News Clippings December 30, 2020

State 2020 hurricane season caused havoc, sand beach issues WLOX GULFPORT, Miss. (WLOX) - Anytime tropical weather targets South Mississippi, the first place where the impacts are felt is usually on the 26 miles of sand beach. https://www.wlox.com/2020/12/29/hurricane-season-caused-havoc-sand-beach-issues/ Chronic Wasting Disease mandatory sampling weekends set for January NewsMS The Mississippi Department of Wildlife, Fisheries, and Parks (MDWFP) has collected more than 3,000 samples for Chronic Wasting Disease (CWD) testing during the 2020–2021 hunting season. https://newsms.fm/chronic-wasting-disease-mandatory-sampling-weekends-set-for-january/ Commercial shark season opens Jan. 1 in Mississippi WKRG GULFPORT, Miss. (WKRG) — The Mississippi Department of Marine Resources (MDMR) says commercial shark season opens Jan. 1, 2021 at 12:01 a.m. https://www.wkrg.com/top-stories/commercial-shark-season-opens-jan-1-in-mississippi/amp/ State Government Mississippi could alter legislative session amid pandemic AP JACKSON, Miss. (AP) — Mississippi legislators should consider delaying much of their 2021 session by several weeks to prevent the state Capitol from again becoming a super spreader for the coronavirus, Lt. Gov. Delbert Hosemann said Tuesday. https://apnews.com/article/pandemics-mississippi-delbert-hosemann-coronavirus-pandemic-467d3b6912f5586b24430014d7f843c6 Regional Restoring longleaf pines, keystone of once vast ecosystems AP DESOTO NATIONAL FOREST, Miss. -- When European settlers came to North America, fire-dependent savannas anchored by lofty pines with footlong needles covered much of what became the southern United States. https://abcnews.go.com/Technology/wireStory/restoring-longleaf-pines-keystone-vast-ecosystems-74964344 Study investigates the effects of red tide on the brain, volunteers needed Fox 4 SANIBEL, Fla. — Researchers are in need of volunteers, as a mobile lab will soon be making its way to Sanibel. https://www.fox4now.com/news/protecting-paradise/study-investigates-the-effects-of-red-tide-on-the-brain-volunteers-needed Fight over mining proposal near Okefenokee draws national spotlight AJC In winter, visitors to the Okefenokee National Wildlife Refuge can hear the loud bugle call of the sandhill crane. If it’s warm, lethargic alligators may emerge from their burrows to soak up the sun. The sights and sounds of hundreds of wildlife species have helped secure the Okefenokee Swamp’s status as an environment of national importance. https://www.ajc.com/news/fight-over-mining-proposal-near-okefenokee-draws-national-spotlight/FD7AVRR7OFC4LAPCMDFYZ5PMFQ/ National Ohio EPA completes tests of public water systems for PFAS WTAP  COLUMBUS, Ohio (WTAP) - There are currently no national drinking water standards for PFAS chemicals. https://www.wtap.com/2020/12/29/ohio-epa-completes-tests-of-public-water-systems-for-pfas/ Connect with us ‌ ‌ ‌

Mississippi Department of Environmental Quality | 515 East Amite Street, Jackson, MS 39201 Unsubscribe oliver.paladin.2297348308@blogger.com Update Profile | About our service provider Sent by rwilbur@mdeq.ms.gov powered by Try email marketing for free today!

News Clippings December 29, 2020

State Water Contact Advisory for segment of Mississippi River El Dorado News-Times The Mississippi Department of Environmental Quality (MDEQ) has updated a water contact advisory it issued last year for a section of the Mississippi River near Greenville. https://www.eldoradonews.com/news/2020/dec/28/local-digest-dec-29-2020/ LIST: Recycle Christmas trees instead of throwing them away WLOX BILOXI, Miss. (WLOX) - Christmas trees are one of the most known symbols of the holidays, but they can also become a dangerous hazard when the holidays end and they dry out. So, what can residents do to protect themselves and their homes? Recycle those trees! https://www.wlox.com/2020/12/28/list-recycle-christmas-trees-instead-throwing-them-away/ Hattiesburg’s Christmas tree recycling program begins this week WDAM HATTIESBURG, Miss. (WDAM) - Hattiesburg’s Urban Forestry division is preparing for its Christmas tree recycling program. https://www.wdam.com/2020/12/28/hattiesburgs-christmas-tree-recycling-program-begins-this-week/ Harrison County holds Cardboard Recycle Day WXXV Harrison County hosted their third annual Cardboard Recycle Day Saturday, allowing residents to get rid of excess Christmas cardboard. https://www.wxxv25.com/2020/12/28/harrison-county-holds-cardboard-recycle-day/ Hattiesburg hosts annual recycling drive WDAM HATTIESBURG, Miss. (WDAM) - The city of Hattiesburg hosted its annual REthink REcycle Stuff-a-Truck recycling drive Monday. https://www.wdam.com/2020/12/28/hattiesburg-hosts-annual-recycling-drive/ Hurricane Zeta cleanup continues two months after storm WLOX BILOXI, Miss. (WLOX) - If you drive around South Mississippi, you’ll still see some scattered areas of Hurricane Zeta debris, but the majority of it has been picked up. https://www.wlox.com/2020/12/28/hurricane-zeta-cleanup-continues-two-months-after-storm/ MDMR CARES Act online applications reopen for Mississippi residents licensed in other Gulf states WXXV The Mississippi Department of Marine Resources (MDMR) will reopen CARES Act Section 12005 online applications on the MDMR website to allow all sectors of Mississippi residents who are commercially licensed/permitted (commercial fishermen, charter fishermen and dealer/processors) in another Gulf state to apply for CARES Act funds in Mississippi. https://www.wxxv25.com/2020/12/28/mdmr-cares-act-online-applications-reopen-mississippi-residents-licensed-gulf-states/ RIDGELAND RECEIVES GRANT FOR TREES Northside Sun Ridgeland, MISS. --Recently, the City of Ridgeland was awarded a $25,000 grant from America in Bloom through the CN Railway "EcoConnexions from the Ground Up" program. https://www.northsidesun.com/most-recent/ridgeland-receives-grant-trees#sthash.SnWDoyga.dpbs Despite challenges, ag industry surpasses 2019 with $7.35 billion value NewsMS Agriculture continued its reign as Mississippi’s top industry in 2020 with farmers in the state generating an estimated “agricultural value” of $7.35 billion, according to the Mississippi State Extension Service.  https://newsms.fm/despite-challenges-ag-industry-surpasses-2019-with-7-35-billion-value/   State Government PERS COULD NEED MORE MONEY FROM TAXPAYERS Northside Sun Taxpayers could be soon paying a bigger chunk to cover the pension costs for state and local employees. https://www.northsidesun.com/news-most-recent/pers-could-need-more-money-taxpayers#sthash.JSq7BDM3.dpbs Lottery money paves way for smoother Mississippi highways WAPT JACKSON, Miss. — Money from the Mississippi lottery is helping repave more than 250 miles of highway across the state. https://www.wapt.com/article/lottery-money-paves-way-for-smoother-mississippi-highways/35084893 Oral arguments slated in Gluckstadt incorporation, Canton annexation cases WLBT GLUCKSTADT, Miss. (WLBT) - Oral arguments are set in a case that will determine whether Gluckstadt can incorporate and Canton can move forward with annexation. https://www.wlbt.com/2020/12/28/oral-arguments-slated-gluckstadt-incorporation-canton-annexation-cases/ National EPA Sets Emissions Limits for Jet Aircraft WSJ WASHINGTON—The Environmental Protection Agency said Monday it has set its first-ever climate standards for commercial airliners and large business jets, aligning U.S. rules with global standards and giving jet makers eight years to comply. https://www.wsj.com/articles/epa-sets-emissions-limits-for-jet-aircraft-11609190107 'That Terrifies Me': Trump Rule Allows Natural Gas Transport By Rail In Dense Areas NPR In an effort to boost natural gas exports, the Trump administration has reversed longstanding federal policy and approved transport of gas by rail anywhere in the country. https://www.npr.org/2020/12/29/950140412/that-terrifies-me-trump-rule-allows-natural-gas-transport-by-rail-in-dense-areas Biden will inherit hundreds of toxic waste Superfund sites, with climate threats looming NBC The uber challenge facing the incoming Biden administration’s Environmental Protection Agency in its oversight of 1,570 hazard waste sites is best summed in a name that’s become synonymous with the daunting task: Superfund. https://www.nbcnews.com/news/us-news/biden-will-inherit-hundreds-toxic-waste-superfund-sites-climate-threats-n1252276 Opinion People of Madison County have made it clear they don't want another landfill Jerry Dillon Guest columnist Clarion Ledger 'Tis the season! Store fronts and main streets have their Christmas décor and music on full display. Trees are lit, stockings are hung, goodies are baked, and there is a certain excitement in the air that Christmas is right around the corner. https://www.clarionledger.com/story/opinion/2020/12/22/no-third-landfill-madison-county-commentary/3994767001/ Press releases EPA Increases Clarity, Eases Implementation of Heavy Duty Vehicle Regulations while Proposing further Improvements 12/28/2020 WASHINGTON (December 28, 2020) — Today, the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) is issuing two actions regarding technical adjustments to improve testing procedures for vehicle and engine emissions programs. https://www.epa.gov/newsreleases/epa-increases-clarity-eases-implementation-heavy-duty-vehicle-regulations-while Trump EPA Finalizes First Greenhouse Gas Emissions Standards for Aircraft, Codifies Record of Reducing the Most GHGs in U.S. History Supports domestic aircraft manufacturing, commonsense regulation to maintain global competitiveness 12/28/2020 WASHINGTON (December 28, 2020) — Today, the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) finalized emissions standards for airplanes used in commercial aviation and large business jets. https://www.epa.gov/newsreleases/trump-epa-finalizes-first-greenhouse-gas-emissions-standards-aircraft-codifies-record MDMR CARES Act online applications reopen for Mississippi residents licensed in other Gulf states December 28, 2020 BILOXI, Miss. – The Mississippi Department of Marine Resources (MDMR) will reopen CARES Act Section 12005 online applications on the MDMR website to allow all sectors of Mississippi residents who are commercially licensed/permitted (commercial fishermen, charter fishermen and dealer/processors) in another Gulf state to apply for CARES Act funds in Mississippi.  https://dmr.ms.gov/mdmr-cares-act-online-applications-reopen-for-mississippi-residents-licensed-in-other-gulf-states/ Connect with us ‌ ‌ ‌

Mississippi Department of Environmental Quality | 515 East Amite Street, Jackson, MS 39201 Unsubscribe oliver.paladin.2297348308@blogger.com Update Profile | About our service provider Sent by rwilbur@mdeq.ms.gov powered by Try email marketing for free today!

News Clippings December 28, 2020

State Gold Coast’s permit pulled for dumping Pelahatchie News The Mississippi Environmental Quality Permit Board voted unanimously at its meeting last week to revoke the wastewater permit for a Brandon-based chemical plant that allowed it to dump its wastewater in Pelahatchie. https://pelahatchienews.com/gold-coasts-permit-pulled-for-dumping/ Vicksburg Fire Department Adding a Boat to its Arsenal Vicksburg Post The Vicksburg Fire Department is getting a pontoon boat from the Mississippi Department of Environmental Quality. https://vicksburgpost.com/2020/12/24/vicksburg-fire-department-adding-a-boat-to-its-arsenal/ Harrison County Christmas recycling program aims to help the environment WLOX BILOXI, Miss. (WLOX) - With soaring highs, come plummeting lows as South Mississippi families break away from the excitement of Christmas to clean up what’s left over. And this year, there’s a lot left over. https://www.wlox.com/2020/12/26/harrison-county-christmas-recycling-program-aims-help-environment/ City of Hattiesburg hosting ‘Stuff a Truck’ recycling event Monday WDAM HATTIESBURG, Miss. (WDAM) - The City of Hattiesburg is getting ready for residents to recycle materials left over from the Christmas holiday. https://www.wdam.com/2020/12/26/city-hattiesburg-hosting-stuff-truck-recycling-event-monday/ Recycle Christmas trees, wrapping paper: City of Hattiesburg offers options, free mulch Hattiesburg American The City of Hattiesburg is asking residents to recycle their unflocked Christmas trees, cardboard, wrapping paper and other holiday recyclables this season. https://www.hattiesburgamerican.com/story/news/local/2020/12/25/recycle-christmas-trees-wrapping-paper-hattiesburg-places-dates/4015518001/ Diamondhead offers Zeta debris removal update Sea Coast Echo As of Monday, Dec.21, 126,189 cubic yards of debris has been removed from the streets of Diamondhead in the last 22 days. https://www.seacoastecho.com/news/diamondhead-offers-zeta-debris-removal-update/article_e3367a7c-44a4-11eb-87f1-7f6b548cad91.html Mississippi set to clean up and recycle unused crab traps AP The Mississippi Department of Marine Resources says volunteers will remove unused crab traps from state waters early next year. https://www.sunherald.com/news/state/mississippi/article248102265.html Catalytic converter thefts on the rise, especially from large vehicles Picayune Item Parts of vehicles associated with the exhaust system may not seem to carry much value, but catalytic converters are being stolen in this and surrounding areas due to the amount a person can get selling them for scrap. https://picayuneitem.com/2020/12/catalytic-converter-thefts-on-the-rise-especially-from-large-vehicles/ Oil Spill Development of Destin harborfront park is on tap Northwest Florida Daily News DESTIN — Construction of the long-awaited, harbor-front Capt. Royal Melvin Heritage Park is set to begin in January. https://www.nwfdailynews.com/story/news/local/2020/12/24/construction-destin-florida-harborfront-park-start-january/4017038001/ National EPA Leaves National Standard for Ozone Air Pollution Unchanged WSJ WASHINGTON—The Trump administration retained a national limit of 70 parts per billion for the pollutant ozone, the same standard set by the Obama administration, after business groups fought tougher standards. https://www.wsj.com/articles/epa-leaves-national-standard-for-ozone-air-pollution-unchanged-11608756280 EPA finalizes new lead and copper rules for drinking water ABC The Environmental Protection Agency finalized rules Tuesday that would require water utilities to notify the public about possible lead contamination more quickly after detection and to replace lead service lines in what it says will be a more aggressive fashion -- the first regulatory update in nearly 30 years. https://abcnews.go.com/Politics/epa-finalizes-lead-copper-rules-drinking-water/story?id=74869152 Biden transition team holds talks with biofuel groups -sources Reuters NEW YORK (Reuters) - U.S. President-elect Joe Biden’s transition team has held calls with biofuel groups on topics including compliance with U.S. biofuel blending laws and Biden’s low-carbon climate vision, according to two sources familiar with the conversations. https://www.reuters.com/article/us-usa-biofuels-biden/biden-transition-team-holds-talks-with-biofuel-groups-sources-idUSKBN28Y1EL Companies Seek to Green the Grid With Trash Gas WSJ Missouri hardly produces any natural gas, unless you count the hogs. The methane wafting from the manure ponds at swine farms across the state is increasingly funneled into pipelines and delivered to power plants and homes, where it is burned alongside shale gas for heat, hot showers and cooking. https://www.wsj.com/articles/companies-seek-to-green-the-grid-with-trash-gas-11609151401?mod=business_lead_pos2 Our trash is filling up DFW landfills. Here’s how some of it can be turned into fuel Star-Telegram In addition to sluggish traffic, there’s at least one more certainty associated with population growth in North Texas: residents and businesses are generating more trash, and landfills are running out of space to store it. https://www.star-telegram.com/news/business/growth/article247950975.html Agriculture Industry Bets on Carbon as a New Cash Crop WSJ U.S. farmers make their living raising crops from the soil each year. Now, some are getting paid for putting something back into their fields: carbon. https://www.wsj.com/articles/agriculture-industry-bets-on-a-new-cash-crop-carbon-11608719403 Court orders EPA to step up asbestos data collection The Hill In a court ruling hailed by health advocates, the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) will now have to collect data on asbestos imports into the U.S., a federal judge ruled on Tuesday. https://thehill.com/policy/energy-environment/531514-court-orders-epa-to-step-up-asbestos-import-data-collection Cutting ozone pollution — in Utah and U.S. — saves over 1 billion birds, study finds KSL SALT LAKE CITY — Cutting pollution that is harmful to human health is not only helping people but is helping migratory bird populations in a staggering way. https://www.ksl.com/article/50073480/cutting-ozone-pollution--in-utah-and-us--saves-over-1-billion-birds-study-finds Minnesota works to fit climate change into environmental reviews StarTribune How much carbon dioxide would a new hockey arena emit? Or a new housing subdivision, industrial plant or highway? https://www.startribune.com/minnesota-works-to-fit-climate-change-into-environmental-reviews/573477171/ Press releases EPA Finalizes Ozone NAAQS, Retaining Current Standards Trump Administration meets 5-year statutory deadline, congressional intent for second time in Clean Air Act history 12/23/2020 WASHINGTON (December 23, 2020) — Today, the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) is announcing its decision to retain, without changes, the 2015 ozone National Ambient Air Quality Standards (NAAQS) set by the Obama-Biden Administration. https://www.epa.gov/newsreleases/epa-finalizes-ozone-naaqs-retaining-current-standards MDMR announces crab trap closure January 21-31 December 23, 2020 BILOXI, Miss. – In an effort to remove derelict crab traps from state waters, the Mississippi Department of Marine Resources (MDMR) will conduct a crab trap closure for commercial and recreational crab fishermen in Mississippi territorial waters within one-half mile of the mainland shoreline and Deer Island from the Alabama/Mississippi border to the Mississippi/Louisiana border. https://dmr.ms.gov/mdmr-announces-crab-trap-closure-january-21-31/ Connect with us ‌ ‌ ‌

Mississippi Department of Environmental Quality | 515 East Amite Street, Jackson, MS 39201 Unsubscribe oliver.paladin.2297348308@blogger.com Update Profile | About our service provider Sent by rwilbur@mdeq.ms.gov powered by Try email marketing for free today!