State
Rock planting project moves into second phase
WLOX
MISSISSIPPI SOUND (WLOX) -Planting rocks to help grow oysters. That's the basic idea behind a cultch planting project on oyster reefs in the Mississippi Sound.
DOZENS OF MENHADEN FISH DIE IN GULFPORT
WXXV
Dozens of dead fish were seen floating in the water today from Long Beach to Gulfport.
The Sherman Business Report: A boutique and bakery coming to downtown
Commercial Dispatch
…Starkville natives Brent and Abby Thompson recently opened a new emergency service office in Starkville, a branch of Paul Davis Emergency Services.
MDOT has more than 350 vacant positions; pay cited
Clarion Ledger
The Mississippi Department of Transportation has 354 vacant positions, with 58 of those occurring in the last year.
Governments can't evade open meetings law in small groups, Mississippi Supreme Court says
AP
The Mississippi Supreme Court is upholding a ruling that a government can't set up meetings of less than a quorum of public officials to evade the state's Open Meetings Act.
Regional
Officials: Unregulated chemical in groundwater at NC plant
AP
Environmental officials say they'll test groundwater for people living near a North Carolina chemical plant after finding worrying signs of an unregulated and little-studied compound.
National
Power plant rule repeal announcement likely this fall: EPA
The Hill
Federal officials expect to finalize their review of the Obama administration’s climate rule for power plans this fall, the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) said Thursday in a court filing.
Residents cough, rub eyes in Harvey pollution spike
AP
GALENA PARK, TEXAS
People living near the nation's highest concentration of petrochemical plants in metro Houston say the air is bad enough on normal days.
Hurricane Irma’s Chemical Fallout Could Be Worse than Harvey’s
Bloomberg
Before flames and smoke leaped into the sky over the Arkema chemical plant in Crosby, Texas, last week, Jolyn Masters was hunkered down at home on a Hurricane Harvey-flooded street a mile away. Then came a knock. A National Guard evacuation boat was waiting because of what was expected at Arkema.
Nevada wants out of Superfund listing at mine
AP
RENO, Nev. — Nevada wants to back out of an agreement to designate a toxic mine a priority U.S. Superfund site — a move critics warn could leave state taxpayers on the hook for hundreds of millions dollars in cleanup costs, according to documents obtained by The Associated Press.
Press Releases
Outdoorama on the Rez
September 23, 2017 — 8 a.m. – 1 p.m.
Join us for Outdoorama on the Rez scheduled Saturday, September 23, 2017, from 8 a.m. until 1 p.m. at Turcotte Lab of Highway 43 at the Ross Barnett Reservoir.
In celebration of National Hunting and Fishing Day, the purpose of this event is to get kids and anyone interested in the outdoors to step outside for a hands-on experience with the tools and concepts of hunting and fishing in Mississippi. They will learn how to reload shells, shoot skeet and sporting clays, learn how to tie flies, fish for catfish, see elk horns, watch retrievers work, learn how knives are made, shoot bows and arrows, learn about recycling, try their hand at canoeing, learn how to use a treestand safely, learn the importance of clean water, see snakes and alligators, and so much more!
It is a fun-filled day for all presented with the help of the Mississippi Department of Wildlife, Fisheries and Parks and a host of other conservation organizations and groups including Orvis, Mississippi Museum of Natural Science, American Zookeepers Association, Keep the Rez Beautiful, Mississippi Bowhunters Association, Wildlife Rescue and Rehabilitation, Simmons Creative Productions, Barnett Reservoir Foundation, MS Dept. of Transportation, MS Dept. of Environmental Quality and more! Each of these organizations volunteers their time and talent to educate youth of all ages.
This is a free event so mark your calendars and make plans to attend. For more information please call the Mississippi Wildlife Federation at 601-605-1790.
MSU study to optimize oyster resources in the state
September 7, 2017 STARKVILLE, Miss.—Steamed, shucked or fried, Americans have an obsession with oysters. Over 75 percent of these delectable mollusks come from the U.S. Gulf States. Mississippi oysters, however, are not ending up on as many tables as they could. MSU researchers hope to develop a tool that helps Mississippi’s oyster industry haul in a heftier harvest. Environmental and agricultural economists at Mississippi State are hoping to change the equation of oysters harvested from state waters through the development of a new decision support tool.
Daniel Petrolia, an associate professor of environmental economics in the Mississippi Agricultural and Forestry Experiment Station recently was awarded nearly $600,000 by the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration and will lead a team to develop a shellfish portfolio assessment tool called SPAT.
The tool will assist resource managers and oyster farmers to determine the best oyster cultivation practice that will minimize risk while maximizing benefits.
Petrolia said the state of Mississippi established an ambitious goal to produce one million sacks of oysters per year. One sack is equivalent to 1.5 bushels. “The state is working to increase the ecological and economic benefits to the state from healthy and productive natural oyster reefs and farms,” Petrolia said.
The study, which will determine the benefits derived from three different oyster cultivation practices—restored oyster reefs, traditional shell plantings, and off-bottom oyster farms—is timely, considering Mississippi’s slip in oyster production.
In 2004, nearly a half million sacks of oysters were harvested compared to 2014 when just over 78,000 sacks were harvested, according to the Mississippi Department of Marine Resources. The economic impact of the delicacy has also slid from $23.72 million in 2009 to $13.47 million in 2011.
“The state’s oyster industry began to decline with Hurricane Katrina and then again after the Deepwater Horizon oil spill,” Petrolia said. “The decision tool will help those in the oyster farming industry develop the best strategy for increasing production.”
To determine the best cultivation practice, scientists will first assign monetary values to both market and non-market benefits of the different growing scenarios. These values will assist in the establishment of budgets that will include construction and maintenance costs for restored reefs, plantings and farms.
Ardian Harri, an associate professor of agricultural economics in the Mississippi Agricultural and Forestry Experiment Station and co-investigator on the project, said increased oyster harvesting in the state impacts more than just the bottom line.
“Oysters not only provide economic value but also a host of environmental benefits that include serving as water filters and stabilizing the coastline,” Harri said. “Decisions about the best management practices for production must take into account both economic and environmental benefits.”
The project was designed to include a large knowledge base comprised of economists, ecologists, resource managers and marine extension specialists.
“When complete, the decision support tool will direct users through multiple criteria to select the best portfolio of oyster cultivation in their area,” Harri said. “With this tool, individuals will be able to make the best decision for oyster production on their property.”
William Walton, associate professor in the School of Fisheries, Aquaculture and Aquatic Sciences at Auburn University; Just Cebrian, senior marine scientist with the Dauphin Island Sea Lab; Jason Rider, oyster extension agent with the Mississippi Department of Marine Resources; and George Ramseur, office director for Coastal Restoration and Resilience with the Mississippi DMR, also are collaborating on the project.
For more information, visit the Mississippi Agricultural and Forestry Experiment Station online at mafes.msstate.edu.
USDA/NRCS Accepting Environmental Quality Incentives Program Applications
Jackson, Miss. – The United States Department of Agriculture/Natural Resources Conservation
Service (NRCS) is providing financial assistance through the Environmental Quality Incentives
Program (EQIP) to help Mississippi producers, farmers and ranchers implement conservation practices.
NRCS strives to help producers and landowners enact environmentally friendly activities such
as improving water and air quality, building healthier soils, improving grazing and forest lands,
enhancing organic operations and conserving energy. EQIP provides financial assistance for
a variety of conservation programs, which include irrigation water management, tree/shrub
planting, field buffers, rotational grazing systems and erosion control practices. All programs
are 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, NRCS state conservationist
for Mississippi. "This conservation investment helps to improve environmental health and
the economy of Mississippi’s communities."
To qualify for EQIP, an applicant must be an individual, entity or joint operation that meets
eligibility criteria. Applications for EQIP and all NRCS financial assistance programs are accepted
on a continuous basis with specific sign-up deadlines being established to rank, contract and
fund qualified tracts of land. The deadline to sign-up to be considered in the EQIP first
ranking period is October 1, 2017.
Applicants can sign up at their local NRCS office. For more information about EQIP,
visit the NRCS website:
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Environmental Leaders Praise Bill Wehrum EPA Nomination
Wehrum Nominated to Head Air and Radiation Office
09/07/2017
WASHINGTON (September 7, 2017): Today, President Donald J. Trump announced his intention to nominate Bill Wehrum to serve as EPA Assistant Administrator for the Office of Air and Radiation (OAR). Mr. Wehrum has a long history of public service, and previously served as EPA’s acting assistant administrator for Air and Radiation from 2005 to 2007 and as EPA’s principal deputy assistant administrator and counsel to the assistant administrator for Air and Radiation. He is currently partner and head of the Administrative Law Group at Hunton & Williams LLP where his practice focuses on air quality issues. Mr. Wehrum’s career includes over 31 years working in the environmental field through engineering, legal practice, and administrative duties.
His nomination is receiving high accolades from environmental leaders across the country:
Sean Alteri, director, Kentucky Division for Air Quality and 2017 president of the Association of Air Pollution Control Agencies:“Considering his education and experience as a chemical engineer and an environmental attorney, Mr. Wehrum will be well-positioned to provide clear, concise direction to address the many diverse, complex air quality issues. As a student of the Clean Air Act, Mr. Wehrum's knowledge and experience will greatly benefit EPA, state, and local air pollution control agencies. We look forward to working with Mr. Wehrum and EPA's senior leadership to improve air quality in Kentucky and throughout our nation. The Kentucky Division for Air Quality supports Mr. Wehrum's nomination to serve as the assistant administrator of EPA’s Office of Air and Radiation.”
John Cruden, president-elect of the American College of Environmental Lawyers and assistant attorney general, Environment and Natural Resources Division, U.S. Department of Justice (12/2014-1/2017): "I have worked with Bill Wehrum while he was a senior official at EPA during the Bush Administration, and have followed his impressive career in private practice. I believe he is committed to achieving clean air for all citizens and carefully following sound and current science."
Jeff Holmstead, assistant administrator, Office of Air and Radiation, EPA (2001 –2005): “Bill is committed to the goals of the Clean Air Act and to the rule of law. He is also a person of the highest integrity. I am confident that, within the framework established by Congress, he will work to protect public health and the environment while at the same time pursuing regulatory reforms that will reduce unnecessary regulatory burdens. Truly, there is no better person to serve as the assistant administrator of EPA’s Office of Air and Radiation.”
Marcus Peacock, EPA deputy administrator (08/2005 – 01/2009): “Bill Wehrum’s understanding of the Clean Air Act may be second to none. His desire to pull up his sleeves and actually make the Clean Air Act work as a practical matter is second to none.”
Clint Woods, executive director, Association of Air Pollution Control Agencies: “Through his comprehensive knowledge of the law and experience in the federal government, Bill possesses the background to manage challenging Clean Air Act issues at U.S. EPA and help continue the tremendous air quality progress that has been achieved in our country over the last several decades. Under his leadership, the Office of Air and Radiation will be well-situated to pursue a back-to-basics agenda grounded in cooperative federalism.”
EPA Approves Emergency Fuel Waivers for 38 States and Washington, D.C.
09/07/2017
Contact Information:
WASHINGTON – As a result of the continuing impacts on Gulf Coast-area refineries and disruption to the fuel distribution system caused by Hurricane Harvey and the effects of large-scale evacuations in response to Hurricane Irma, U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) Administrator Scott Pruitt today exercised EPA’s emergency fuel waiver authority to help ensure an adequate supply of fuel throughout the country.
EPA has waived requirements for reformulated gasoline through September 26 and low volatility conventional gasoline through September 15 in the following states and the District of Columbia: Connecticut, Maine, Massachusetts, New Hampshire, Rhode Island, Vermont, Delaware, Maryland, New Jersey, New York, Pennsylvania, Florida, Georgia, North Carolina, South Carolina, Virginia, West Virginia, Illinois, Indiana, Iowa, Kansas, Kentucky, Michigan, Minnesota, Missouri, Nebraska, North Dakota, Ohio, Oklahoma, South Dakota, Tennessee, Wisconsin, Alabama, Arkansas, Louisiana, Mississippi, New Mexico, Texas, and the District of Columbia. Today’s waiver supersedes the waiver issued on August 31.
Today’s waiver also waives requirements for low volatility gasoline in El Paso County, Texas through September 16 and to a number of counties in Eastern Texas through September 26.
The waiver authority was exercised under the Clean Air Act and was granted by EPA Administrator Pruitt, in coordination with the U.S. Secretary of Energy Rick Perry.
As required by law, EPA and Department of Energy (DOE) evaluated the situation and determined that granting a short-term waiver was consistent with the public interest. EPA and DOE are continuing to actively monitor the fuel supply situation as a result of Hurricane Harvey and Hurricane Irma, and will act expeditiously if extreme and unusual supply circumstances exist in other areas.
The sale of gasoline containing up to 15 percent ethanol (E15) must continue to comply with federal rules, which are designed to minimize the potential for E15 being used in vehicles that are not designed to use this fuel.
To mitigate any impacts on air quality, the Clean Air Act provides strict criteria for when fuels waivers may be granted, and requires that waivers be limited as much as possible in terms of their geographic scope and duration.
Secretary Zinke Announces Boost to Wetland, Waterfowl Conservation, Access to Public Lands Through Conservation Grants, Federal Duck Stamp Funds
$21.9 million approved for wetland conservation projects; $5.4 million to conserve 2,259 acres on national wildlife refuges and open thousands of additional acres to public hunting
9/7/2017
Last edited 9/7/2017
Date: September 7, 2017
WASHINGTON – The Migratory Bird Conservation Commission, chaired by U.S. Secretary of the Interior Ryan Zinke, approved $21.9 million in grants for the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service and its partners to conserve, enhance or restore more than 92,000 acres of lands for waterfowl, shorebirds, and other birds in 16 states.
The grants, made through the North American Wetlands Conservation Act (NAWCA), will be matched by more than $45 million in partner funds. NAWCA grants ensure waterfowl and other birds are protected throughout their lifecycles.
“I grew up hunting and fishing and know first-hand how important the outdoors is for our own health, the health of our communities and the health of our economy,” said Secretary Zinke. “The projects approved by the commission will benefit hundreds of wetland and coastal bird species, other wildlife, and their habitats, ensuring we have the ability to pass our shared heritage down to our kids and grandkids.”
Wetlands provide vital habitat for fish, wildlife and a variety of plants. They buffer communities from the effects of storms and floods, and contribute to the $156 billion hunting, fishing and outdoor recreation industry.
NAWCA grants conserve bird populations and wetland habitat, while supporting American traditions such as hunting, fishing, birdwatching, family farming, and cattle ranching. This year’s projects include:
- Prairie Lakes IX Wetland Initiative: $1 million. More than 25 partners will help conserve over 2,000 acres of habitat in the Prairie Pothole Region of Iowa through protection, restoration and enhancement activities. All acres will be open to hunting and other recreation.
- Russell Sage WMA Kennedy Tract Enhancement: $999,939 to conserve and enhance 2,672 acres of forested wetlands and marsh in Mississippi and Louisiana, part of a region which hosts 60% of bird species in the continental U.S. Activities include an enhancement project on an active rice farm.
- Wetlands of the Sacramento Valley II: $1 million to restore and enhance 2,314 acres of critical wintering waterfowl habitat in California. Partners include several ranches, sporting clubs, conservation organizations, and a state agency.
The Commission also heard a report on 32 NAWCA small grants, which were approved by the North American Wetlands Conservation Council in February. Small grants are awarded for smaller projects up to $100,000, to encourage new grantees and partners to carry out smaller-scale conservation work. This year, $3.6 million in grants were matched by $10.9 million in partner funds.
NAWCA is the only federal grant program dedicated to the conservation of wetland habitats for migratory birds. Since 1989, funding has advanced the conservation of wetland habitats and their wildlife in all 50 U.S. states, Canada and Mexico while engaging more than 5,700 partners in over 2,700 projects. More information about the grant projects is available here. The commission also approved more than $5.4 million from the Migratory Bird Conservation Fund to conserve 2,259 acres for six national wildlife refuges. The approvals will improve refuge management capability and enable the Service to open thousands of acres to public waterfowl hunting for the first time. These funds were raised largely through the sale of Federal Migratory Bird Hunting and Conservation Stamps, commonly known as “Duck Stamps.”
“Hunting and fishing underpin the North American model of conservation, founded on principles of sustainable use and access for all,” said Secretary Zinke. “Sportsmen and women continue to be the engine behind the nation’s wildlife conservation efforts, as demonstrated by these Duck Stamp funds. The Duck Stamp puts hunting revenues back into public lands to improve access and enhance outdoor opportunities not just for millions of sportsmen and women, but for all Americans who spend time outdoors.”
For every dollar spent on Duck Stamps, 98 cents goes toward the acquisition or lease of habitat for the National Wildlife Refuge System. Duck Stamps – while required by waterfowl hunters as an annual license – are also voluntarily purchased by birders, outdoor enthusiasts, and fans of national wildlife refuges who understand the value of preserving some of the most diverse and important wildlife habitats in our nation.
The following national wildlife refuge proposals were approved for funding:
- Blackwater National Wildlife Refuge, Maryland: $663,000
- Edwin B. Forsythe National Wildlife Refuge, New Jersey: $867,600
- Great River National Wildlife Refuge, Missouri: $677,500
- San Bernard National Wildlife Refuge, Texas: $1,211,500
- Supawna Meadows National Wildlife Refuge, New Jersey: $440,300
- Swan River National Wildlife Refuge, Montana: $1,568,000
Since 1934, the Federal Duck Stamp Program has provided more than $800 million for habitat conservation in the Refuge System.
The FWS is responsible for managing an unparalleled network of lands and waters in the National Wildlife Refuge System, including 566 national wildlife refuges and 38 wetland management districts. Refuges offer world-class public recreation, from fishing, hunting, and wildlife observation to photography and environmental education. Every state and U.S. territory has at least one national wildlife refuge. The amounts approved at the meeting are dependent on the passage of the fiscal year 2018 budget.
The Migratory Bird Conservation Commission is chaired by the Secretary of the Interior. Its members include U.S. Senators Thad Cochran of Mississippi and Martin Heinrich of New Mexico; Representatives Robert J. Wittman of Virginia and Mike Thompson of California; Sonny Perdue, Secretary of Agriculture; and EPA Administrator Scott Pruitt. The commission has helped in conserving much of this Nation’s most important waterfowl habitat and in establishing or enhancing many of our Nation’s most popular destinations for waterfowl hunting. Additional information about North American wetlands and waterfowl conservation can be found at https://www.fws.gov/birds/, which offers waterfowl enthusiasts, biologists, and agency administrators with the most up-to-date waterfowl habitat and waterfowl population information.
New 5-Year Report Shows 101.6 Million Americans Participated in Hunting, Fishing & Wildlife Activities
U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service Survey Preliminary Findings Show Importance of Increasing Access to Public Lands
9/7/2017
Last edited 9/7/2017
Date: Sept. 7, 2017
WASHINGTON - The U.S. Department of the Interior announced a new report by the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service that shows that 101.6 million Americans—40 percent of the U.S. population 16 years old and older—participated in wildlife-related activities in 2016, such as hunting, fishing, and wildlife-watching.
The survey illustrates gains in wildlife watching—particularly around the home—and fishing, with moderate declines in the number of hunters nationally. The findings reflect a continued interest in engaging in the outdoors. These activities are drivers behind an economic powerhouse, where participants spent $156 billion—the most in the last 25 years, adjusted for inflation.
“This report absolutely underscores the need to increase public access to public lands across the United States,” said U.S. Secretary of the Interior Ryan Zinke. “Hunting and fishing are a part of the American heritage. As a kid who grew up hunting and fishing on public lands who later took my own kids out on the same land, I know how important it is to expand access for future generations. Many folks east of the Mississippi River rely on friends with large acreages or pay high rates for hunting and fishing clubs. This makes access to wildlife refuges and other public lands more important."
On his first day in office, Secretary Zinke reversed an order that would have banned lead ammo and tackle on National Wildlife Refuge lands, and he began the process of expanding hunting and fishing opportunities on public lands across the Department.
In August, the Secretary announced a proposal to expand of hunting and fishing opportunities at 10 national wildlife refuges, and he announced the initial stages of a plan to acquire land to make the Bureau of Land Management Sabinoso Wilderness Area accessible for the first time ever to hunters, hikers, and wildlife watchers.
In addition, Secretary Zinke recently made recommendations to President Trump on 27 national monuments that call for changes to some that, while still protecting the land, would also protect and expand public access to that land for citizens who want to hunt, fish, and hike and experience the joy and beauty of these special places.
The survey, the 13th in a series conducted nearly every five years since 1955, shows that the most substantial increases in participation involve wildlife-watching—observing and photographing wildlife. The report indicates these activities surged 20 percent from 2011 to 2016, from 71.8 million to 86 million participants during that time. Expenditures by wildlife watchers also rose sharply—28 percent—between 2011 and 2016, from $59.1 billion to $75.9 billion. Around-the-home wildlife-watching increased 18 percent from 2011, from 68.6 million in 2011 to 81.1 million participants in 2016. More modest gains were made for away-from-home wildlife watchers: 5 percent increase from 2011 to 2016, from 22.5 million to 23 million participants.
More Americans also went fishing. The report indicates an 8 percent increase in angling participation since 2011, from 33.1 million anglers to 35.8 million in 2016. The greatest increases in participation—10 percent—were seen in the Great Lakes area. Total expenditures by anglers nationwide rose 2 percent from 2011 to 2016, from $45 billion to $46.1 billion.
Hunting participation dropped by about 2 million participants, but still remained strong at 11.5 million hunters. Total expenditures by hunters declined 29 percent from 2011 to 2016, from $36.3 billion to $25.6 billion. However, expenditures for related items such as taxidermy and camping equipment experienced a 27-percent uptick, and hunting trip-related expenses increased 15 percent.
Regarding the decrease in participation in hunting, Zinke said: “Hunters and anglers are at the backbone of American conservation, so the more sportsmen and women we have, the better off our wildlife will be. Some of our wildlife refuges have great mentored hunting programs. I'd like to see these programs replicated and expanded across the country, and reach into areas where kids don't traditionally get the opportunity to hunt, fish, and connect with wildlife. Some of my best family time growing up and raising my own kids was hunting an elk, enjoying a pheasant, or reeling in a rainbow. These are the memories and traditions I want to share with future generations."
“No one does more for our wildlife and or wild places than hunters. Any decline in hunting numbers, real or perceived, is of great concern since hunting provides the lion’s share of funding for nationwide conservation work thanks to excise taxes on firearms, ammunition, and archery equipment that garner more than $1.6 annually,” said David Allen, Rocky Mountain Elk Foundation president and CEO. “The RMEF remains committed to growing and ensuring the future of our hunting heritage as well as elk, other wildlife and their habitat.”
This year’s survey also gathered two new categories of data: archery and target shooting. Findings show there are more than 32 million target shooters using firearms and 12.4 million people engaged in archery, not including hunting.
“Hunters and anglers form the foundation of wildlife conservation in the United States, consistently generating more funding for habitat and wildlife management than any other source,” said U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service Principal Deputy Director Greg Sheehan. “Industry, federal, and state fish and wildlife agency initiatives that focus on hunter and angler recruitment, retention and reactivation are crucial to sustaining these conservation dollars and ensuring the next generation of wildlife enthusiasts have the opportunity, access, and awareness to pursue these time-honored American traditions.”
“I praise Secretary Zinke for his support of hunting and land access. The hunting and shooting sports community is grateful for an Administration that recognizes the economic, recreational, and traditional values of hunting and target shooting," said John Frampton, President and CEO of the Council to Advance Hunting and the Shooting Sports. "Although the numbers of hunters have declined, we are optimistic they will rebound as a result of Secretary Zinke's leadership, state wildlife agencies, non-government organizations, and industries working together. Hunting in this country is not only part of our national heritage, it is an important to our country’s economy, as indicated by the expenditures in the survey.”
As a partnership effort with states and national conservation organizations, the survey has become one of the most important sources of information on fish and wildlife recreation in the United States. Federal, state, and private organizations use this detailed information to manage wildlife, market products, and look for trends. Conducted by the U.S. Bureau of the Census, the survey is based on a 22,416-household sample surveyed through computer-assisted telephone and in-person interviews.
