Oil Spill
$114M from BP aims to curb beach pollution, restore habitat
Sun Herald
BILOXI
Gov. Phil Bryant on Tuesday announced plans to begin replacing sewer and storm-water lines that contribute to beach closures; buy up property around Graveline and Grand bayous for conservation and public use; purchase a private oyster hatchery near Perkinston; and much more with $114 million from the BP oil catastrophe.
http://www.sunherald.com/news/local/article114870148.html
15 projects announced for RESTORE Act funds
WLOX
Video
http://www.wlox.com/clip/12902154/15-projects-announced-for-restore-act-funds
Restoration Summit draws residents from across the coast
WLOX
Video
http://www.wlox.com/clip/12901790/restoration-summit-draws-residents-from-across-the-coast
LIST: 15 projects announced for RESTORE Act funds
WLOX
BILOXI, MS (WLOX) -Governor Phil Bryant came to South Mississippi on Tuesday to make a big announcement.
http://www.wlox.com/story/33714678/list-15-projects-announced-for-restore-act-funds
PLANS FOR $114 MILLION IN BP MONEY
WXXV
With more than $114 million in BP settlement, 15 restoration projects are on the horizon for Mississippi. Governor Phil Bryant announced the projects at the Coast Coliseum in Biloxi today.
http://www.wxxv25.com/2016/11/15/plans-114-million-bp-money/
South Mississippi to receive $114 million in BP Oil settlement money
Mississippi Press
BILOXI, Miss. -- Gov. Phil Bryant announced on Tuesday that Mississippi will be receiving more than $114 million in BP Oil Spill funds for 15 coastal restoration projects.
http://blog.gulflive.com/mississippi-press-news/2016/11/south_mississippi_to_receive_1.html
Mississippi gets $114M in oil spill money for projects
AP
NEW ORLEANS — The five Gulf states are getting nearly $370 million for 24 projects to restore natural resources damaged by the massive 2010 oil spill, the National Fish and Wildlife Foundation announced Tuesday.
http://www.clarionledger.com/story/news/2016/11/15/mississippi-oil-spill-money/93916390/
With $114M to spend, BP oil spill Gulf restoration begins
Mississippi Today
BILOXI — More than 150 state and federal agencies, environmental nonprofits, elected officials and others met in Biloxi Tuesday to learn more about restoring the Mississippi Gulf Coast after the 2010 BP oil spill and the funding streams that bolster them.
https://mississippitoday.org/2016/11/15/with-114m-to-spend-bp-oil-spill-gulf-restoration-begins/
Governor announces restoration projects, three will impact Hancock County
Sea Coast Echo
Governor Phil Bryant on Tuesday announced 15 restoration projects targeting water quality improvement, marine resources and land acquisition for conservation.
http://www.seacoastecho.com/article_10358.shtml#.WCxRkbLx7IU
Mississippi is taking water-cleanup ideas from everywhere
Sun Herald
BILOXI
Trevor Perry, who scored 30 on his ACT, submitted his ideas on how to clean the water that runs off highways and yards along the Coast, before it gets into the Mississippi Sound.
http://www.sunherald.com/news/local/counties/jackson-county/article115009448.html
Gulf States Receiving Nearly $370M For 24 Restoration Projects
AP
NEW ORLEANS (AP) — The five Gulf states are receiving nearly $370 million for 24 projects to restore natural resources damaged by the huge 2010 oil spill, the National Fish and Wildlife Foundation announced Tuesday.
http://dfw.cbslocal.com/2016/11/15/gulf-states-receiving-nearly-370m-for-24-restoration-projects/
 | dfw.cbslocal.com The five Gulf states are receiving nearly $370 million for 24 projects to restore natural resources damaged by the huge 2010 oil spill. | |
Gulf states get $370M in oil spill funds to restore wetlands
AP
NEW ORLEANS (AP) — Five Gulf states still seeking to restore their coastal waters and habitats after the devastating oil spill of 2010 will divvy up nearly $370 million for an array of projects that will create new wetlands, restore fisheries, aid sea turtles and more.
http://www.seattletimes.com/business/gulf-states-get-370m-in-oil-spill-funds-to-restore-wetlands/
Alabama Gulf projects approved for $63 million in oil spill funds
Al.com
The National Fish and Wildlife Foundation has approved $63 million for six Alabama projects as part of a restoration and conservation plan resulting from the 2010 Deepwater Horizon oil spill, Gov. Robert Bentley's office announced.
http://www.al.com/news/birmingham/index.ssf/2016/11/alabama_gulf_projects_approved.html
$245 million from BP added to Louisiana river diversion projects
Times-Picayune
Louisiana will receive more than $245 million in BP oil disaster money to advance work on two sediment diversion projects along the Mississippi River and a third project to move more freshwater from the Atchafalaya River Basin into Terrebonne Basin wetlands, officials with the National Fish and Wildlife Foundation and the state announced Tuesday (Nov. 15).
http://www.nola.com/environment/index.ssf/2016/11/245_million_in_bp_spill_money.html
Florida gets $32M more in oil spill money
News Herald
PANAMA CITY — Florida will receive $32 million for four projects aimed at restoring natural resources damaged by the 2010 oil spill, the National Fish and Wildlife Foundation (NFWF) announced Tuesday.
http://www.newsherald.com/news/20161115/florida-gets-32m-more-in-oil-spill-money
BP Deepwater Horizon oil in land-animal food chain
BBC
http://www.bbc.com/news/science-environment-37988438
State
Millions of tax dollars spent on wastewater plans, but city has little to show
WDAM
HATTIESBURG, MS (WDAM) -Hattiesburg city leaders have tried to find a way to treat and dispose of the city's wastewater for almost a decade, but after years of disagreement between the city council and the mayor and millions of tax dollars spent, leaders have little to show for it.
MISS. SCIENTISTS LOOK FOR SOLUTION TO HAZARDOUS ALGAE BLOOMS
MPB
LARGE, HAZARDOUS ALGAE BLOOMS ARE CROPPING UP MORE AND MORE AROUND THE COUNTRY. THE GREEN, FOUL-SMELLING SLIME CAN AFFECT EVERYTHING FROM SMALL FISHING PONDS TO RIVERS AND RESERVOIRS, EVEN GREAT LAKES. AND THE EVENTS ARE SO TOXIC THEY'VE BEEN KNOWN TO CAUSE SERIOUS HEALTH RISK INCLUDING LUNG AND KIDNEY PROBLEMS IN HUMANS AND DEATHS IN ANIMALS, BUT SOME SCIENTISTS IN MISSISSIPPI ARE WORKING ON A SOLUTION.
BILOXI BAY REEFS REOPEN WEDNESDAY
WXXV
Good news fishermen, the oyster reefs in the Biloxi Bay will reopen tomorrow morning.
Excessive rainfall caused the reefs to close on November 9th. Officials with the Department of Marine Resources say that the body of water is now back to normal after reviewing recent water samples.
http://www.wxxv25.com/2016/11/15/biloxi-bay-reefs-reopen-wednesday/
CMR reconsiders closing recreational speckled trout season
WLOX
PASCAGOULA, MS (WLOX) -The Commission on Marine Resources on Tuesday reconsidered its earlier proposal to close speckled trout season for three months next year. Plenty of negative feedback from recreational fishermen prompted the CMR to back down.
http://www.wlox.com/story/33716685/cmr-reconsiders-closing-recreational-speckled-trout-season
Two sections of the Mississippi Sound now under Water Contact Advisories
WLOX
HARRISON COUNTY, MS (WLOX) -The Mississippi Department of Environmental Quality issued a water contact advisory Tuesday afternoon for waters off Biloxi East Central Beach from St. Peter Street east to Dukate Street.
No injuries in Vardaman explosion
WTVA
VARDAMAN, Miss. (WTVA) - Emergency crews rushed to the scene of an explosion at Furniture Wood Inc. Tuesday.
http://www.wtva.com/news/Sawdust_collector_catches_fire_at_Furniture_Wood_Inc_.html
Report warns against further Kemper subsidies by Congress
AP
JACKSON, MISS.
A new report released Tuesday warns Congress against tax changes that could subsidize Mississippi Power Co.'s Kemper County power plant by an additional $700 million to $4.5 billion.
http://www.sunherald.com/news/business/article114847048.html
Bryant budget: More for schools but cuts for many agencies
AP
JACKSON – Mississippi Gov. Phil Bryant is proposing higher spending for foster care and K-12 education in the coming year.
http://djournal.com/news/bryant-budget-schools-cuts-many-agencies/
Regional
Hundreds hospitalized in Southeast fires
CNN
More than 200 people have been hospitalized with breathing difficulties in Tennessee as wildfires scorched across the Southeast.
http://www.cnn.com/2016/11/16/health/southern-wildfires-hospitalizations/index.html
National
Trump looks to Bush-era for new head of U.S. environmental agency
Reuters
President-elect Donald Trump's short-list of contenders to head the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency includes two current energy industry lobbyists who held leading roles there under Republican President George W. Bush, according to two sources with knowledge of the list.
http://www.reuters.com/article/us-usa-trump-epa-idUSKBN13A2HC
Feds target methane leaks on public land
The Hill
Regulators have finalized a rule cracking down on methane leaks at natural gas drilling sites on federal land.
http://thehill.com/policy/energy-environment/306100-feds-target-methane-leaks-on-public-land
IEA Sees Peak Oil Demand After 2040
Demand will keep rising for longer because there are scant alternatives to oil, says group's chief Fatih Birol
WSJ
Global oil demand won't stop growing before 2040 despite pledges made at the Paris climate change summit last year to cap greenhouse-gas emissions, the head of the International Energy Agency said.
http://www.wsj.com/articles/iea-seespeak-oil-demand-after-2040-1479283354
EPA approves parts of Washington clean-water plan
AP
SEATTLE (AP) — The Environmental Protection Agency on Tuesday finalized water-quality rules for Washington state tied partly to how much fish people eat, approving some aspects of the state's plan but deciding in many cases to set stricter limits than the state had wanted.
New regs for Wednesday: Dolphins, renewable fuels, debt collection
The Hill
Fuel: The Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) is proposing changes to the renewable fuels standard.
http://thehill.com/regulation/306052-new-regs-for-wednesday-dolphins-renewable-fuels-debt-collection
Opinion
How to spend BP money on the right things
Sun Herald
Gov. Phil Bryant says zero sounds like an acceptable number of beach closures on the Coast.
http://www.sunherald.com/opinion/editorials/article114931948.html
Press Releases
Deepwater Horizon Oil Shows Up in Sparrows
BATON ROUGE – Scientists have identified the first evidence of Deepwater Horizon oil in a land animal - the Seaside Sparrow. The scientists analyzed the diet and feathers of sparrows collected more than a year after the oil spill. The birds that were captured in habitats that were exposed to the oil had a different chemical signature in their tissues than the birds that were found in areas of the marsh that were not exposed to the oil. The scientists' results show that the oil from the Deepwater Horizon oil spill was incorporated into the prey and feathers of the exposed birds.
"We know that carbon from oil entered the offshore and nearshore food webs as demonstrated for plankton, fish and filter feeders. But this is the first demonstration that carbon from oil was also integrated into a terrestrial vertebrate species, the Seaside Sparrow," said LSU School of Renewable Natural Resources Associate Professor Sabrina Taylor.
The Seaside Sparrow is a year-round resident of Louisiana marshes. This new study suggests that direct exposure to the toxic oil may have been detrimental to the birds' reproductive success.
"These results suggest that the differences we have observed in sparrow gene expression and reproductive success between oiled and unoiled sites may be caused by direct toxicological effects not just habitat degradation or loss of prey species," she said.
The researchers encourage further studies on the effect of the oil spill on terrestrial species.
"We tend to think of terrestrial ecosystems as safe from oil contamination. However, the boundary between marine and terrestrial ecosystems is much less defined than we assume. Species that live at the boundary are not only vulnerable to the toxic effects of oil, but they can also be responsible for the transport of oil into the terrestrial food webs. Future risk and damage assessments should incorporate an evaluation of the potential threat to terrestrial wildlife from oiling operations and oil spills," said Andrea Bonisoli Alquati, a professor of environmental toxicology in the Department of Biological Sciences at Cal Poly Pomona and the lead author of the study.
This research by scientists from the LSU School of Renewable Natural Resources, the LSU Department of Oceanography and Coastal Sciences, the Cal Poly Pomona Department of Biological Sciences and Austin Peay State University Department Biology was published today in Environmental Research Letters.
Additional Link:
Incorporation of Deepwater Horizon oil in a terrestrial bird, Environmental Research Letters: http://iopscience.iop.org/article/10.1088/1748-9326/11/11/114023
http://www.lsu.edu/mediacenter/news/2016/11/15rnr_taylor_sparrows.php
Biloxi Bay oyster reefs to reopen Wednesday, Nov. 16
BILOXI, Miss. – Oyster reefs in the Biloxi Bay will reopen at legal sunrise Wednesday, Nov. 16, officials with the Mississippi Department of Marine Resources said Tuesday.
The reefs were closed Wednesday, Nov. 9, after excessive rainfall, but water samples taken by MDMR staff showed that the reefs could be reopened.
Oyster fishermen began tonging for oysters on the Biloxi Bay reefs on Nov. 1, something that had not happened since 1962.
At the Commission on Marine Resources meeting Nov. 15, commissioners voted to open reefs in the western portion of the Mississippi Sound from Thursday, Nov. 17, through Tuesday, Nov. 22.
EPA Celebrates America Recycles Day and the 750,000 Jobs Supported by Recycling
WASHINGTON - Today, in honor of America Recycles Day, the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) is releasing significant findings on the economic benefits of the recycling industry with an update to the national Recycling Economic Information (REI) Study. This study analyzes the numbers of jobs, wages and tax revenues attributed to recycling.
Recycling is a key element of Sustainable Materials Management (SMM), a systemic approach to using and reusing materials more productively over their entire life cycles. SMM represents a global shift in the use of natural resources and environmental protection. America's recycling and reuse activities accounted for 757,000 jobs, produced $36.6 billion in wages and generated $6.7 billion in tax revenues in 2007, based on the most recent census data. This equates to 1.57 jobs for every 1,000 tons of materials recycled. For this update, the Agency used a revised waste input-output methodology that focuses on the life cycle of materials, and defining recycling.
"Recycling is not only an asset to our environmental and social goals, but a boost to our economy," said Mathy Stanislaus, Assistant Administrator to the Office of Land and Emergency Management. "America's great strides toward prioritizing recycling are evident. We've educated our communities, citizens and businesses to recycle more, quadrupling our recycling rate since 1976 and creating a more sustainable world."
The national recycling rate has more than quadrupled from 7 to 34 percent since 1976, and the slogan Reduce, Reuse, Recycle has become a well-used phrase in American life. Recycling bins are now common in our homes, schools and work places; restaurants are composting their food waste and businesses are working with communities to offer consumers reuse and recycling opportunities. As we continue to reduce, reuse and recycle, we are evolving our resource conservation efforts to use materials in the most productive way, with an emphasis on using less and advancing a circular economy. The Organization for Economic Cooperation and Development predicts that global demand for materials will increase by more than 35 percent over the next 15 years, reaching 100 billion metric tons per year. One half to three quarters of annual raw material inputs to industrial economies are returned as waste to the environment within a year.
Americans can continue to lift the national economy by recognizing the value of materials and improving their recycling practices. In honor of today's celebration, President Obama signed a proclamation to celebrate how far our nation has come and to urge all Americans to continue finding new ways to reduce, reuse and recycle. This America Recycles Day, EPA encourages everyone make a difference for the environment and incorporate more recycling into their daily routines. EPA is launching the Materials Management Wizard to make it easier for individuals and organizations to find EPA sustainability tools and resources: https://www.epa.gov/sustainability/mwiz.
The Agency provides a variety of resources to help citizens and businesses get involved:
At Home:
- Donate and recycle your used electronics: https://www.epa.gov/recycle/electronics-donation-and-recycling
- Learn how to recycle common household items and calculate how much energy recycling saves: https://epa.gov/recycle
- Recycle used oil from your vehicle's recent tune up: https://www.epa.gov/recycle/managing-reusing-and-recycling-used-oil
- Read more about what you can do to reduce waste: https://www.epa.gov/recycle/reducing-waste-what-you-can-do
For Businesses:
- Join EPA's WasteWise program: https://www.epa.gov/smm/wastewise
- Track your organization's waste and materials use with the Energy Star Portfolio Manager: https://www.energystar.gov/buildings/owners_and_managers/existing_buildings/use_portfolio_manager/track_waste_materials
For Teachers and Parents:
- Share the "Story of Reuse" to spread the word about the benefits of reducing, reusing and recycling: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=VyzQkL1jCAg
- Teach your children and students to create less waste with Planet Protector activities: https://www.epa.gov/students/planet-protectors-activities-kids
To read the Presidential Proclamation: https://www.whitehouse.gov/the-press-office/2016/11/14/presidential-proclamation-america-recycles-day-2016
To read the Recycling Economic Information (REI) Study: https://www.epa.gov/smm/recycling-economic-information-rei-report
Sent: Friday, November 4, 2016 6:37 AM
To: Robbie Wilbur
Subject: News Clippings 11/4/16
State
CATFISH FARMERS FEELING THE EFFECTS OF THE DROUGHT
WCBI
MACON, Miss. (WCBI)-Catfish is a major source of income for many area farmers, and one of the most important factors to consider in the industry is water quality.
http://www.wcbi.com/video-catfish-farmers-feeling-effects-drought/
Oil Spill
Worrisome plan for BP money emerges far from Mississippi Coast
Sun Herald
The assault continues on the Coast's share of BP money meant to right the economic damage inflicted by the Deepwater Horizon disaster.
http://www.sunherald.com/news/local/article112328332.html
Regional
EPA grant means East Baton Rouge schools will replace 30 diesel buses with propane-fueled ones
Advocate
The EPA is giving the East Baton Rouge Parish school system $773,000 to replace 30 of its diesel school buses over the next two years with more eco-friendly propane-powered buses.
National
EPA proposes expanded use of new herbicide, Enlist Duo
AP
KANSAS CITY, MO.
The Environmental Protection Agency has proposed more than doubling the number of states allowed to use a new version of a popular weed killer on genetically modified crops despite its earlier concerns.
http://www.sunherald.com/news/business/article112315887.html
Vote on nation's first carbon tax divides greens
The Hill
An initiative to pass the first carbon tax in the country is dividing greens and spurring opposition from environmental groups who have long backed such proposals.
http://thehill.com/policy/energy-environment/304268-vote-on-nations-first-carbon-tax-divides-greens
Paris climate accord takes effect, delivering win to Obama
The Hill
The Paris climate agreement took force on Friday, starting an ambitious, though largely non-binding, worldwide effort to fight climate change.
White House unveils plans for electric vehicle charging stations
The Hill
The White House unveiled plans on Thursday to install 48 electric vehicle charging corridors on U.S. highways as part of the administration's push to boost electric car use.
Press Releases
Public hearing on Speckled Trout set for Nov. 17
BILOXI, Miss. – The Mississippi Department of Marine Resources will hold a public hearing on proposed Speckled Trout regulations Thursday, Nov. 17, 2016.
The hearing begins at 6 p.m. and will be in the auditorium on the first floor of the Bolton Building, 1141 Bayview Ave. in Biloxi.
The state Commission on Marine Resources in October passed a notice of intent for a change in the recreational size limit for Speckled Trout from 13 inches to 15 inches.
The proposed regulation will be up for final adoption at the Dec. 20 meeting of the CMR.
Also at the October meeting, commissioners passed a 2017 recreational season closure for Speckled Trout in January, February and March.
EPA Enforcement Actions Help Protect Vulnerable Communities from Lead-Based Paint Health Hazards
WASHINGTON – The U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) today announced over 100 federal enforcement actions completed over the last year that require entities like renovation contractors, landlords and property managers to protect communities and public health from exposure to lead. Lead paint is the main way people are exposed to lead in the United States, and lead exposure can cause a range of health problems, from behavioral disorders and learning disabilities to seizures and death, putting young children and their developing nervous systems at the greatest risk.
"Renovation companies and their contractors must protect children and other vulnerable people from lead-based paint exposure, especially in minority and low-income communities where housing with lead-based paint is more common," said Cynthia Giles, assistant administrator for EPA's Office of Enforcement and Compliance Assurance. "These enforcement actions show that EPA will hold companies accountable when they put public health at risk, and they promote a level playing field for businesses that follow the rules."
From October 2015 through September 2016, EPA entered into 123 settlements for alleged violations of one or more of the three lead-based paint rules--the Renovation, Repair and Painting (RRP) Rule; the Lead Disclosure Rule; and the Lead-based Paint Activities Rule for abatements--and filed six complaints for ongoing actions. Each settlement requires that the alleged violator return to compliance and, in most cases, pay civil penalties. Collectively, the settlements require violators to pay $1,046,655 in penalties.
The three rules are part of the federal Toxic Substances Control Act and the Residential Lead-Based Paint Hazard Reduction Act and apply to housing built before 1978 and child-occupied facilities. Ensuring compliance with all three rules enables EPA to identify and address a variety of lead exposure risks that occur in communities across the nation. These risks can occur when lead paint deteriorates or is disrupted during home renovation and remodeling activities. A blood lead test is the only way to determine if a child has a high lead level. Parents who think their child has been in contact with lead dust should contact their child's health care provider.
In September 2016, EPA and the U.S. Department of Justice announced a settlement with Sears Home Improvement Products Inc. that resolves alleged violations of the Lead RRP Rule for work performed by Sears' contractors during home renovation projects across the country. Under the settlement, Sears will implement a comprehensive, corporate-wide program to ensure that the contractors it hires to perform work minimize lead dust from home renovation activities and pay a $400,000 civil penalty.
In three of the settlements, entities agreed to fund voluntary environmental projects collectively valued at up to $409,429 to address lead risks and poisoning. Every project requires lead-based paint abatement, including post-construction clearance testing to ensure that no hazards remain. The complaints propose penalties of up to $197,743 for alleged violations of the RRP Rule and/or Lead Disclosure Rule.
Renovation, Repair and Painting (RRP) Rule Enforcement Action
Of the total settlements reported during fiscal year 2016, 116 cited alleged RRP Rule violations involving repair, renovation or painting projects where lead-based paint is disturbed. Approximately 63 percent of this year's cases alleged failure to obtain EPA certification and almost half cited non-compliance with requirements to ensure lead-safe work practices.
The following are highlights from settlements involving significant penalties and/or supplemental environmental projects:
- Hammer and Hand, Inc., located in Oregon, paid a $69,398 penalty for alleged RRP Rule work practice and recordkeeping violations.
- Clearview Home Improvements, located in California, paid a $58,450 fine for alleged noncompliance with RRP Rule requirements for certification, pre-renovation education, firm responsibility, and recordkeeping.
- Zidan Management Group, Inc., located in Indiana, agreed to perform an abatement project valued at up to $41,500 and paid a $3,675 fine to settle alleged violation of RRP Rule work practice and certification requirements.
The RRP Rule requires that individuals performing renovations are properly trained and certified, give owners and occupants EPA's Renovate Right lead hazard information pamphlet before beginning work and follow specific lead-safe work practices during renovations.
Lead Disclosure Rule Enforcement Actions
Five of the settlements reported in fiscal year 2016 alleged Lead Disclosure Rule violations. This rule continues to be an important tool for reducing lead exposures and increasing awareness of lead risks. The rule generally requires lessors and sellers to disclose to prospective tenants and purchasers specific information about lead-based paint and lead-based paint hazards.
In one case, a landlord in Illinois, committed to perform a $308,000 lead abatement project and pay a $5,000 cash penalty to settle alleged Lead Disclosure Rule infractions. This case was a joint enforcement action by EPA and the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development, prosecuted by the U.S. Department of Justice.
In another case, Carrington Real Estate Services, LLC and Carrington Mortgage Services, LLC, both in California, agreed to spend at least $59,929 to donate blood-lead test equipment to non-profit community health clinics, and pay a $19,976 penalty to settle alleged Lead Disclosure Rule infractions.
Lead-based Paint Activities Rule - Abatement Enforcement Actions
The Lead-based Paint Activities Rule requires that abatement contractors be trained and certified, and follow abatement-specific lead-safe work practices. EPA-authorized states typically implement and enforce the abatement requirements of this rule. However, during fiscal year 2016, EPA took action in two cases. In one case, Lead Me Out Environmental Services, Inc. of New York paid a civil penalty of $20,000 for alleged abatement violations.
More information about all of EPA's actions to enforce lead-based paint regulations during fiscal year 2016 is available at https://www.epa.gov/enforcement/fy2016-enforcement-actions-lead-renovation-repair-and-painting-rule-rrp.
More information about the lead-based paint regulations and hiring a certified renovation company is available at www.epa.gov/lead or by calling the National Lead Information Center at 1 (800) 424-LEAD.
Sent: Tuesday, October 4, 2016 8:16 AM
Subject: News Clippings 10/4/16
State
Council makes changes to lagoon management
Hattiesburg American
Although the future of Hattiesburg's wastewater treatment isn't set in stone, Hattiesburg City Council members on Monday announced some recent changes to the city's lagoons that may allow that system to be used extensively.
Hattiesburg plans to improve wastewater lagoon function
WDAM
HATTIESBURG, MS (WDAM) -The Hattiesburg City Council announced several new contracts Monday to improve functions of its wastewater lagoons.
http://www.wdam.com/story/33308555/hattiesburg-plans-to-improve-wastewater-lagoon-function
State awards $15K waste tire grant to Clarke County
Meridian Star
The Mississippi Department of Environmental Quality awarded a $15,000 two-year waste tire grant to Clarke County to continue the local waste tire collection program for small quantity generators of waste tires.
Oyster prediction: 'We're in for a short season'
Sun Herald
PASS CHRISTIAN
Oyster boats were hauling in oysters on the opening day of the season Monday, but reports were not good.
http://www.sunherald.com/news/local/article105729236.html
OKTIBBEHA COUNTY LAKE AND WATER PARK STILL UP FOR GRABS
WCBI
OKTIBBEHA COUNTY, Miss. (WCBI)- The Oktibbeha County Lake and Wet-N-Wild Water Park has been a long talked about issue.
http://www.wcbi.com/video-oktibbeha-county-lake-water-park-still-grabs/
County bans all burning
Daily Corinthian
With the potential for wildfires increasing, Alcorn County is enacting a burn ban.
http://www.dailycorinthian.com/view/full_story/27283220/article-County-bans-all-burning?
Kemper County plant delayed again
Mississippi Today
Another month's delay, another $33 million in cost overruns for the Kemper County power plant.
http://mississippitoday.org/2016/10/03/kemper-county-plant-start-delayed-again/
5th Circuit removes Entergy case from Judge Wingate
Clarion Ledger
The 5th U.S. Circuit Court of Appeals has ordered the long-running federal lawsuit by Mississippi Attorney General Jim Hood against Entergy Corp. removed from U.S. District Judge Henry Wingate, citing the judge's failure to rule on pending motions.
National
A Milestone for Carbon Dioxide in the Atmosphere
NY Times
Climate science reached an unhappy milestone last week. And then things went a little crazy.
EPA proposes poplar, willow trees for ethanol in U.S. biofuel rule tweak
Retuers
The U.S. Environmental Protection Agency on Monday proposed tweaks to its Renewable Fuel Standard that would allow biofuels to be processed at more than one location and would allow cellulosic ethanol to be made from poplar and willow trees.
http://uk.reuters.com/article/us-usa-biofuels-epa-idUKKCN1232GG
New regs for Tuesday: Cyber, hunting, insects
The Hill
Hunting: The Fish and Wildlife Service (FWS) is moving forward with new hunting regulations.
http://thehill.com/regulation/298947-new-regs-for-tuesday-cyber-hunting-insects
Press releases
Environmental Quality Incentive Program Accepting Applications
Jackson, Miss. – The United States Department of Agriculture/Natural Resources
Conservation Service (NRCS) will have financial and technical assistance available
for fiscal year 2017 to assist Mississippi producers with the implementation of
conservation practices through the Environmental Quality Incentives Program (EQIP).
NRCS accepts applications for EQIP opportunities on a continuous basis, however
there are certain deadline dates set forth to rank applications in designated ranking periods.
The deadline to sign-up to be considered in the first ranking period is November 18, 2016.
NRCS helps producers improve water and air quality, build healthier soils, improve
grazing and forest lands, conserve energy, enhance organic operations and achieve many
environmental benefits. All NRCS programs are completely voluntary and offer
science-based solutions that benefit both the landowner and the environment.
"The Environmental Quality Incentives Program offers producers a variety of
options to conserve natural resources on their properties," stated Kurt Readus,
State Conservationist for Mississippi.
"This conservation investment helps improve environmental health
and the economy of Mississippi's communities."
Applicants can sign up at their local NRCS office. Interested producers,
farmers and ranchers can apply for EQIP and obtain more information
at their local USDA/NRCS office. For more information about EQIP,
visit the NRCS website:
http://www.nrcs.usda.gov/wps/portal/nrcs/detail/ms/programs/financial/eqip/?cid=nrcs142p2_017159
To locate your nearest NRCS office, local USDA service center/ .
| USDA Report Shows Growing Biobased Products Industry Contributes $393 Billion and 4.2 Million Jobs to American Economy |
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| WASHINGTON, Oct. 3, 2016 - A new report released today by the U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) shows that in 2014, the biobased products industry contributed $393 billion and 4.2 million jobs to America's recovering economy. The report also indicates that the sector grew from 2013 to 2014, creating or supporting an additional 220,000 jobs and $24 billion over that period. Agriculture Secretary Vilsack, who has identified the biobased economy as one of the four pillars that support our country's rural economy, released the report at a luncheon today at the National Press Club in Washington, D.C. "When USDA released the first-ever Economic Impact Analysis of the U.S. Biobased Products Industry last year, we were thrilled to see what a positive impact this sector was having on our economy, and this updated analysis shows that the sector is not just holding strong, but growing," Vilsack said. "America has an appetite for everyday products-including plastic bottles, textiles, cleanings supplies and more-made from renewable sources, and that demand is fueling millions of jobs, bringing manufacturing back to our rural communities, and reducing our nation's carbon footprint. As this sector is strengthening, so is the economy in rural America, where this year the unemployment rate dropped below six percent for the first time since 2007. USDA is proud to see such strong returns on our investment into the biobased products industry." This report is the second Economic Impact Analysis of the U.S. Biobased Products Industry released by USDA, and it analyzes revenue and jobs created by the biobased products industry at the national and state level in 2014. USDA released the first report of this kind last year, which analyzed the same information based on 2013 data. The new report shows that the industry directly supported 1.53 million jobs in 2014, with each job in the industry responsible for generating 1.76 jobs in other sectors. In 2013, the industry was found to contribute $369 billion and four million jobs to the U.S. economy. In addition to their contribution to the rural economy, innovative biobased materials also have key environmental benefits including the reduction of the use of fossil fuels and reduced associated greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions. The production and use of biobased products replacing petroleum-based products had the potential to reduce GHG emissions up to 10 million metric tons of CO2 equivalents in 2014. These materials are increasingly being used as substitutes for petroleum-based materials, which have been used extensively for many years. An example of this petroleum displacement by a biobased material is the use of natural fibers in packing and insulating materials as an alternative to synthetic foams, such as Styrofoam. The increased use of biobased products currently displaces about 300 million gallons of petroleum per year - the equivalent to taking 200,000 cars off the road. Today, USDA's BioPreferred Program, which was created by the 2002 Farm Bill and reauthorized and expanded as part of the 2014 Farm Bill, has an online catalog of more than 15,000 products, of which 2,700 have been certified to carry the USDA Biobased Product label. The USDA BioPreferred Program's purpose is to spur economic development, create new jobs and provide new markets for farm commodities. Vilsack has also helped lead an effort to promote the domestic production and use of advanced biofuels to create hundreds of thousands of jobs in rural communities. USDA support has helped 21 states build nearly 5,000 pumps at over 1,400 fueling stations to strengthen the rural economy and increase the demand for agricultural commodities used in the production of biofuels, giving American consumers more options at the pump, while at the same time creating jobs and driving down fueling costs. The BioPreferred Program commissioned the Economic Impact Analysis of the U.S. Biobased Products Industry, which is primarily authored by Golden, J.S., Handfield, R.B., Daystar, J., Morrison, B., and McConnell, T.E., and is a joint publication of the Duke Center for Sustainability and Commerce and the Supply Chain Resource Cooperative at North Carolina State University. # |
