even though the regulation
itself is on hold.
http://thehill.com/policy/energy-environment/277819-epa-moves-forward-with-climate-rule-state-incentives
EPA offers no timetable for methane rule at current drilling sites
The Hill
A top Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) official said regulations on
methane leaks from new oil and gas well is coming "soon" but sidestepped
questions on when a similar rule for existing wells will come out.
http://thehill.com/policy/energy-environment/277830-epa-offers-no-timetable-for-methane-rule-at-current-drilling-sites
VW to spend up to $8.8 billion on diesel buybacks, fixes
AP
RANKFURT, GERMANY
Volkswagen said Thursday it had set aside 7.8 billion euros ($8.8 billion)
to buy back or fix diesel-powered cars that had been rigged to cheat in
emissions tests.
http://www.sunherald.com/news/business/article74376912.html
Press Releases
USDA Seeks Partner Proposals to Protect and
Restore Critical Wetlands in Mississippi
Jackson, Miss. – The United States Department of Agriculture /
Natural Resources Conservation Service (NRCS), has funding
available to help eligible conservation partners leverage local
investments to provide technical and financial resources for
wetland protection and improvements on private and Tribal
agricultural lands. These wetland reserve easements allow
landowners to enhance and protect habitat for wildlife on
their lands, reduce impacts from flooding, recharge groundwater
and provide outdoor recreational and educational opportunities.
The Wetland Reserve Enhancement Partnership (WREP) is
one way Mississippi, county and city governments,
non-governmental organizations and Tribal governments
collaborate to increase the number of conservation projects
for high priority wetland protection, restoration and enhancement.
NRCS easement programs are completely voluntary and allows
effective integration of wetland restoration on working landscapes,
providing benefits to farmers and producers who enroll in the
program, as well as benefits to their communities.
"USDA is committed to protecting and enhancing wetlands in
Mississippi and our nation," Kurt Readus, state conservationist
for Mississippi stated. "Wetlands are critical to water quality,
water quantity, our wildlife and our landscapes."
WREP partners match federal funding and technical assistance
to increase the support they can provide to eligible private
landowners interested in enrolling their eligible lands into
wetland easements. WREP is a special enrollment option
under the United States Department of Agriculture's
Agricultural Conservation Easement Program (ACEP).
"NRCS is looking to our partners for innovative project
proposals that will utilize our Farm Bill conservation funding.
This will allow us to expand our work on critical wetlands
and gain results that will make all participants proud,"
stated Readus.
Mississippi has approximately 178,300 acres of farmlands and
wetlands enrolled in NRCS easement programs. These programs
are structured to assist land owners to continue protecting
critical wetlands that are important to water supplies and
habitat to diverse wildlife and plant species.
Proposals must be submitted to the NRCS state office in
Jackson by May 16, 2016, more information is available on the
NRCS Agricultural Conservation Easement Program webpage.
#
Mississippi Power, Silicon Ranch break ground on new solar energy facility
HATTIESBURG, MS (WDAM) -
This is a news release from Mississippi Power.
Mississippi Power and Silicon Ranch Corporation, along with local officials
from the city of Hattiesburg, Forrest County and the Area Development
Partnership, held a groundbreaking ceremony for the state's largest solar
farm today in Hattiesburg.
When operational, the $100-million facility will generate 50 MW, enough
electricity to supply power to approximately 6,500 homes.
Members of the Mississippi Public Service Commission were also on hand for
the ceremony, held at the Lake Terrace Convention Center in Hattiesburg.
"This is the second of three major solar projects that have been approved
by the Public Service Commission, demonstrating Mississippi Power's
continuing commitment to cost-effective solar development," said
Mississippi Power President and CEO Anthony L. Wilson. "The Pine Belt
region is one of the hubs of economic development in the state and our
investments in renewable energy here will contribute to future growth."
"We are committed to having a well-balanced energy portfolio, and are proud
to work with Silicon Ranch, Forrest County, the city of Hattiesburg and the
Area Development Partnership to make that happen," Wilson added.
In May, Mississippi Power and Origis Energy will break ground on a 52-MW
utility-scale solar project in Sumrall. In March, Mississippi Power, the
U.S. Navy andHannah Solar broke ground on a 3-4 MW solar project at the
Naval Construction Battalion Center in Gulfport, Miss.
The Hattiesburg solar farm will be on 450 acres and will feature more than
600,000 solar panels. The project will create approximately 400 jobs during
construction.
"Silicon Ranch is proud to work with Mississippi Power, the city of
Hattiesburg, Forrest County, and the Area Development Partnership to bring
this important renewable energy project to south Mississippi," said Silicon
Ranch President and CEO Matt Kisber. "As long-term owners of this solar
project, as well as several others across Mississippi, we are excited about
the economic and environmental benefits it will bring to the community, the
surrounding region, and the state."
Silicon Ranch will fund, own, and operate the project and has selected
Strata Solar to build it. Mississippi Power will receive all the energy
produced at cost-competitive rates over the next 25 years. Mississippi
Power will also receive all associated renewable energy credits, which it
may use to either serve its customers with renewable energy, use for future
renewable energy programs, or sell at wholesale to third parties. The
solar project is slated to be complete by early 2017 and once operational,
the power will be placed on the Mississippi Power grid.
"The city of Hattiesburg is excited to partner with Silicon Ranch and
Mississippi Power to bring abundant, clean energy to the local grid," said
HattiesburgMayor Johnny DuPree. "This project diversifies our potential
energy fuel offerings and further enhances our reputation as a high-tech
community with a pro-business approach. We look forward to a long-standing
partnership on this solar energy facility."
Forrest County Board of Supervisors President David Hogan said, "Forrest
County has a long track record of aggressively attracting new investment
into our community. We are excited to welcome Silicon Ranch as our newest
corporate citizen and look forward to the solar farm generating 50 MW of
clean solar energy for our region."
The Hattiesburg facility will not replace other Mississippi Power
generating plants, but will have the capability to provide energy that will
help diversify the company's generation portfolio.
County Hires Attorneys For Lawsuit Against EnPro
North Mississippi Herald
By David Howell
WATER VALLEY – County supervisors voted unanimously to hire a group of
attorneys for a potential lawsuit against EnPro Industries following recent
scrutiny from the Mississippi Department of Environ-mental Quality (MDEQ)
of a decades old spill at the former Colt Industries /Holley Carburetor
site.
As a litigation matter, the vote was held in executive session during a
recessed meeting on April 11, but Board Attorney John Crow provided details
to the Herald about the case after the meeting.
"It will take a year to get it together, because of the thousands and
thousands of pages of records involved," Crow explained about the
litigation. Crow also said his firm, Crow Martin LLC has joined multiple
attorneys to jointly represent numerous plaintiffs including Yalobusha
County, Yalo-busha Health Services and a significant number of homeowners
who have property in the area affected by the spill of trichloroethylene
(TCE) at the BorgWarner site in 1988.
TCE is a non-flammable, colorless liquid used as a solvent for cleaning
metal parts. It is a common ground water contaminant, but can also vaporize
and migrate from ground water and through the soil into outside and indoor
air in a process called vapor intrusion. In February MDEQ tested multiple
sites for vapor intrusion in an area defined as a plume where levels of TCE
have been identified as the chemical has migrated north from the original
spill. The contaminated area could impact as many as 28 residences and 11
commercial buildings, including the property that encompasses the hospital,
nursing home and surrounding buildings. The area extends north from
BorgWarner and includes portions of South Main Street, Frostland Drive and
Champion Circle.
Crow identified the attorneys involved in case including Liston and Deas,
Grenada attorney Reid Stanford, Texas environmental law firm Ted B. Lyon
and Associates, Southaven attorney Craig Treadway and Crow Martin LLC.
"The hospital has got the same lawyers," Crow added.
Crow said his firm's involvement came after careful consideration when he
was approached by other attorneys involved in the case.
"I told them I was not going to sue BorgWarner. I am not going to be
involved in a suit like that. They said BorgWarner is not going to be
involved, it's EnPro Industries," Crow told the Herald, explaining that
EnPro assumed the liability for the site following multiple ownership
changes.
"If they file suit here and it is not removed, they want somebody here the
jury is going to know," Crow explained. "I expect to litigate and I want to
litigate because of my feelings about it," the attorney added, explaining
that county and hospital officials were not informed that earlier testing
revealed that TCE in the ground had continued to drift north of the
original spill.
"After they cleaned it up, in 2002 they did some more testing and knew it
was on the move. The county didn't hear anything about it and yet we spent
all of this money down there, especially the hospital," Crow said. "The
hospital is the biggest issue."
Crow said the ultimate goal is "to make the dirt safe." He also explained
initial work will include additional testing to ensure the plume is
properly identified with more testing scheduled this summer from an
independent firm hired by the plaintiff attorneys.
"The board was faced to spend their own money (general fund) and it would
bust the budget, or to go with these plaintiff attorneys," Crow added. He
also explained the group of attorneys have secured funding for the case and
will pay for all of the testing and legal fees in a contingency fee
arrangement with the lawyers receiving a portion of the settlement if they
win the case. In this arrangement, Crow said his firm will not bill the
county for work on the case, instead his firm will also receive
compensation if the lawsuit is successful.
Crow said that the entire process will likely take years.
"There is so much data and the work starts with piecing it all together,"
Crow added.
http://yalnews.com/v2/content.aspx?module=contentitem&ID=412565&MemberID=1175&Title=county-hires-attorneys-for-lawsuit-against-enpro&Postback=1
Oyster fishermen happy to be working the waters
WLOX
PASS CHRISTIAN, MS (WLOX) -It's been a tough season for Mississippi oyster
fishermen. However, they had reason to smile on Wednesday when two reef
areas re-opened.
http://www.wlox.com/story/31833466/oyster-fishermen-happy-to-be-working-the-waters
Millard Lake Project Being Considered
Picayune Item
http://www.picayuneitem.com/2016/04/supers-part-2-2/
Fire at MS Silicon in Tishomingo County
Daily Corinthian
BURNSVILLE -- A large, very active fire has been reported at Mississippi
Silicon in Burnsville.
http://www.dailycorinthian.com/view/full_story/27169513/article-BREAKING--Fire-at-MS-Silicon-in-Tishomingo-County
?
Ground broken for solar energy facility in Hattiesburg
Hattiesburg American
Local and state officials were on hand Wednesday for a ceremonial
groundbreaking of a new solar energy facility in Hattiesburg.
http://www.hattiesburgamerican.com/story/news/local/hattiesburg/2016/04/27/ground-broken-solar-energy-facility-hattiesburg/83559574/
Area law enforcement hosting prescription drug dropoff event
Madison County Journal
The Madison Police Department, Ridgeland Police Department, Madison County
Sheriff's Department, and the Madison/Rankin County District Attorney's
Office, in conjunction with Leadership Madison County's D4 Team, announce
"Take Back Your Meds" day on Saturday, April 30.
http://www.onlinemadison.com/Content/Default/News/Article/Area-law-enforcement-hosting-prescription-drug-dropoff-event/-3/592/37895
Oil Spill
Special BP session would be bad for Coast, Reeves said
Sun Herald
Lt. Gov. Tate Reeves said a special session to discuss spending $110
million in BP settlement money is a bad idea for the Coast.
http://www.sunherald.com/news/politics-government/article74289337.html
Six years after gulf oil spill, BP has gushed an average $25.5 million a
day to cover disaster
Tampa Bay Times
Remember the disastrous BP oil spill in the Gulf of Mexico? BP sure hasn't
forgotten, given that by this month's six-year anniversary, the giant
oil-exploration company has paid out $56 billion in costs related to the
spill.
http://web.tampabay.com/news/business/six-years-after-gulf-oil-spill-bp-has-gushed-an-average-of-255-million-a/2274896
Alabama Committee Passes BP Settlement Proposal
AP
The Alabama House budget committee has approved a compromise bill dividing
state settlement money from the BP oil spill, using the money to pay off
state debts and pay for road projects in coastal counties.
http://www.wtok.com/home/headlines/Alabama-Committee-Passes-BP-Settlement-Proposal-377321161.html
National
EPA advances state incentives despite hold on climate rule
The Hill
The Obama administration is moving forward with a state incentive program
related to its contentious climate change rule, even though the regulation
itself is on hold.
http://thehill.com/policy/energy-environment/277819-epa-moves-forward-with-climate-rule-state-incentives
EPA offers no timetable for methane rule at current drilling sites
The Hill
A top Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) official said regulations on
methane leaks from new oil and gas well is coming "soon" but sidestepped
questions on when a similar rule for existing wells will come out.
http://thehill.com/policy/energy-environment/277830-epa-offers-no-timetable-for-methane-rule-at-current-drilling-sites
VW to spend up to $8.8 billion on diesel buybacks, fixes
AP
RANKFURT, GERMANY
Volkswagen said Thursday it had set aside 7.8 billion euros ($8.8 billion)
to buy back or fix diesel-powered cars that had been rigged to cheat in
emissions tests.
http://www.sunherald.com/news/business/article74376912.html
Press Releases
USDA Seeks Partner Proposals to Protect and
Restore Critical Wetlands in Mississippi
Jackson, Miss. – The United States Department of Agriculture /
Natural Resources Conservation Service (NRCS), has funding
available to help eligible conservation partners leverage local
investments to provide technical and financial resources for
wetland protection and improvements on private and Tribal
agricultural lands. These wetland reserve easements allow
landowners to enhance and protect habitat for wildlife on
their lands, reduce impacts from flooding, recharge groundwater
and provide outdoor recreational and educational opportunities.
The Wetland Reserve Enhancement Partnership (WREP) is
one way Mississippi, county and city governments,
non-governmental organizations and Tribal governments
collaborate to increase the number of conservation projects
for high priority wetland protection, restoration and enhancement.
NRCS easement programs are completely voluntary and allows
effective integration of wetland restoration on working landscapes,
providing benefits to farmers and producers who enroll in the
program, as well as benefits to their communities.
"USDA is committed to protecting and enhancing wetlands in
Mississippi and our nation," Kurt Readus, state conservationist
for Mississippi stated. "Wetlands are critical to water quality,
water quantity, our wildlife and our landscapes."
WREP partners match federal funding and technical assistance
to increase the support they can provide to eligible private
landowners interested in enrolling their eligible lands into
wetland easements. WREP is a special enrollment option
under the United States Department of Agriculture's
Agricultural Conservation Easement Program (ACEP).
"NRCS is looking to our partners for innovative project
proposals that will utilize our Farm Bill conservation funding.
This will allow us to expand our work on critical wetlands
and gain results that will make all participants proud,"
stated Readus.
Mississippi has approximately 178,300 acres of farmlands and
wetlands enrolled in NRCS easement programs. These programs
are structured to assist land owners to continue protecting
critical wetlands that are important to water supplies and
habitat to diverse wildlife and plant species.
Proposals must be submitted to the NRCS state office in
Jackson by May 16, 2016, more information is available on the
NRCS Agricultural Conservation Easement Program webpage.
#
Mississippi Power, Silicon Ranch break ground on new solar energy facility
HATTIESBURG, MS (WDAM) -
This is a news release from Mississippi Power.
Mississippi Power and Silicon Ranch Corporation, along with local officials
from the city of Hattiesburg, Forrest County and the Area Development
Partnership, held a groundbreaking ceremony for the state's largest solar
farm today in Hattiesburg.
When operational, the $100-million facility will generate 50 MW, enough
electricity to supply power to approximately 6,500 homes.
Members of the Mississippi Public Service Commission were also on hand for
the ceremony, held at the Lake Terrace Convention Center in Hattiesburg.
"This is the second of three major solar projects that have been approved
by the Public Service Commission, demonstrating Mississippi Power's
continuing commitment to cost-effective solar development," said
Mississippi Power President and CEO Anthony L. Wilson. "The Pine Belt
region is one of the hubs of economic development in the state and our
investments in renewable energy here will contribute to future growth."
"We are committed to having a well-balanced energy portfolio, and are proud
to work with Silicon Ranch, Forrest County, the city of Hattiesburg and the
Area Development Partnership to make that happen," Wilson added.
In May, Mississippi Power and Origis Energy will break ground on a 52-MW
utility-scale solar project in Sumrall. In March, Mississippi Power, the
U.S. Navy andHannah Solar broke ground on a 3-4 MW solar project at the
Naval Construction Battalion Center in Gulfport, Miss.
The Hattiesburg solar farm will be on 450 acres and will feature more than
600,000 solar panels. The project will create approximately 400 jobs during
construction.
"Silicon Ranch is proud to work with Mississippi Power, the city of
Hattiesburg, Forrest County, and the Area Development Partnership to bring
this important renewable energy project to south Mississippi," said Silicon
Ranch President and CEO Matt Kisber. "As long-term owners of this solar
project, as well as several others across Mississippi, we are excited about
the economic and environmental benefits it will bring to the community, the
surrounding region, and the state."
Silicon Ranch will fund, own, and operate the project and has selected
Strata Solar to build it. Mississippi Power will receive all the energy
produced at cost-competitive rates over the next 25 years. Mississippi
Power will also receive all associated renewable energy credits, which it
may use to either serve its customers with renewable energy, use for future
renewable energy programs, or sell at wholesale to third parties. The
solar project is slated to be complete by early 2017 and once operational,
the power will be placed on the Mississippi Power grid.
"The city of Hattiesburg is excited to partner with Silicon Ranch and
Mississippi Power to bring abundant, clean energy to the local grid," said
HattiesburgMayor Johnny DuPree. "This project diversifies our potential
energy fuel offerings and further enhances our reputation as a high-tech
community with a pro-business approach. We look forward to a long-standing
partnership on this solar energy facility."
Forrest County Board of Supervisors President David Hogan said, "Forrest
County has a long track record of aggressively attracting new investment
into our community. We are excited to welcome Silicon Ranch as our newest
corporate citizen and look forward to the solar farm generating 50 MW of
clean solar energy for our region."
The Hattiesburg facility will not replace other Mississippi Power
generating plants, but will have the capability to provide energy that will
help diversify the company's generation portfolio.
Wednesday, April 27, 2016
News Clippings 4.27.16
State
Kemper to cost Mississippi Power another $61 million
AP
GULFPORT - Mississippi Power Co. will spend another $61 million on
its overrun-plagued Kemper County power plant, pushing its total
cost above $6.7 billion, the company said Tuesday.
http://www.clarionledger.com/story/business/2016/04/26/kemper-project-cost-mississippi-power-another-million/83574450/
This year's Trash Bash targets Harrison County
Sun Herald
Crews will be attacking litter next week during the 26th annual Trash Bash.
About 300 Mississippi Department of Transportation District 6 employees
will swarm along the highways in Harrison County May 5 for the annual
spring cleaning.
http://www.sunherald.com/latest-news/article74093747.html
Drug take-back event set for Saturday
Oxford Eagle
Instead of flushing or throwing out, residents will have the opportunity
this weekend to safely get rid of unused and unwanted medications.
http://www.oxfordeagle.com/2016/04/26/drug-take-back-event-set-for-saturday/
Report: Public health emergency prep lags
By Michaela Gibson Morris
Daily Journal
TUPELO – Despite making gains, Mississippi continues to lag in its capacity
to respond to public health emergencies, according to a new national
report.
http://djournal.com/news/report-public-health-emergency-prep-lags/
LAKE RELIEF: Corps opens Muddy Bayou gates to lower level at Eagle Lake
Vicksburg Post
The gate at the Muddy Bayou Control Structure has been opened by less than
a foot to begin reducing the level of Eagle Lake, a U.S. Army Corps of
Engineers Vicksburg District spokesman said.
http://www.vicksburgpost.com/2016/04/26/lake-relief-corps-opens-muddy-bayou-gates-to-lower-level-at-eagle-lake/
Transition beginning to get North Lee Water customers on Tupelo water
WTVA
TUPELO, Miss. (WTVA) — Tupelo has a plan to get residents in newly annexed
areas receiving city water instead of water from the North Lee Water
Association.
http://www.wtva.com/news/Transition_beginning_to_get_North_Lee_Water_customers_on_Tupelo_water.html
Oil Spill
Six years later, we're still learning how badly the BP spill damaged the
environment
Washington Post
Six years on, scientists are continuing to tally the ecological harms
caused by the deadly 2010 Deepwater Horizon oil spill in the Gulf of
Mexico.
https://www.washingtonpost.com/news/energy-environment/wp/2016/04/26/six-years-later-were-still-learning-how-badly-the-bp-spill-damaged-the-environment/
Regional
Regulators relax monitoring of decade-old Gulf oil leak
AP
Federal regulators have relaxed a pollution monitoring requirement for a
company responsible for a decade-old oil leak in the Gulf of Mexico, a
slow-motion spill that could last another century.
http://www.nola.com/environment/index.ssf/2016/04/regulators_relax_monitoring_of.html#incart_river_index
National
Murray Energy Continues Fight Against EPA's Emissions Rules
AP
Coal producer Murray Energy Corp. is challenging the U.S. Environmental
Protection Agency's final rule that targets mercury pollution from power
plants.
http://abcnews.go.com/US/wireStory/murray-energy-continues-fight-epas-emissions-rules-38686293
National parks facing stronger air pollution regs
The Hill
The Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) is proposing stronger air
pollution rules at national parks, but climate activists and
conservationists say it may be too little, too late for the great outdoors.
http://thehill.com/regulation/energy-environment/277680-national-parks-facing-stronger-air-pollution-regs
EPA launching new water infrastructure effort after Flint
The Hill
Federal regulators plan to begin working with state and local officials on
an assessment of drinking water infrastructure in the wake of the Flint,
Mich. crisis.
http://thehill.com/policy/energy-environment/277743-epa-launching-new-water-infrastructure-effort-after-flint
Senate unveils $9B waterways bill with aid for Flint
The Hill
The Senate unveiled a $9.4 billion waterways bill to boost U.S. ports,
waterways and clean water infrastructure on Tuesday that also provides
emergency assistance to address the drinking water crisis in Flint, Mich.,
where water from the Flint River corroded the city's pipes, contaminating
the water supply with lead.
http://thehill.com/policy/transportation/277667-senate-unveils-9b-waterways-bill-with-aid-for-flint
EPA orders Mitsubishi to conduct new vehicle testing
Reuters
The U.S. Environmental Protection Agency said on Tuesday it ordered
Mitsubishi Motors Corp to provide additional information and conduct new
tests of U.S. vehicles after the Japanese automaker's admission that it did
not properly follow fuel economy test procedures in Japan since 1991.
http://www.reuters.com/article/us-mitsubishimotors-usa-epa-idUSKCN0XN2OX
Opinion
The Auto Emissions Crackup
One more example of what an analyst calls 'sophisticated state failure.'
WSJ
By HOLMAN W. JENKINS, JR.
April 26, 2016 6:55 p.m. ET
As expected, Volkswagen's scandal over emissions cheating is spreading to
other car makers. Porsche, Audi, Mercedes and GM's Opel division in Germany
are recalling cars for failing emissions tests. In France, Renault and
Peugeot have been raided by police. Japan's Mitsubishi admitted on Tuesday
that it had been fudging mileage data for 25 years, putting the company's
survival in doubt.
http://www.wsj.com/articles/the-auto-emissions-crackup-1461711346
Kemper to cost Mississippi Power another $61 million
AP
GULFPORT - Mississippi Power Co. will spend another $61 million on
its overrun-plagued Kemper County power plant, pushing its total
cost above $6.7 billion, the company said Tuesday.
http://www.clarionledger.com/story/business/2016/04/26/kemper-project-cost-mississippi-power-another-million/83574450/
This year's Trash Bash targets Harrison County
Sun Herald
Crews will be attacking litter next week during the 26th annual Trash Bash.
About 300 Mississippi Department of Transportation District 6 employees
will swarm along the highways in Harrison County May 5 for the annual
spring cleaning.
http://www.sunherald.com/latest-news/article74093747.html
Drug take-back event set for Saturday
Oxford Eagle
Instead of flushing or throwing out, residents will have the opportunity
this weekend to safely get rid of unused and unwanted medications.
http://www.oxfordeagle.com/2016/04/26/drug-take-back-event-set-for-saturday/
Report: Public health emergency prep lags
By Michaela Gibson Morris
Daily Journal
TUPELO – Despite making gains, Mississippi continues to lag in its capacity
to respond to public health emergencies, according to a new national
report.
http://djournal.com/news/report-public-health-emergency-prep-lags/
LAKE RELIEF: Corps opens Muddy Bayou gates to lower level at Eagle Lake
Vicksburg Post
The gate at the Muddy Bayou Control Structure has been opened by less than
a foot to begin reducing the level of Eagle Lake, a U.S. Army Corps of
Engineers Vicksburg District spokesman said.
http://www.vicksburgpost.com/2016/04/26/lake-relief-corps-opens-muddy-bayou-gates-to-lower-level-at-eagle-lake/
Transition beginning to get North Lee Water customers on Tupelo water
WTVA
TUPELO, Miss. (WTVA) — Tupelo has a plan to get residents in newly annexed
areas receiving city water instead of water from the North Lee Water
Association.
http://www.wtva.com/news/Transition_beginning_to_get_North_Lee_Water_customers_on_Tupelo_water.html
Oil Spill
Six years later, we're still learning how badly the BP spill damaged the
environment
Washington Post
Six years on, scientists are continuing to tally the ecological harms
caused by the deadly 2010 Deepwater Horizon oil spill in the Gulf of
Mexico.
https://www.washingtonpost.com/news/energy-environment/wp/2016/04/26/six-years-later-were-still-learning-how-badly-the-bp-spill-damaged-the-environment/
Regional
Regulators relax monitoring of decade-old Gulf oil leak
AP
Federal regulators have relaxed a pollution monitoring requirement for a
company responsible for a decade-old oil leak in the Gulf of Mexico, a
slow-motion spill that could last another century.
http://www.nola.com/environment/index.ssf/2016/04/regulators_relax_monitoring_of.html#incart_river_index
National
Murray Energy Continues Fight Against EPA's Emissions Rules
AP
Coal producer Murray Energy Corp. is challenging the U.S. Environmental
Protection Agency's final rule that targets mercury pollution from power
plants.
http://abcnews.go.com/US/wireStory/murray-energy-continues-fight-epas-emissions-rules-38686293
National parks facing stronger air pollution regs
The Hill
The Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) is proposing stronger air
pollution rules at national parks, but climate activists and
conservationists say it may be too little, too late for the great outdoors.
http://thehill.com/regulation/energy-environment/277680-national-parks-facing-stronger-air-pollution-regs
EPA launching new water infrastructure effort after Flint
The Hill
Federal regulators plan to begin working with state and local officials on
an assessment of drinking water infrastructure in the wake of the Flint,
Mich. crisis.
http://thehill.com/policy/energy-environment/277743-epa-launching-new-water-infrastructure-effort-after-flint
Senate unveils $9B waterways bill with aid for Flint
The Hill
The Senate unveiled a $9.4 billion waterways bill to boost U.S. ports,
waterways and clean water infrastructure on Tuesday that also provides
emergency assistance to address the drinking water crisis in Flint, Mich.,
where water from the Flint River corroded the city's pipes, contaminating
the water supply with lead.
http://thehill.com/policy/transportation/277667-senate-unveils-9b-waterways-bill-with-aid-for-flint
EPA orders Mitsubishi to conduct new vehicle testing
Reuters
The U.S. Environmental Protection Agency said on Tuesday it ordered
Mitsubishi Motors Corp to provide additional information and conduct new
tests of U.S. vehicles after the Japanese automaker's admission that it did
not properly follow fuel economy test procedures in Japan since 1991.
http://www.reuters.com/article/us-mitsubishimotors-usa-epa-idUSKCN0XN2OX
Opinion
The Auto Emissions Crackup
One more example of what an analyst calls 'sophisticated state failure.'
WSJ
By HOLMAN W. JENKINS, JR.
April 26, 2016 6:55 p.m. ET
As expected, Volkswagen's scandal over emissions cheating is spreading to
other car makers. Porsche, Audi, Mercedes and GM's Opel division in Germany
are recalling cars for failing emissions tests. In France, Renault and
Peugeot have been raided by police. Japan's Mitsubishi admitted on Tuesday
that it had been fudging mileage data for 25 years, putting the company's
survival in doubt.
http://www.wsj.com/articles/the-auto-emissions-crackup-1461711346
Tuesday, April 26, 2016
News Clippings 4.26.16
State
Keith Huber Corp. of Gulfport is new member of enHance
Sun Herald
Keith Huber Corp. of Gulfport is a new associate member for Mississippi
Department of Environmental Quality's enHance program for the 2016 class.
http://www.sunherald.com/news/business/article73870462.html
Water Works Renews Its enHance Membership
Natchez Democrat
http://www.natchezdemocrat.com/2016/04/24/water-works-renews-its-enhance-membership/
Haworth in Bruce honored by MDEQ
Calhoun County Journal
Sandy Wright with Haworth, MDEQ Executive Director Gary Rikard and Eugenia
Bassillio of Haworth during the award presentation honoring the Bruce
company for its local conservation efforts.
http://www.calhouncountyjournal.com/haworth-in-bruce-honored-by-mdeq/
Water advisories not enough to scare away visitors to Harrison County beach
WLOX
GULFPORT, MS (WLOX) -Water in six different areas of Harrison County
beaches are unsafe to swim.
http://www.wdam.com/story/31803980/water-advisories-not-enough-to-scare-away-visitors-to-harrison-county-beach
Lawsuit: Ex-Madison County engineer overbilled
Clarion Ledger
Madison County has sued former county engineer Rudy Warnock and his
firm, alleging he is delaying projects by withholding designs and
other documents.
http://www.clarionledger.com/story/news/2016/04/25/lawsuit-former-madison-county-engineer-overbilled/83510502/
MEMA budget cuts: Counties will 'suffer' after disaster
Clarion Ledger
With 33 tornadoes already on the books this year, the Legislature
has cut the Mississippi Emergency Management Agency's budget again.
http://www.clarionledger.com/story/news/politics/2016/04/25/disasters-increasing-mema-funds-cut-half/83499828/
Forrest, Lamar counties host 'Right Way to Throw Away Day'
WDAM
HATTIESBURG, MS (WDAM) -Hundreds of Forrest County residents got rid of
their hazardous household waste in an environmentally-friendly way
Saturday.
http://www.wdam.com/story/31800518/forrest-lamar-counties-host-right-way-to-throw-away-day
Moss Point middle schoolers get up close with environment for Earth Day at
Audubon Center
Mississippi Press
MOSS POINT, Mississippi -- Well over 100 Moss Point middle school students
had an opportunity to get up close and personal with native plants, fish,
birds and even snakes during a Friday visit to the Pascagoula River Audubon
Center in recognition of Earth Day.
http://blog.gulflive.com/mississippi-press-news/2016/04/moss_point_middle_schoolers_ge.html#incart_river_index
Blue Planet's 'big day'
DeSoto Times-Tribune
The good earth is constantly spinning on its axis as the Blue Planet
twinkles among the billions and billions of stars in the Milky Way Galaxy.
http://www.desototimes.com/news/blue-planet-s-big-day/article_0f3696d8-0b2b-11e6-910d-abdde9594ae7.html
OHS now LEED green building certified
Oxford Eagle
The Oxford School District celebrated Earth Day in a big way today: school
district officials announced that Oxford High School has been awarded LEED
Silver under the LEED for Schools Rating System established by the U.S.
Green Building Council and verified by the Green Building Certification
Institute.
http://www.oxfordeagle.com/2016/04/25/ohs-now-leed-green-building-certified/
Gulfport resident representing Coast at UN climate summit
Sun Herald
Kathy Egland of Gulfport is representing South Mississippi on Friday at a
climate summit hosted by the United Nations in New York.
http://www.sunherald.com/latest-news/article73317077.html
Mississippi's national parks have $206M economic impact
Sun Herald
A new National Park Service report shows that 6.4 million visitors to
national parks in Mississippi spent $194.2 million in the state in 2015.
http://www.sunherald.com/news/business/article73870082.html
Oil Spill
Researchers Study Effects Of BP Oil In Gulf Fish
WGCU
Local scientists are studying the long-term effects of the 2010 BP
Deepwater Horizon oil spill in the Gulf of Mexico. It's part of an
international research project. It's been six years since more than
three-million barrels of oil poured into the gulf.
http://news.wgcu.org/post/researchers-study-effects-bp-oil-gulf-fish
BP Results Still Hurt by Gulf of Mexico Spill
Energy giant reports second consecutive quarterly loss, overshadowing
progress on cost cuts
WSJ
LONDON— BP PLC's fatal blowout in the Gulf of Mexico in 2010 continues to
haunt the company, helping to drag its quarterly earnings into a second
consecutive loss and overshadowing the British oil giant's progress on cost
cuts.
BP on Tuesday said its earnings took a $917 million hit in the first
quarter related to the Deepwater Horizon explosion that killed 11 workers
and caused a massive spill in the Gulf of Mexico, a disaster that changed
the course of the British oil giant and cost the company $56.4 billion to
date.
http://www.wsj.com/articles/bp-reports-first-quarter-pretax-loss-1461651961
Regional
Oil company agrees to pay $715,000 for Atchafalaya basin spills
Times-Picayune
A Louisiana oil company agreed Friday to pay $715,000 in fines and expenses
for spilling crude oil three times in the Atchafalaya River basin. The
agreement settles alleged violations of federal Clean Water Act and oil
spill prevention rules, and of Louisiana pollution laws, by ORB Exploration
LLC of Lafayette.
http://www.nola.com/environment/index.ssf/2016/04/oil_company_agrees_to_pay_7150.html#incart_river_index
Anglers benefit most from Louisiana decision to fast-track diversions
Times-Picayune
The state's Coastal Protection and Restoration Authority announced this
week it will pay the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers an extra $1.5 million to
fast-track permits related to construction of sediment diversions on either
side of the Mississippi River in Plaquemines Parish.
http://www.nola.com/outdoors/index.ssf/2016/04/anglers_benefit_most_from_loui.html#incart_river_index
Settlement provides $50.8 million to protect Ocoee River in Tennessee
AP
BENTON, Tenn. — The federal government said a subsidiary of Occidental
Petroleum Co. has agreed to spend $40 million to protect the Ocoee River
in southeastern Tennessee.
http://www.timesfreepress.com/news/local/story/2016/apr/22/company-agrees-pay-508-million-protect-ocoee-river-tennessee/361700/
National
EPA smog rule 'unachievable,' opponents say
The Hill
The Obama administration's new ozone rule fails to consider sources of
ozone pollution that are beyond states' control, opponents of the rule said
in court.
http://thehill.com/policy/energy-environment/277487-epa-smog-rule-unachievable-opponents-say
Long-Term Costs of Cutting Emissions Grow Hazy
Economic costs of hitting near-term targets appear modest, but modeling
grows less reliable further out
WSJ
The world's top officials just signed an agreement to slow the buildup of
planet-warming greenhouse-gas emissions. They have yet to grapple with the
cost of implementing it.
http://www.wsj.com/articles/long-term-costs-of-cutting-emissions-grow-hazy-1461515943
Coal Country's top lawyer takes on Obama's EPA
The Hill
Patrick Morrisey led something of a victory rally the day after the Supreme
Court shocked Washington and the energy industry by pausing President
Obama's landmark climate rule for power plants.
http://thehill.com/policy/energy-environment/277294-coal-countrys-top-lawyer-takes-on-obamas-epa
Missing Pesticide Data Frustrates Scientists
Bloomberg
Scientists on a panel convened by the Environmental Protection Agency to
look at new human health studies of a widely used insecticide expressed
frustration at the agency's lack of access to the studies' underlying data.
http://www.bna.com/missing-pesticide-data-n57982070249/
US Sen. John McCain calls for criminal probe into mine spill
AP
PHOENIX (AP) — U.S. Sen. John McCain on Friday called for a criminal
investigation into actions by the Environmental Protection Agency that led
to a mine spill polluting rivers in three Western states last summer.
http://bigstory.ap.org/article/350f835aed364f888cabc20f740a3c18/us-sen-john-mccain-calls-criminal-probe-mine-spill
Concern Grows Over Tainted Drinking Water
Vermont, New Hampshire and New York expand efforts to find out how much of
a potentially toxic chemical is in drinking water
WSJ
Officials in Vermont, New Hampshire and New York are expanding their
efforts to find out how much of a potentially toxic chemical ended up in
drinking water, from private wells to public water systems.
http://www.wsj.com/articles/concern-grows-over-tainted-drinking-water-1461606220
Press Releases
OP-ED: Take a Bite Out of Food Waste this Earth Day
By EPA Regional Administrator Heather McTeer Toney
This year's Earth Day theme, "Feed People, Not Landfills" is a powerful
reminder about the importance of preventing food waste. Did you know the
average family throws away $1,600 a year on wasted food—equating to over
400 pounds per person? In 2013, more than 37 million tons of food waste was
generated. Put another way: 31 percent of the available food supply went
uneaten.
Everyone can help reduce food waste, and the benefits—social, economic and
environmental—are great.
Wasted food is a social problem: In 2013, 14.3 percent of U.S. households
were food insecure at some time during the year. That is 48 million
Americans, of which 16 million are children, living in food insecure
households. Wholesome, nutritious food should feed people, not landfills.
Wasted food is an economic issue: It is estimated that at the retail and
consumer levels in the United States, food loss and waste totals $161
billion dollars.
Wasted food is an environmental problem: Food is the largest stream of
materials in American trash. Rotting food in landfills releases methane, a
powerful greenhouse gas 20 times more potent than carbon dioxide.
So what can you do to help your family reduce food waste, save money and
reduce your environmental impact? Most people don't realize how much food
they throw away every day — from uneaten leftovers to spoiled produce.
EPA's Food: Too Good to Waste Toolkit (
https://www.epa.gov/sustainable-management-food/food-too-good-waste-implementation-guide-and-toolkit
) can help you figure out how much food is really going to waste in your
home and what you can do to waste less.
By making small shifts in how you shop for, prepare, and store food, you
can save time and money, and keep the valuable resources used to produce
and distribute food from going to waste!
When you can't prevent wasted food, divert it from landfills. Nutritious,
safe and untouched food can be donated to food banks to help those in need.
Compost food scraps rather than throwing them away.
To spread EPA's message about the importance of preventing food waste, I
plan to observe Earth Day this year at the Mississippi Valley State
University's campus in Itta Bena, Miss., close to where I was born and
raised in Greenville, where I will share information about EPA's Food
Recovery Challenge.
As part of the Food Recovery Challenge, organizations pledge to improve
their sustainable food management practices and report their results. Any
business or organization can join as a participant or endorser. Learn more
at:
https://www.epa.gov/sustainable-management-food/food-recovery-challenge-frc
After the program at MVSU, volunteers from the local Boys & Girls Club will
gather to plant a community food garden. Gardens are a powerful driver of
change in the communities they serve because they provide access to fresh,
healthy food along with beautiful places for residents to gather and work
toward positive goals.
I encourage you to serve at an Earth Day event in your community and start
doing what you can today and every day to reduce food waste. Small steps
add up—if we all do our part.
Let's commit ourselves, our families, and our communities to work toward a
brighter environmental future for our state, the Southeast region, the
nation and the planet.
Keith Huber Corp. of Gulfport is new member of enHance
Sun Herald
Keith Huber Corp. of Gulfport is a new associate member for Mississippi
Department of Environmental Quality's enHance program for the 2016 class.
http://www.sunherald.com/news/business/article73870462.html
Water Works Renews Its enHance Membership
Natchez Democrat
http://www.natchezdemocrat.com/2016/04/24/water-works-renews-its-enhance-membership/
Haworth in Bruce honored by MDEQ
Calhoun County Journal
Sandy Wright with Haworth, MDEQ Executive Director Gary Rikard and Eugenia
Bassillio of Haworth during the award presentation honoring the Bruce
company for its local conservation efforts.
http://www.calhouncountyjournal.com/haworth-in-bruce-honored-by-mdeq/
Water advisories not enough to scare away visitors to Harrison County beach
WLOX
GULFPORT, MS (WLOX) -Water in six different areas of Harrison County
beaches are unsafe to swim.
http://www.wdam.com/story/31803980/water-advisories-not-enough-to-scare-away-visitors-to-harrison-county-beach
Lawsuit: Ex-Madison County engineer overbilled
Clarion Ledger
Madison County has sued former county engineer Rudy Warnock and his
firm, alleging he is delaying projects by withholding designs and
other documents.
http://www.clarionledger.com/story/news/2016/04/25/lawsuit-former-madison-county-engineer-overbilled/83510502/
MEMA budget cuts: Counties will 'suffer' after disaster
Clarion Ledger
With 33 tornadoes already on the books this year, the Legislature
has cut the Mississippi Emergency Management Agency's budget again.
http://www.clarionledger.com/story/news/politics/2016/04/25/disasters-increasing-mema-funds-cut-half/83499828/
Forrest, Lamar counties host 'Right Way to Throw Away Day'
WDAM
HATTIESBURG, MS (WDAM) -Hundreds of Forrest County residents got rid of
their hazardous household waste in an environmentally-friendly way
Saturday.
http://www.wdam.com/story/31800518/forrest-lamar-counties-host-right-way-to-throw-away-day
Moss Point middle schoolers get up close with environment for Earth Day at
Audubon Center
Mississippi Press
MOSS POINT, Mississippi -- Well over 100 Moss Point middle school students
had an opportunity to get up close and personal with native plants, fish,
birds and even snakes during a Friday visit to the Pascagoula River Audubon
Center in recognition of Earth Day.
http://blog.gulflive.com/mississippi-press-news/2016/04/moss_point_middle_schoolers_ge.html#incart_river_index
Blue Planet's 'big day'
DeSoto Times-Tribune
The good earth is constantly spinning on its axis as the Blue Planet
twinkles among the billions and billions of stars in the Milky Way Galaxy.
http://www.desototimes.com/news/blue-planet-s-big-day/article_0f3696d8-0b2b-11e6-910d-abdde9594ae7.html
OHS now LEED green building certified
Oxford Eagle
The Oxford School District celebrated Earth Day in a big way today: school
district officials announced that Oxford High School has been awarded LEED
Silver under the LEED for Schools Rating System established by the U.S.
Green Building Council and verified by the Green Building Certification
Institute.
http://www.oxfordeagle.com/2016/04/25/ohs-now-leed-green-building-certified/
Gulfport resident representing Coast at UN climate summit
Sun Herald
Kathy Egland of Gulfport is representing South Mississippi on Friday at a
climate summit hosted by the United Nations in New York.
http://www.sunherald.com/latest-news/article73317077.html
Mississippi's national parks have $206M economic impact
Sun Herald
A new National Park Service report shows that 6.4 million visitors to
national parks in Mississippi spent $194.2 million in the state in 2015.
http://www.sunherald.com/news/business/article73870082.html
Oil Spill
Researchers Study Effects Of BP Oil In Gulf Fish
WGCU
Local scientists are studying the long-term effects of the 2010 BP
Deepwater Horizon oil spill in the Gulf of Mexico. It's part of an
international research project. It's been six years since more than
three-million barrels of oil poured into the gulf.
http://news.wgcu.org/post/researchers-study-effects-bp-oil-gulf-fish
BP Results Still Hurt by Gulf of Mexico Spill
Energy giant reports second consecutive quarterly loss, overshadowing
progress on cost cuts
WSJ
LONDON— BP PLC's fatal blowout in the Gulf of Mexico in 2010 continues to
haunt the company, helping to drag its quarterly earnings into a second
consecutive loss and overshadowing the British oil giant's progress on cost
cuts.
BP on Tuesday said its earnings took a $917 million hit in the first
quarter related to the Deepwater Horizon explosion that killed 11 workers
and caused a massive spill in the Gulf of Mexico, a disaster that changed
the course of the British oil giant and cost the company $56.4 billion to
date.
http://www.wsj.com/articles/bp-reports-first-quarter-pretax-loss-1461651961
Regional
Oil company agrees to pay $715,000 for Atchafalaya basin spills
Times-Picayune
A Louisiana oil company agreed Friday to pay $715,000 in fines and expenses
for spilling crude oil three times in the Atchafalaya River basin. The
agreement settles alleged violations of federal Clean Water Act and oil
spill prevention rules, and of Louisiana pollution laws, by ORB Exploration
LLC of Lafayette.
http://www.nola.com/environment/index.ssf/2016/04/oil_company_agrees_to_pay_7150.html#incart_river_index
Anglers benefit most from Louisiana decision to fast-track diversions
Times-Picayune
The state's Coastal Protection and Restoration Authority announced this
week it will pay the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers an extra $1.5 million to
fast-track permits related to construction of sediment diversions on either
side of the Mississippi River in Plaquemines Parish.
http://www.nola.com/outdoors/index.ssf/2016/04/anglers_benefit_most_from_loui.html#incart_river_index
Settlement provides $50.8 million to protect Ocoee River in Tennessee
AP
BENTON, Tenn. — The federal government said a subsidiary of Occidental
Petroleum Co. has agreed to spend $40 million to protect the Ocoee River
in southeastern Tennessee.
http://www.timesfreepress.com/news/local/story/2016/apr/22/company-agrees-pay-508-million-protect-ocoee-river-tennessee/361700/
National
EPA smog rule 'unachievable,' opponents say
The Hill
The Obama administration's new ozone rule fails to consider sources of
ozone pollution that are beyond states' control, opponents of the rule said
in court.
http://thehill.com/policy/energy-environment/277487-epa-smog-rule-unachievable-opponents-say
Long-Term Costs of Cutting Emissions Grow Hazy
Economic costs of hitting near-term targets appear modest, but modeling
grows less reliable further out
WSJ
The world's top officials just signed an agreement to slow the buildup of
planet-warming greenhouse-gas emissions. They have yet to grapple with the
cost of implementing it.
http://www.wsj.com/articles/long-term-costs-of-cutting-emissions-grow-hazy-1461515943
Coal Country's top lawyer takes on Obama's EPA
The Hill
Patrick Morrisey led something of a victory rally the day after the Supreme
Court shocked Washington and the energy industry by pausing President
Obama's landmark climate rule for power plants.
http://thehill.com/policy/energy-environment/277294-coal-countrys-top-lawyer-takes-on-obamas-epa
Missing Pesticide Data Frustrates Scientists
Bloomberg
Scientists on a panel convened by the Environmental Protection Agency to
look at new human health studies of a widely used insecticide expressed
frustration at the agency's lack of access to the studies' underlying data.
http://www.bna.com/missing-pesticide-data-n57982070249/
US Sen. John McCain calls for criminal probe into mine spill
AP
PHOENIX (AP) — U.S. Sen. John McCain on Friday called for a criminal
investigation into actions by the Environmental Protection Agency that led
to a mine spill polluting rivers in three Western states last summer.
http://bigstory.ap.org/article/350f835aed364f888cabc20f740a3c18/us-sen-john-mccain-calls-criminal-probe-mine-spill
Concern Grows Over Tainted Drinking Water
Vermont, New Hampshire and New York expand efforts to find out how much of
a potentially toxic chemical is in drinking water
WSJ
Officials in Vermont, New Hampshire and New York are expanding their
efforts to find out how much of a potentially toxic chemical ended up in
drinking water, from private wells to public water systems.
http://www.wsj.com/articles/concern-grows-over-tainted-drinking-water-1461606220
Press Releases
OP-ED: Take a Bite Out of Food Waste this Earth Day
By EPA Regional Administrator Heather McTeer Toney
This year's Earth Day theme, "Feed People, Not Landfills" is a powerful
reminder about the importance of preventing food waste. Did you know the
average family throws away $1,600 a year on wasted food—equating to over
400 pounds per person? In 2013, more than 37 million tons of food waste was
generated. Put another way: 31 percent of the available food supply went
uneaten.
Everyone can help reduce food waste, and the benefits—social, economic and
environmental—are great.
Wasted food is a social problem: In 2013, 14.3 percent of U.S. households
were food insecure at some time during the year. That is 48 million
Americans, of which 16 million are children, living in food insecure
households. Wholesome, nutritious food should feed people, not landfills.
Wasted food is an economic issue: It is estimated that at the retail and
consumer levels in the United States, food loss and waste totals $161
billion dollars.
Wasted food is an environmental problem: Food is the largest stream of
materials in American trash. Rotting food in landfills releases methane, a
powerful greenhouse gas 20 times more potent than carbon dioxide.
So what can you do to help your family reduce food waste, save money and
reduce your environmental impact? Most people don't realize how much food
they throw away every day — from uneaten leftovers to spoiled produce.
EPA's Food: Too Good to Waste Toolkit (
https://www.epa.gov/sustainable-management-food/food-too-good-waste-implementation-guide-and-toolkit
) can help you figure out how much food is really going to waste in your
home and what you can do to waste less.
By making small shifts in how you shop for, prepare, and store food, you
can save time and money, and keep the valuable resources used to produce
and distribute food from going to waste!
When you can't prevent wasted food, divert it from landfills. Nutritious,
safe and untouched food can be donated to food banks to help those in need.
Compost food scraps rather than throwing them away.
To spread EPA's message about the importance of preventing food waste, I
plan to observe Earth Day this year at the Mississippi Valley State
University's campus in Itta Bena, Miss., close to where I was born and
raised in Greenville, where I will share information about EPA's Food
Recovery Challenge.
As part of the Food Recovery Challenge, organizations pledge to improve
their sustainable food management practices and report their results. Any
business or organization can join as a participant or endorser. Learn more
at:
https://www.epa.gov/sustainable-management-food/food-recovery-challenge-frc
After the program at MVSU, volunteers from the local Boys & Girls Club will
gather to plant a community food garden. Gardens are a powerful driver of
change in the communities they serve because they provide access to fresh,
healthy food along with beautiful places for residents to gather and work
toward positive goals.
I encourage you to serve at an Earth Day event in your community and start
doing what you can today and every day to reduce food waste. Small steps
add up—if we all do our part.
Let's commit ourselves, our families, and our communities to work toward a
brighter environmental future for our state, the Southeast region, the
nation and the planet.
Friday, April 22, 2016
News Clippings 4.22.16
State
MDEQ Recognizes 2016 enHance Members
WTVA
JACKSON, Miss.) -- The Mississippi Department of Environmental Quality
(MDEQ) Thursday accepted three new members and eight renewal memberships
into its enHance program for the 2016 class. The recognition was part of
the annual workshop and awards luncheon held in
Jacksonhttp://www.wtva.com/news/local/MDEQ_Recognizes_2016_enHance_Members.html
MDEQ lifts two water contact advisories, but issues another
WLOX
SOUTH MISSISSIPPI (WLOX) -Thursday the Mississippi Department of
Environmental Quality lifted two of six water contact advisories for the
Mississippi Sound.
http://www.wlox.com/story/31784139/mdeq-lifts-two-water-contact-advisorie-but-five-other-sections-of-water-still-not-safe-for-swimming
Utility Authority to seek additional funding for sewer work
Picayune Item
http://www.picayuneitem.com/2016/04/utility-authority-to-seek-additional-funding-for-more-sewer-work/
Cooperation needed in Barnett bass study
Clarion Ledger
More than 500 largemouth bass have been tagged in Ross Barnett
Reservoir as a part of a study, but according to the biologist
overseeing the project, data collection by anglers has been less
than ideal.
http://www.clarionledger.com/story/sports/2016/04/21/fish-barnett-bass-study/83339000/
3 good reasons to clear out your hazardous waste this weekend
Sun Herald
GAUTIER -- First, it's Earth Day.
So what better way to protect the environment and celebrate Earth Day than
to plan now to deliver half-empty paint cans, waste oil and gasoline that's
contaminated to the old Singing River Mall site on Saturday.
http://www.sunherald.com/news/local/counties/jackson-county/article73119352.html
Parkway students learn about environment ahead of Earth Day
By Emma Crawford Kent
Daily Journal
TUPELO – Malak Rayyan might only be in the second grade, but she feels
strongly that recycling is important.
http://djournal.com/news/parkway-students-learn-environment-ahead-earth-day/
Safe drug disposal next Saturday in Houston
WTVA
HOUSTON, Miss. (WTVA) – Here's a chance to turn in unused or expired
medication for safe disposal.
http://www.wtva.com/news/Safe_drug_disposal_next_Saturday_in_Houston.html
Oil Spill
Restore Mississippi Sound lobbies for higher water quality
WLOX
GULFPORT, MS (WLOX) -Some of the BP settlement money needs to be spent on
improving water quality in the Mississippi Sound. That's the message from
an environmental group that gathered on the beach in Gulfport Thursday
afternoon.
http://www.wlox.com/story/31787926/restore-mississippi-sound-lobbies-for-higher-water-quality
A cleaner Mississippi Sound with BP money is group's rallying cry
Sun Herald
GULFPORT -- Sometimes simple is the most powerful.
The message at Thursday's Restore Mississippi Sound rally on the beach was
use the BP recovery money to clean up the water of the Mississippi Sound.
http://www.sunherald.com/news/local/counties/jackson-county/article73205187.html
Group: Spend BP money to clean Mississippi Sound
Sun Herald
Video
http://www.sunherald.com/news/local/article73212872.html
Mississippi Legislature out, but special BP money session possible
Sun Herald
Coast lawmakers hope to get a special legislative session to try to bring
another $110 million in BP settlement money back to the Coast.
http://www.sunherald.com/news/politics-government/politics-columns-blogs/crawdaddy/article73054577.html
Update on Gulf ecosystem 6 years after BP oil disaster
WMNF
One question that remains six years after the BP oil disaster in the Gulf
of Mexico is how the use of dispersants affected the Gulf ecosystem. To
find out, Thursday morning WMNF News interviewed David Hollander, a
professor of chemical oceanography at the University of South Florida
College of Marine Science. He was chief scientist on several of the first
studies of the BP disaster. His team tracked oil in the water and sediments
and how it affected the ecosystem.
http://www.wmnf.org/update-gulf-ecosystem-6-years-bp-oil-disaster/
BP money in St. Petersburg to be spent on bikes, but not sewers — yet
Tampa Bay Times
ST. PETERSBURG — Rental bikes or better sewers?
The City Council decided Thursday it had enough cash from its multimillion
dollar settlement with energy giant BP to pay for both.
http://web.tampabay.com/news/bp-money-to-be-spent-on-sewers-and-bikes-in-st-petersburg/2274233
Regional
Turner stepping down from Georgia's top environmental post
Atlanta Business Chronicle
The head of Georgia's Environmental Protection Division is stepping down in
June, Gov. Nathan Deal announced Thursday.
http://www.bizjournals.com/atlanta/news/2016/04/21/turner-stepping-down-from-georgias-top.html
National
Leaders Roll Up Sleeves on Climate, but Experts Say Plans Don't Pack a
Wallop
NY Times
An airport hangar outside Paris shook with cheers, toasts and
foot-stomping in December as diplomats ushered a landmark climate
agreementinto existence. On Friday morning, world leaders will
gather again at theUnited Nations for a grand ceremony to sign the
document.
http://www.nytimes.com/2016/04/22/science/united-nations-paris-climate-change-document.html?rref=collection%2Fsectioncollection%2Fearth&action=click&contentCollection=earth®ion=rank&module=package&version=highlights&contentPlacement=2&pgtype=sectionfront&_r=0
Senate measure to stop Obama water rule fails
The Hill
Senate Democrats on Thursday blocked a Republican effort to prevent further
spending on an Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) rule designed to
establish federal regulatory control over small waterways.
http://thehill.com/policy/energy-environment/277134-senate-measure-to-stop-obama-water-rule-fails
Owners of half million polluting VWs can sell them back, under settlement
AP
SAN FRANCISCO — The owners of nearly half a million polluting Volkswagens
in the U.S. will have the option of selling them back to the company or
getting them repaired at VW's expense, under a deal announced Thursday by a
federal judge.
http://www.nola.com/environment/index.ssf/2016/04/owners_of_half_million_polluti.html#incart_river_index
Daimler shares slide on U.S. emissions investigation
Reuters
Daimler (DAIGn.DE) shares fell more than five percent on Friday, hit by
news that the United States Department of Justice had asked the carmaker to
investigate its emissions certification process for vehicles including its
Mercedes brand.
http://www.reuters.com/article/us-daimler-emissions-idUSKCN0XJ0X0
Opinion
EPA recognizes Cardinals for reducing environmental footprint
St. Louis Post-Dispatch
As we celebrate Earth Day on April 22, we set aside time to also celebrate
improving the environment in St. Louis.
http://www.stltoday.com/news/opinion/epa-recognizes-cardinals-for-reducing-environmental-footprint/article_9cb4c583-b89b-5143-8506-27a7b3bbf3eb.html
Press Releases
Apr 21 2016
Wicker Votes to Defund EPA's Water Rule
Senate Democrats Again Block Efforts to Stop Federal Overreach
WASHINGTON – U.S. Senator Roger Wicker, R-Miss., today voted for an
amendment to defund the "waters of the U.S." (WOTUS) rule. The proposal,
authored by Sen. John Hoeven, R-N.D., was blocked by Senate Democrats from
being included in the Energy and Water Appropriations bill, which is
currently being considered by the chamber.
"Despite claims from the President's allies in Congress, this massive
federal overreach is not about making water cleaner or safer," Wicker said.
"In fact, this power grab would have hardly any environmental benefit at
all. Instead, it could have a far-reaching impact on the livelihoods of
Mississippi farmers, ranchers, and property owners. Property rights and
economic development would be at the mercy of Washington bureaucrats with
new authority over small ponds and even drainage ditches. Americans do not
deserve this unnecessary red tape."
In October 2015, the U.S. Court of Appeals for the Sixth Circuit ordered a
nationwide stay of the rule pending further judicial proceedings. It found
that the rulemaking process was likely "facially suspect" and that the
regulation itself was out of step with Supreme Court precedent.
In November 2015, Wicker voted in favor of the "Federal Water Quality
Protection Act," S. 1140. That measure would have directed EPA and the Army
Corps to issue a revised WOTUS rule to protect traditional navigable water
and wetlands from water pollution, while also protecting farmers, ranchers,
and private landowners. Although the proposal received 57 votes in the
Senate, it did not reach the 60-vote threshold needed to proceed because of
Democratic opposition.
The final "waters of the U.S." rule extends federal jurisdiction under the
"Clean Water Act" to irrigation ditches, isolated ponds, prairie potholes,
and other non-navigable waters. If implemented, it would force farmers,
ranchers, families, home builders, manufacturers, state and local
governments, small businesses, and other property owners to seek permission
from the federal government before beginning any activity remotely related
to water.
http://www.wicker.senate.gov/public/index.cfm/2016/4/wicker-votes-to-defund-epa-s-water-rule
EPA Celebrates SmartWay Affiliates that Support Cleaner Freight
WASHINGTON – The U.S. Environmental Protection Agency is honoring seven
affiliates for raising awareness about the benefits of sustainable goods
movement as part of the 2016 SmartWay Affiliate Challenge. SmartWay
affiliates participating in this year's challenge have done outstanding
work reaching out to inform and educate businesses, their communities,
truck drivers and other stakeholders about steps they can take to reduce
freight emissions and their other environmental impacts.
"EPA commends the Affiliate Challenge honorees for their commitment,
enthusiasm, and creativity in supporting our shared goals for sustainable
transportation," said Christopher Grundler, director of EPA's Office of
Transportation and Air Quality. "Their work is helping advance more
sustainable systems for delivering freight, reducing its climate change
impacts and improving air quality."
Transportation is the fastest growing source of greenhouse gas emissions in
the U.S., accounting for close to 30 percent of greenhouse gas emissions
annually. Freight delivery accounts for nearly 40 percent of those
emissions.
EPA's SmartWay Transport Partnership empowers businesses to move goods in
the cleanest, most energy-efficient way possible to protect public health
and reduce the emissions that contribute to climate change. Demonstration
of a commitment to corporate sustainability and social responsibility
through SmartWay provides for a more competitive and environmentally
friendly business environment.
Since 2004, SmartWay Partners have avoided emitting more than 72 million
metric tons of the carbon pollution that contributes to climate change,
while saving more than 170 million barrels of oil and more than $24 billion
in fuel costs. SmartWay also contributes to cleaner air and healthier
citizens by significantly reducing emissions of the pollution that
contributes to smog.
The 2016 SmartWay Affiliate Challenge Honorees are:
American Trucking Associations
Environmental Defense Fund
North Central Texas Council of Governments
Penske Truck Leasing
Retail Industry Leaders Association
Specialty Graphic Industry Association
Wisconsin Clean Cities
For more information on SmartWay: http://www.epa.gov/smartway/
MDEQ Recognizes 2016 enHance Members
WTVA
JACKSON, Miss.) -- The Mississippi Department of Environmental Quality
(MDEQ) Thursday accepted three new members and eight renewal memberships
into its enHance program for the 2016 class. The recognition was part of
the annual workshop and awards luncheon held in
Jacksonhttp://www.wtva.com/news/local/MDEQ_Recognizes_2016_enHance_Members.html
MDEQ lifts two water contact advisories, but issues another
WLOX
SOUTH MISSISSIPPI (WLOX) -Thursday the Mississippi Department of
Environmental Quality lifted two of six water contact advisories for the
Mississippi Sound.
http://www.wlox.com/story/31784139/mdeq-lifts-two-water-contact-advisorie-but-five-other-sections-of-water-still-not-safe-for-swimming
Utility Authority to seek additional funding for sewer work
Picayune Item
http://www.picayuneitem.com/2016/04/utility-authority-to-seek-additional-funding-for-more-sewer-work/
Cooperation needed in Barnett bass study
Clarion Ledger
More than 500 largemouth bass have been tagged in Ross Barnett
Reservoir as a part of a study, but according to the biologist
overseeing the project, data collection by anglers has been less
than ideal.
http://www.clarionledger.com/story/sports/2016/04/21/fish-barnett-bass-study/83339000/
3 good reasons to clear out your hazardous waste this weekend
Sun Herald
GAUTIER -- First, it's Earth Day.
So what better way to protect the environment and celebrate Earth Day than
to plan now to deliver half-empty paint cans, waste oil and gasoline that's
contaminated to the old Singing River Mall site on Saturday.
http://www.sunherald.com/news/local/counties/jackson-county/article73119352.html
Parkway students learn about environment ahead of Earth Day
By Emma Crawford Kent
Daily Journal
TUPELO – Malak Rayyan might only be in the second grade, but she feels
strongly that recycling is important.
http://djournal.com/news/parkway-students-learn-environment-ahead-earth-day/
Safe drug disposal next Saturday in Houston
WTVA
HOUSTON, Miss. (WTVA) – Here's a chance to turn in unused or expired
medication for safe disposal.
http://www.wtva.com/news/Safe_drug_disposal_next_Saturday_in_Houston.html
Oil Spill
Restore Mississippi Sound lobbies for higher water quality
WLOX
GULFPORT, MS (WLOX) -Some of the BP settlement money needs to be spent on
improving water quality in the Mississippi Sound. That's the message from
an environmental group that gathered on the beach in Gulfport Thursday
afternoon.
http://www.wlox.com/story/31787926/restore-mississippi-sound-lobbies-for-higher-water-quality
A cleaner Mississippi Sound with BP money is group's rallying cry
Sun Herald
GULFPORT -- Sometimes simple is the most powerful.
The message at Thursday's Restore Mississippi Sound rally on the beach was
use the BP recovery money to clean up the water of the Mississippi Sound.
http://www.sunherald.com/news/local/counties/jackson-county/article73205187.html
Group: Spend BP money to clean Mississippi Sound
Sun Herald
Video
http://www.sunherald.com/news/local/article73212872.html
Mississippi Legislature out, but special BP money session possible
Sun Herald
Coast lawmakers hope to get a special legislative session to try to bring
another $110 million in BP settlement money back to the Coast.
http://www.sunherald.com/news/politics-government/politics-columns-blogs/crawdaddy/article73054577.html
Update on Gulf ecosystem 6 years after BP oil disaster
WMNF
One question that remains six years after the BP oil disaster in the Gulf
of Mexico is how the use of dispersants affected the Gulf ecosystem. To
find out, Thursday morning WMNF News interviewed David Hollander, a
professor of chemical oceanography at the University of South Florida
College of Marine Science. He was chief scientist on several of the first
studies of the BP disaster. His team tracked oil in the water and sediments
and how it affected the ecosystem.
http://www.wmnf.org/update-gulf-ecosystem-6-years-bp-oil-disaster/
BP money in St. Petersburg to be spent on bikes, but not sewers — yet
Tampa Bay Times
ST. PETERSBURG — Rental bikes or better sewers?
The City Council decided Thursday it had enough cash from its multimillion
dollar settlement with energy giant BP to pay for both.
http://web.tampabay.com/news/bp-money-to-be-spent-on-sewers-and-bikes-in-st-petersburg/2274233
Regional
Turner stepping down from Georgia's top environmental post
Atlanta Business Chronicle
The head of Georgia's Environmental Protection Division is stepping down in
June, Gov. Nathan Deal announced Thursday.
http://www.bizjournals.com/atlanta/news/2016/04/21/turner-stepping-down-from-georgias-top.html
National
Leaders Roll Up Sleeves on Climate, but Experts Say Plans Don't Pack a
Wallop
NY Times
An airport hangar outside Paris shook with cheers, toasts and
foot-stomping in December as diplomats ushered a landmark climate
agreementinto existence. On Friday morning, world leaders will
gather again at theUnited Nations for a grand ceremony to sign the
document.
http://www.nytimes.com/2016/04/22/science/united-nations-paris-climate-change-document.html?rref=collection%2Fsectioncollection%2Fearth&action=click&contentCollection=earth®ion=rank&module=package&version=highlights&contentPlacement=2&pgtype=sectionfront&_r=0
Senate measure to stop Obama water rule fails
The Hill
Senate Democrats on Thursday blocked a Republican effort to prevent further
spending on an Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) rule designed to
establish federal regulatory control over small waterways.
http://thehill.com/policy/energy-environment/277134-senate-measure-to-stop-obama-water-rule-fails
Owners of half million polluting VWs can sell them back, under settlement
AP
SAN FRANCISCO — The owners of nearly half a million polluting Volkswagens
in the U.S. will have the option of selling them back to the company or
getting them repaired at VW's expense, under a deal announced Thursday by a
federal judge.
http://www.nola.com/environment/index.ssf/2016/04/owners_of_half_million_polluti.html#incart_river_index
Daimler shares slide on U.S. emissions investigation
Reuters
Daimler (DAIGn.DE) shares fell more than five percent on Friday, hit by
news that the United States Department of Justice had asked the carmaker to
investigate its emissions certification process for vehicles including its
Mercedes brand.
http://www.reuters.com/article/us-daimler-emissions-idUSKCN0XJ0X0
Opinion
EPA recognizes Cardinals for reducing environmental footprint
St. Louis Post-Dispatch
As we celebrate Earth Day on April 22, we set aside time to also celebrate
improving the environment in St. Louis.
http://www.stltoday.com/news/opinion/epa-recognizes-cardinals-for-reducing-environmental-footprint/article_9cb4c583-b89b-5143-8506-27a7b3bbf3eb.html
Press Releases
Apr 21 2016
Wicker Votes to Defund EPA's Water Rule
Senate Democrats Again Block Efforts to Stop Federal Overreach
WASHINGTON – U.S. Senator Roger Wicker, R-Miss., today voted for an
amendment to defund the "waters of the U.S." (WOTUS) rule. The proposal,
authored by Sen. John Hoeven, R-N.D., was blocked by Senate Democrats from
being included in the Energy and Water Appropriations bill, which is
currently being considered by the chamber.
"Despite claims from the President's allies in Congress, this massive
federal overreach is not about making water cleaner or safer," Wicker said.
"In fact, this power grab would have hardly any environmental benefit at
all. Instead, it could have a far-reaching impact on the livelihoods of
Mississippi farmers, ranchers, and property owners. Property rights and
economic development would be at the mercy of Washington bureaucrats with
new authority over small ponds and even drainage ditches. Americans do not
deserve this unnecessary red tape."
In October 2015, the U.S. Court of Appeals for the Sixth Circuit ordered a
nationwide stay of the rule pending further judicial proceedings. It found
that the rulemaking process was likely "facially suspect" and that the
regulation itself was out of step with Supreme Court precedent.
In November 2015, Wicker voted in favor of the "Federal Water Quality
Protection Act," S. 1140. That measure would have directed EPA and the Army
Corps to issue a revised WOTUS rule to protect traditional navigable water
and wetlands from water pollution, while also protecting farmers, ranchers,
and private landowners. Although the proposal received 57 votes in the
Senate, it did not reach the 60-vote threshold needed to proceed because of
Democratic opposition.
The final "waters of the U.S." rule extends federal jurisdiction under the
"Clean Water Act" to irrigation ditches, isolated ponds, prairie potholes,
and other non-navigable waters. If implemented, it would force farmers,
ranchers, families, home builders, manufacturers, state and local
governments, small businesses, and other property owners to seek permission
from the federal government before beginning any activity remotely related
to water.
http://www.wicker.senate.gov/public/index.cfm/2016/4/wicker-votes-to-defund-epa-s-water-rule
EPA Celebrates SmartWay Affiliates that Support Cleaner Freight
WASHINGTON – The U.S. Environmental Protection Agency is honoring seven
affiliates for raising awareness about the benefits of sustainable goods
movement as part of the 2016 SmartWay Affiliate Challenge. SmartWay
affiliates participating in this year's challenge have done outstanding
work reaching out to inform and educate businesses, their communities,
truck drivers and other stakeholders about steps they can take to reduce
freight emissions and their other environmental impacts.
"EPA commends the Affiliate Challenge honorees for their commitment,
enthusiasm, and creativity in supporting our shared goals for sustainable
transportation," said Christopher Grundler, director of EPA's Office of
Transportation and Air Quality. "Their work is helping advance more
sustainable systems for delivering freight, reducing its climate change
impacts and improving air quality."
Transportation is the fastest growing source of greenhouse gas emissions in
the U.S., accounting for close to 30 percent of greenhouse gas emissions
annually. Freight delivery accounts for nearly 40 percent of those
emissions.
EPA's SmartWay Transport Partnership empowers businesses to move goods in
the cleanest, most energy-efficient way possible to protect public health
and reduce the emissions that contribute to climate change. Demonstration
of a commitment to corporate sustainability and social responsibility
through SmartWay provides for a more competitive and environmentally
friendly business environment.
Since 2004, SmartWay Partners have avoided emitting more than 72 million
metric tons of the carbon pollution that contributes to climate change,
while saving more than 170 million barrels of oil and more than $24 billion
in fuel costs. SmartWay also contributes to cleaner air and healthier
citizens by significantly reducing emissions of the pollution that
contributes to smog.
The 2016 SmartWay Affiliate Challenge Honorees are:
American Trucking Associations
Environmental Defense Fund
North Central Texas Council of Governments
Penske Truck Leasing
Retail Industry Leaders Association
Specialty Graphic Industry Association
Wisconsin Clean Cities
For more information on SmartWay: http://www.epa.gov/smartway/
Thursday, April 21, 2016
News Clippings 04/20/2015
State
USM hosts Earth Fair
City OKs resolution for Kuhn plan
1st Day Out Against Litter deemed a success
Hattiesburg American
http://www.hattiesburgamerican.com/story/news/local/lamar-county/2016/04/19/1st-day-out-against-litter-deemed-success/83225120/
County seeks emergency planning grant money
By Caleb Bedillion
ALGIX to celebrate Earth Day with open house
Meridian Star
CMR denies Jackson County's request for 1-mile menhaden fishing limit
State, DMR soliciting vendors to provide new ferry service to Deer Island
Fish sniffing dog cracks down on fillet smuggling
LOCAL CASINO WANTS TO SAVE ON ENERGY
Oil Spill
BP Settles With Cal Dive Over Deepwater Horizon Spill
Regional
National
Criminal charges today in Flint water crisis
Detroit Free Press
http://www.freep.com/story/news/local/michigan/flint-water-crisis/2016/04/19/criminal-charges-coming-wednesday-flint-water-crisis/83251574/
VW resists move for trial instead of EPA settlement
Adjusting to life, and leaner wallets, after the gas boom
Opinion
Press Releases
Agency Proposes Cuts to Radon Program in Favor of Climate Change Rule
Secretary Jewell Offers Vision for Next 100 Years of Conservation in America
WASHINGTON – In remarks at the National Geographic Society and released early on Medium, U.S. Secretary of the Interior Sally Jewell today laid out a vision for actions the nation can take to build upon America’s rich conservation legacy and pass on healthy public lands and waters to the next generation.
USM hosts Earth Fair
WDAM
ATTIESBURG, MS (WDAM) -Southern Miss students got some lessons in recycling and sustainability during an Earth Week event at Shoemaker Square Tuesday.
An Earth Fair featured several environmental organizations, including the Mississippi Department of Environmental Quality, the Mississippi Recycling Coalition and the Mississippi Sierra Club.
City OKs resolution for Kuhn plan
Vicksburg Post
The door to implementing an urban renewal plan city officials hope will eventually transform the Kuhn Hospital property into a multipurpose residential/commercial area is now open.
…Acquiring the 12.8-acre property at 1422 Martin Luther King Jr. Boulevard is essential if the city is to get a low-interest $250,000 state Brownfields CAP loan from the Mississippi Department of Environmental Quality to begin taking the three buildings on the site down.http://www.vicksburgpost.com/2016/04/19/city-oks-resolution-for-kuhn-plan/
1st Day Out Against Litter deemed a success
Hattiesburg American
Lamar County officials say the first Day Out Against Litter was a success with more than 100 bags of trash collected.
http://www.hattiesburgamerican.com/story/news/local/lamar-county/2016/04/19/1st-day-out-against-litter-deemed-success/83225120/
County seeks emergency planning grant money
By Caleb Bedillion
Daily Journal
TUPELO – Lee County will once again seek a grant to help emergency management officials prepare for possible chemical spills.http://djournal.com/news/county-seeks-emergency-planning-grant-money/
ALGIX to celebrate Earth Day with open house
Meridian Star
ALGIX, a local biotechnology company, will host its second annual Earth Day celebration from noon to 4 p.m. Friday at its headquarters in the Sonny Montgomery Industrial Park at 5168 Water Tower Road in Meridian. http://www.meridianstar.com/news/algix-to-celebrate-earth-day-with-open-house/article_d51b9648-06a6-11e6-a2c3-4f1dcb731391.html
CMR denies Jackson County's request for 1-mile menhaden fishing limit
Sun Herald
BILOXI -- The Mississippi Commission on Marine Resources denied Jackson County's request to limit menhaden fishing to at least a mile off the county's mainland.
State, DMR soliciting vendors to provide new ferry service to Deer Island
Mississippi Press
BILOXI, Mississippi -- The Secretary of State's office and the Mississippi Department of Marine Resources (DMR) have begun the process to find vendors who will provide ferry service to the new $360,000 Deer Island public pier.http://blog.gulflive.com/mississippi-press-news/2016/04/state_dmr_solicing_vendors_to.html#incart_river_index
Fish sniffing dog cracks down on fillet smuggling
WLOX
BILOXI, MS (WLOX) -He's a specially trained English cocker spaniel that sniffs out fish fillets. That's right, fish fillets.
http://www.wlox.com/story/31762143/fish-sniffing-dog-cracks-down-on-fillet-smuggling
http://www.wlox.com/story/31762143/fish-sniffing-dog-cracks-down-on-fillet-smuggling
LOCAL CASINO WANTS TO SAVE ON ENERGY
WXXV
LED lights use only a fraction of the energy a normal light bulb uses, saving energy and benefiting the environment.http://www.wxxv25.com/2016/04/19/local-casino-wants-to-save-on-energy/
Oil Spill
BP Oil Spill Trashed More Shoreline Than Scientists Thought
National Geographic
National Geographic
The largest oil spill in U.S. history was even bigger than previously thought, at least in terms of the amount of coastline that was oiled, scientists report in a new study. The findings shed new light onto the BP Deepwater Horizon disaster in the Gulf of Mexico, which began six years ago Wednesday.http://news.nationalgeographic.com/2016/04/160420-bp-oil-spill-shoreline-affected-deepwater-horizon-anniversary/
BP Settles With Cal Dive Over Deepwater Horizon Spill
BP agrees to pay $3.5 million to Cal Dive, which filed for bankruptcy protection last year
WSJ
WSJ
BP PLC has agreed to pay Cal Dive International Inc. more than $3.5 million for damages tied to the Deepwater Horizon oil spill, which six years ago spewed millions of barrels of oil into the Gulf of Mexico and triggered a six-month drilling moratorium.http://www.wsj.com/articles/bp-settles-with-cal-dive-over-deepwater-horizon-spill-1461096865
Regional
Knox County air quality OK with EPA, but American Lung Association report gives it an ‘F’
Knoxville News Sentinel
The American Lung Association gives Knox County an 'F' grade in air quality.
But Knox County's director of air quality management, Lynne Liddington, said one letter doesn't tell the whole story.
National
Senators hit Obama’s EPA budget request
The Hill
The Hill
Members of both parties took aim at President Obama’s budget request for the Environmental Protection Agency during a Senate hearing Tuesday.
Criminal charges today in Flint water crisis
Detroit Free Press
LANSING — Michigan Attorney General Bill Schuette will announce criminal charges today in connection with his ongoing investigation of the Flint drinking water crisis, three sources familiar with the investigation told the Free Press on Tuesday.
http://www.freep.com/story/news/local/michigan/flint-water-crisis/2016/04/19/criminal-charges-coming-wednesday-flint-water-crisis/83251574/
VW resists move for trial instead of EPA settlement
Reuters
Volkswagen (VOWG_p.DE) is resisting a demand from U.S. plaintiffs to go to trial rather than settle its diesel emissions case with government regulators, according to a court filing, as it braces for a crucial court hearing on Thursday.http://www.reuters.com/article/us-volkswagen-emissions-court-idUSKCN0XH0ZV
Adjusting to life, and leaner wallets, after the gas boom
AP
TOWANDA, Pa. — Jami Patel spends long hours behind the front desk of a nearly empty motel, desperate for someone, anyone, to check in. Hardly anyone ever does, not since the once-booming natural gas industry pulled up stakes amid a prolonged, severe slump in energy prices.
Opinion
CCA is telling fish tales about Omega Protein
Sun Herald
FORUM BY KENNY HEBERT JR., OMEGA PROTEIN
On April 2, the Sun Herald published an op-ed from the spokesman of the Coastal Conservation Association -- Mississippi, F.J. Eicke ("A most important fish raises need for public scrutiny"), that was filled with more holes than a fisherman's net. Sadly, time and time again, Mr. Eicke has demonstrated dismissiveness toward sustainable fisheries and the hardworking men and women of Mississippi's commercial fishing industry.
Press Releases
Apr 19 2016
Agency Proposes Cuts to Radon Program in Favor of Climate Change Rule
WASHINGTON – U.S. Senator Roger Wicker, R-Miss., today questioned Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) Administrator Gina McCarthy about the agency’s proposal to cut $8 million from the State Indoor Radon Grant Program, effectively shutting it down. At the same time, the agency is requesting $235 million in funding for its so-called “Clean Power Plan.”
Analysis from EPA shows that radon causes an estimated 21,000 lung cancer deaths annually in the United States. By contrast, the agency indicates that the power plan rule would avoid 6,600 premature deaths annually by 2030.
“The core mission of EPA is to protect human health and the environment,” Wicker said. “Taking money away from efforts to combat known threats such as indoor radon would be inefficient, when there are some 21,000 lung cancer deaths attributed to radon each year. It appears the agency is ignoring real environmental threats in favor of climate change and unknown benefits.”
Wicker’s comments were made during a Senate Environment and Public Works Committee hearing to examine EPA’s FY 2017 budget request.
The Supreme Court recently issued a stay on the Administration’s Clean Power Plan pending further judicial review. Administrator McCarthy is on record saying that the Supreme Court’s action does not prevent the agency from continuing to work on the rule.
Last November, Wicker voted in support of two measures aimed at blocking implementation of EPA’s costly rule. Specifically, the bills would have reversed the Administration’s restrictive regulations for new and existing coal-fired power plants. Under the “Congressional Review Act” (CRA), Congress can overturn actions by a federal agency following the formal publication and submission of a rule to Congress.
Although state compliance with the “Clean Power Plan” is not required until 2022, EPA set a September 2016 deadline for states to submit a plan to comply with the rule. The U.S. Court of Appeals is not likely to issue a ruling on the legality of the rules until months after it hears oral arguments, which begin on June 2, 2016.
Secretary Jewell Offers Vision for Next 100 Years of Conservation in America
WASHINGTON – In remarks at the National Geographic Society and released early on Medium, U.S. Secretary of the Interior Sally Jewell today laid out a vision for actions the nation can take to build upon America’s rich conservation legacy and pass on healthy public lands and waters to the next generation.
The Secretary delivered the remarks during National Park Week to help mark the 100th birthday of the National Park Service. During the speech, Jewell called for a “course correction” for conservation that includes inspiring all Americans from all backgrounds to connect with public lands; implementing smart, landscape-level planning to support healthy ecosystems and sustainable development; and greater investments in national parks and public lands to prepare for the next century of conservation.
During her remarks, Jewell also announced that the federal government will undertake a first-of-its-kind study to analyze the impact outdoor recreation has on the nation’s economy. The Commerce Department’s Bureau of Economic Analysis feasibility study will present detailed and defensible data on the importance of outdoor recreation as a distinct component of the economy that can help inform decision making and management of public lands and waters.
“By producing credible data on the tangible economic benefits of public lands, we can help the public and Members of Congress better understand the benefits of investing in them,” Jewell said. “Industry estimates show that consumer spending for outdoor recreation is greater than household utilities and pharmaceuticals combined – and yet the federal government has never fully recognized or quantified these benefits. This project is the start of a multi-year effort to count these contributions in a comprehensive and impartial way.”
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