Wednesday, July 31, 2019

News Clippings July 31, 2019

State

Mississippi Wildlife Federation, Extravaganza receive backlash over south Delta pumps
Clarion Ledger

The Mississippi Wildlife Federation's Mississippi Wildlife Extravaganza has long been considered the unofficial start of hunting season in Mississippi and draws tens of thousands of outdoor enthusiasts, but this year may prove to be different.

‘Finish The Pumps’ to have spot in Wildlife Federation’s Extravaganza
Vicksburg Post

The timeline for what happened, who said what, when decisions were made and feelings hurt is a little tough to tell, but what is clear, the annual Mississippi Wildlife Extravaganza, organized by the Mississippi Wildlife Federation is quickly losing vendors.

Where Floods of ‘Biblical Proportion’ Drowned Towns and Farms
NYT

Floodwaters swamped more than half a million acres of forest and farmland in the lower Mississippi Delta more than six months ago, gulping up highways and homes, livestock and tractors. This week, for the first time since, the river gauge at Vicksburg on the western border fell below flood stage.

Community members concerned with Port of Gulfport’s construction plan
WLOX

GULFPORT, Miss. (WLOX) - Concerns once again are being raised about the Port of Gulfport using the site of a former fertilizer plant for future construction.
The vacant property in north Gulfport sits near 33rd Street and 34th Avenue. The port wants to utilize it for military storage. The community is concerned construction might lead to flooding, toxic runoff and more.
The permit application to begin construction is going in front of the Mississippi Department of Environmental Quality permit board on August 13.

It’s possible: Deer season in the South Delta might not happen this year
WLBT

JACKSON, Miss. (WLBT) - Months of floodwaters in the South Delta continue to devastate families and wildlife. Now, state wildlife officials want your input. Results of a survey about this year’s deer season could have a big impact.

Illegally dumping trash in Jackson could cost you up to $25,000 in fines
WLBT

JACKSON, Miss. (WLBT) - The City of Jackson is stepping up to put an end to illegal dumping and if you’re caught illegally dumping your trash, you could face fines up to $25,000.
Mayor Chokwe Antar Lumumba says city officials have had enough and will go to extreme measures to enforce the law.

Two additional Mississippi counties to receive federal disaster assistance
WLBT

PEARL, Miss. (WLBT) - The Federal Emergency Management Agency has approved Humphreys County to receive Public Assistance only as part of Federal Disaster Number 4429, which is in response to the February 22-24 severe storms, tornadoes and flooding that impacted the state.

Columbus home becomes state's first eScore 10
Commercial Dispatch
 
As bad luck would have it, Jamie Alford's air conditioner started losing its gumption last summer, and she knew costly repairs were coming soon. 


Regional

LSU professor studies stress in wildlife using medical imaging technology
The Advocate

A new study of wild birds from LSU has employed a medical-imaging tool typically used to scan human brains in an effort to better understand how wild animals cope with stress.

Company accused of releasing cancer-causing chemical in Smyrna meets with residents
WXIA

SMYRNA, Ga. — For the first time, representatives of a company accused of polluting Smyrna’s air with a cancer-causing chemical stood before a crowd of critics and others to try and answer their questions.


National

EPA proposal scraps limits on coal plant waste
The Hill

The Trump administration on Wednesday proposed scrapping restrictions on arsenic-laden waste from coal-fired power plants. 

EPA reverses Obama-era decision that blocked Alaska mine project
CNN

The Environmental Protection Agency has lifted an Obama-era restriction that had blocked a controversial mining project in Alaska.

Drinking water could be contaminated by toxic PFAS chemicals from Navy depot
PennLive

The U.S. Navy put out a call to test homeowners’ water for PFAS, a toxic chemical found in nonstick cookware and firefighting foam, around its Hampden Township facility.

Prosecutors charge former Audi boss in emissions scandal
AP

German prosecutors have charged the former head of Audi, Volkswagen's luxury division, with fraud in connection with the sale of cars with software that enabled cheating on emissions tests, adding another chapter to VW's diesel scandal that has seen its former CEO charged in the U.S. and two executives go to prison there.


Opinion

Yazoo Backwater Pumps: The South Delta deserves real solutions, not false hope: Column
Clarion Ledger
Jill Mastrototaro, Andrew Whitehurst and Louie Miller, Guest Columnists

Communities in Mississippi’s South Delta deserve real solutions for reducing flood damages, not false hope pinned to the Yazoo Backwater Pumps.


Press Releases

EPA Proposes Amendments to the Coal Ash Regulations, Reconsiders the Beneficial Use Provisions and Provides Greater Clarity on Managing Piles of Coal Ash
07/30/2019

Today, the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) is proposing further amendments to the regulations governing the disposal of coal combustion residuals, commonly known as coal ash. This proposal is the first of three planned revisions to address matters raised in litigation, legislation, petitions for reconsideration and rule implementation.

EPA Recognizes the St. Louis Cardinals for 10 Years of Work in Reducing Food Waste
07/30/2019

ST. LOUIS — Today, Tuesday July 30, 2019, U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) Administrator Andrew Wheeler recognized William Dewitt III, president of the St. Louis Cardinals, for “A Decade of Partnership in Sustainability” and presented a national award to Urban Chestnut Brewing Company as the “2018 Small Business Partner of the Year” for waste reduction achievements as a WasteWise Partner.



Tuesday, July 30, 2019

News Clippings July 30, 2019

State

MDWFP withdraws participation in annual Extravaganza
WJTV

JACKSON, Miss. (WJTV)- Following backlash Monday, after a woman was allegedly denied a booth rental at the annual Miss. Wildlife Federation’s Extravaganza, the separate, state-run Miss. Dept. of Wildlife, Fisheries and Parks withdrew their participation in the event with the federation.

MS Wildlife Federation Extravaganza melts down over opposition to #FinishThePumps
Y’all Politics

A Mississippi Delta farmer, hoping to spread awareness about the impacts of the expansive flooding, was denied the right to purchase a booth at the Mississippi Wildlife Federation’s Wildlife Extravaganza this upcoming weekend. That set of a chain of events that threatens to cripple the event’s vendor participation and attendance. The event in Jackson on the first Saturday in August annually is often seen as the opening salvo of hunting season for tens of thousands of Mississippians. 

HAPPENING TODAY: PUBLIC MEETING TO DISCUSS EFFECTS FROM BONNET CARRE SPILLWAY
WXXV

While the Bonnet Carre Spillway is finally closed, our area will continue to suffer from lingering effects, such as the algae bloom that invaded our coastal waters.

FIGHTING FOR RELIEF ON THE COAST
WXXV

If you walk around the Pass Christian Harbor, you will notice a lot of for sale signs on shrimp boats.

City of Jackson cracking down on illegal dumping
WAPT

MAYOR LUMUMBA SAID TODAY ILLEGAL DUMPING HIS A HUGE BIG PROBLEM. HIS SAID THEY'VE FOUND 118 ILLEGAL DUMPS THROUGHOUT THE CITY.


Oil Spill

Mobile County moving forward with blueway kayak trail
Al.com

A push to improve public access to Mobile County’s wealth of scenic waterways has taken a step forward with the county commission’s vote to accept a grant for $773,000 in planning funds.

What's the plan for the huge sand piles near the ECUA tanks at the Pensacola Beach entrance?
PNJ

Several bulldozed piles of sand at the entrance to Pensacola Beach could remain in place for up to two years under an agreement between the Santa Rosa Island Authority and the Emerald Coast Utility Authority. 


Regional

ADEM head defends agency, rips media
Times Daily

The head of the Alabama Department of Environmental Management defended himself and his office in a letter this month to agency commissioners, and attacked news outlets over recent pieces on contamination incidents.

EPA now involved in giant trash pile investigation
WSAV

RIDEGLAND, S.C. (WSAV) – Health officials have called in the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) to help understand and investigate a giant debris pile in Ridgeland.

EPA REMOVING TOP SOIL FROM SOME CHATTANOOGA HOMES BECAUSE OF LEAD
WDEF

CHATTANOOGA (WDEF) – The E-P-A is concerned about lead in the soil of some homes along Bailey Avenue in Chattanooga.


National

U.S. EPA set to rule on refinery biofuel waivers requests in coming weeks
Reuters

TRAINER, Pennsylvania (Reuters) - The Environmental Protection Agency hopes to rule in the next few weeks on 2018 petitions to obtain small refinery waivers from the nation’s biofuel laws, administrator Andrew Wheeler said on Monday.

A statewide plastic bag tax takes effect Thursday. Here’s what you need to know before heading to the store.
Hartford Courant

Starting Thursday, Connecticut shoppers will need to remember to bring reusable bags with them when they go to most stores, or they’ll end up paying a 10-cent per bag fee for single-use plastic bags to carry groceries or other items.



Monday, July 29, 2019

News Clippings July 29, 2019

State

EPA controls future of the Yazoo Backwater pumps
Vicksburg Post

As the floodwaters in the Yazoo Backwater continue to fall, the status of the final piece of a 48-year-old plan to protect the backwater area remains uncertain.

Gov. Bryant announces closing of Bonnet Carre spillway
WJTV

In a tweet Saturday, Mississippi Governor Phil Bryant announces the closing of the Bonnet Carre spillway in Louisiana after months of flooding in south Mississippi.

Record Mississippi River flood coming to an end 8 months after it started
WVUE

NEW ORLEANS, La. (WVUE) - The Mississippi River is falling, the gates of the spillway are closing and the flood fight of 2019 is finally coming to an end. So, why did it take till August of 2019 to put an end to a river flood that actually started in December of 2018?

People share frustrations about backwater flooding in the South Delta
WLBT

VALLEY PARK, Miss. (WLBT) - People across the South Delta gathered Saturday for Media Day.

No deer season in part of Mississippi? It's possible.
Clarion Ledger

Mississippi's south Delta has been flooded for most of the year and that has taken its toll on wildlife. Pictures of dead and emaciated deer have been seen untold times on social media and people are concerned about the condition and size of the herd. In response, the Mississippi Department of Wildlife, Fisheries, and Parks is polling hunters who hunt the area and options in the poll about the coming deer season range from no change in the season to no season at all.
 
Deer hunting: How to be successful on public land
Clarion Ledger

Hunting camps are a tradition for many Mississippians and a part of life that is anticipated each year. However, they aren't for everyone. Some can't justify the price because they have little time to hunt and others can't fit the cost of a lease into their budget. Others just enjoy the challenge of trying to harvest a mature buck on public land.

Mississippi oysters escape freshwater, now back in the Sound
WLOX

OCEAN SPRINGS, Miss. (WLOX) - French Hermit Oyster company is celebrating the release of their oysters back into Mississippi waters.
 
Sailors return to the water for ‘Summer in the Pass Regatta’
WLOX

PASS CHRISTIAN, Miss. (WLOX) - It’s been rough seas for the summer sailing season. Algae concerns along the Gulf Coast caused several events to be postponed or canceled. Yet the “Summer in the Pass Regatta” welcomed sailors back out on the water.
While many are excited to be back out on the water competing for silverware, they understand why so many events have been canceled.

Red Snapper Fishing Season Reopens off Mississippi Coast
AP

BILOXI, MISS. (AP) — One of Mississippi's most popular saltwater fishing seasons is reopening.

USM Professor testifies before Congress on blue economy
NewsMS

Southern Miss Professor Dr. Monty Graham recently testified before the U.S. Senate Subcommittee on Science, Oceans, Fisheries, and Weather. During the meeting, Graham who serves as the Associate Vice President for Research, Coastal Operations at USM, testified on the topic of America’s waterfronts.

Smelly Situation for local Jackson Residents
WAPT

People living in one North Jackson neighborhood say they're tired of smelling the raw sewage flowing behind their homes.

Delta State University gets Fossil Grant
DeltaNewsTV

The Division of Mathematics and Sciences at Delta State University are excited after receiving a special grant to expose middle and high school students to the Mississippi sites that are packed with historic fossils.

Charger for electric cars installed downtown
Commercial Dispatch
 
Downtown Columbus' first charging station for drivers of plug-in electric cars was installed Wednesday. 

MDOT completes State Route 43 project ahead of schedule
WLBT

JACKSON, Miss. (WLBT) - A project to replace two State Route 43 bridges across the Ross Barnett Reservoir in Madison County with precast box culverts is nearly complete and will open ahead of schedule.

Canton Nissan releases statement, says they will not be affected by upcoming workforce cuts
WLBT

CANTON, Miss. (WLBT) - Nissan is slashing 12,500 jobs or about 9% of its global workforce to cut costs and achieve a turnaround amid tumbling profits.


Oil Spill

Louisiana environmental group sues over rollback of offshore drilling rules created after BP spill
The Advocate

A Louisiana-based conservation group has filed a lawsuit in federal court in California challenging a rollback of offshore drilling regulations by President Donald Trump’s administration that relaxed the requirements on blowout preventers and real-time monitoring.
Healthy Gulf, formerly known as the Gulf Restoration Network, is one of 10 environmental groups that filed suit last month against Scott Angelle — a former lieutenant governor of Louisiana and a leading gubernatorial candidate in 2015 — in his current role as director of the federal Bureau of Safety and Environmental Enforcement.


Regional

Tyson granted changes for mineral standards
Arkansas Democrat Gazette

The Arkansas Pollution Control and Ecology Commission approved Friday the final adoption of new mineral standards for some Arkansas waters, as petitioned by Tyson Foods.

Arkansas panel backs effort on hog-farm ban; Buffalo watershed is focus of proposed rule
Arkansas Democrat Gazette

Environmental regulators are moving forward with a plan that would prevent a farm like C&H Hog Farms from building again in the Buffalo National River's watershed.
The Arkansas Pollution Control and Ecology Commission on Friday approved, without opposition, the beginning of a rule-making process to permanently ban hog farms of a federally classified medium or large size from the watershed.

Coastal project to complete line of breakwaters protecting the bay side of Grand Isle
The Advocate

Jefferson Parish will build 17 rock jetties along the northern shore of Grand Isle, completing a project designed to help protect the island from storm surge and reduce coastal erosion.

Federal agency to assess oil and gas development's impact on endangered species in the Gulf
The Advocate

A federal lawsuit filed last year calling on the National Marine Fisheries Service to assess the impacts of oil and gas development on federally protected species and critical habitat in the Gulf of Mexico ended last week with a settlement agreement under which the service agreed to finish an assessment by November.

Toxic algal bloom: Lake Okeechobee levels are high near Belle Glade, low near Port Mayaca
Treasure Coast Newspapers

Algae blooms in Lake Okeechobee continue to be widespread, mobile and toxic — even when you can't see them.


National

Michigan may become 1st state to regulate GenX chemicals
MLive

Michigan’s efforts to advance PFAS regulation broadened this summer when it added a newer form of the toxic chemical family to its drinking water scrutiny.

State admits it was wrong to resist federal crackdown on oil tank pollution
Portland Press Herald

Maine was wrong to fight a federal crackdown on hazardous emissions from petroleum storage tanks in South Portland and Searsport, a state official now admits, but there is still no consensus on how to safeguard the public from air pollution produced by oil facilities across the United States.

Officials discover dangerous algae bloom along Charles River, warn swimmers to stay out
Boston Herald

State officials are asking people to avoid contact with parts of the Charles River in the city because of a dangerous algae bloom.

Dan River resource trustee seek public input on restoration plan, environmental assessment
WSET

RICHMOND, Va. (WSET) -- The Natural Resource Damage Assessment and Restoration (NRDAR) trustees, N.C. Department of Environmental Quality, Virginia Department of Environmental Quality and U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service, are seeking the public’s input on the draft restoration plan and environmental assessment related to the 2014 Dan River coal ash spill.