News Clippings 10.16.15

State
Moss Point community welcomes $2.3 million Pascagoula River Audubon Center


Mississippi Press



MOSS POINT, Mississippi -- The real beauty of the new $2.3 million
Pascagoula River Audubon Center in Moss Point is not it's natural wood
walls, Gov. Phil Bryant said during the grand opening Thursday.
http://blog.gulflive.com/mississippi-press-news/2015/10/moss_point_community_welcomes_1.html


Pascagoula River Audubon Center will be 'part of fabric of community'


Sun Herald


It's taken more than a decade of work, but the Pascagoula River Audubon
Center in Moss Point, which officials hope will drive both conservation and
tourism, is open.

http://www.sunherald.com/news/local/counties/jackson-county/article39309627.html



Large crowd welcomes Pascagoula River Audubon Center


WLOX


PASCAGOULA, MS (WLOX) -Hundreds attended Thursday's dedication of the new
Pascagoula River Audubon Center in Moss Point off Rhodes Bayou, a gateway
to exploring the Pascagoula River and experiencing nature tourism.
http://www.wlox.com/story/30272849/large-crowd-welcomes-pascagoula-river-audubon-center


Sewage leak closes section of Biloxi beach


WLOX


BILOXI, MS (WLOX) -The Mississippi Department of Environmental Quality has
closed a section of beach in Biloxi after a force main break sent sewage
spewing into the Mississippi Sound.
http://www.wlox.com/story/30270201/sewage-leak-closes-section-of-biloxi-beach





Beach Closed Due to Sewage Leak
WXXV


Parts of the Biloxi beach were closed today due to raw sewage making its
way into the Mississippi Sound. This is an issue that is all too common
around the Coast. Today News 25's Shelby Graham spoke with the city of
Biloxi to hear how they are addressing it.
http://www.wxxv25.com/news/local/story/Beach-Closed-Due-to-Sewage-Leak/VZLn6gMrYkWiHfDMS_-lFA.cspx





Entergy gives $150,000 toward DeSoto wildlife center expansion


Commercial Appeal


Plans to expand a DeSoto County wildlife and conservation education
facility into a regional attraction serving all of North Mississippi are
getting a big boost from Entergy, which is donating $150,000 to the effort.
http://www.commercialappeal.com/news/suburbs/desoto/entergy-gives-150000-toward-desoto-wildlife-center-expansion--2229ce4b-3131-24f4-e053-0100007f1aaa-333120381.html





Great U.S. Central ShakeOut
WXXV


Drop, cover, and hold on, that's what kids all over the state of
Mississippi and the nation were advised to do today. It's all part of the
Great Central U.S. ShakeOut and News 25's Kristen Durand was at Popp's
Ferry Elementary School today, where students were taught to protect
themselves if our ground should start shaking.
http://www.wxxv25.com/news/local/story/Great-U-S-Central-ShakeOut/NrIhr8lY5UOwYKJtH08QhA.cspx





Oil Spill



Mississippi universities' consortium is center of excellence


Sun Herald


The Mississippi-based RESTORE Act Center of Excellence has been selected as
the RESTORE Research Center of Excellence, according to the state
Department of Environmental Quality.

http://www.sunherald.com/news/business/article39325749.html



MS RESTORE Act Center named Center of Excellence
Hattiesburg American


The Mississippi Department of Environmental Quality(MDEQ) announced
recently that the Mississippi Based RESTORE Act Center of Excellence
(MBRACE) has been selected as the RESTORE Research Center of
Excellence.


http://www.hattiesburgamerican.com/story/news/local/2015/10/15/ms-restore-act-center-named-center-of-excellence/73998032/





Mississippi based RESTORE Act Center selected as center of excellence


WDAM


JACKSON, MS (WDAM) -The Mississippi Department of Environmental Quality
(MDEQ) announced that the Mississippi Based RESTORE Act Center of
Excellence (MBRACE) has been selected as the RESTORE Research Center of
Excellence.
http://www.wdam.com/story/30267254/mississippi-based-restore-act-center-selected-as-center-of-excellence





Spending $16.5 billion BP spill money will require careful planning,
officials say


Times-Picayune



With $16.5 billion in BP oil spill money about to be funneled into dozens
of environmental restoration projects in Louisiana and elsewhere along the
Gulf Coast, there's a danger that money will be lost or projects delayed by
a lack of planning at the local, state and federal level, a coastal
engineer and a representative of a national environmental group said
Thursday (Oct. 15).

http://www.nola.com/environment/index.ssf/2015/10/spending_165_billion_bp_spill.html#incart_river





Double-decker ferry boats coming in 2017
Pensacola News Journal


When the Gulf Islands National Seashore completed its master plan in
1978, the document specifically addressed the need for a ferry
service in the Florida district.


http://www.pnj.com/story/news/local/pensacola/beaches/2015/10/15/nps-awards-contract-ferry-service/73988494/





EDA: BP funds will 'forever change' region
Panama City News Herald


PANAMA CITY — With $300 million to support economic development coming to
Northwest Florida next year, Bay County Economic Development Alliance (EDA)
officials are preparing for what they say will be a game changer for the
region.

http://www.newsherald.com/article/20151014/BUSINESS/151019644





National


Aging And Underfunded: America's Dam Safety Problem, In 4 Charts


NPR


There are more than 87,000 dams in America and, like most infrastructure,
they go largely unnoticed — until something goes wrong.
http://www.npr.org/2015/10/11/447181629/aging-and-underfunded-americas-dam-safety-problem-in-4-charts





EPA cracking down on emissions from air conditioners, refrigerators
The Hill




President Obama is taking executive action to crack down on emissions from
air conditioners and refrigerators.
http://thehill.com/regulation/energy-environment/257056-epa-cracking-down-on-emissions-from-air-conditioners





USDA allocates $30M to protect, restore wetlands
The Hill




The Obama administration announced plans Thursday to spend $30 million to
protect, restore and enhance wetlands on private and tribal agricultural
lands in six states.
http://thehill.com/regulation/energy-environment/257032-usda-allocates-30m-to-protect-restore-wetlands





Press Releases





USDA to Invest $5.1 Million to Help Mississippi Wetlands


Jackson, Miss. – The United States Department of Agriculture (USDA) will
award $30 million to projects in six states to protect, restore and enhance
wetlands on private and tribal agricultural lands. The projects are being
funded under the Wetland Reserve Enhancement Partnership (WREP), a program
authorized by the 2014 Farm Bill.

WREP is administered by the Natural Resources Conservation Service (NRCS)
and allows states, local units of governments, non-governmental
organizations and American Indian tribes to form cooperative and
partnership agreements. These partners work directly with private
landowners interested in voluntarily enrolling their eligible agricultural
land into conservation wetland easements that help to protect, restore and
enhance the wetlands on their properties. WREP is a special enrollment
option under the Agricultural Conservation Easement Program's Wetland
Reserve Easement component created by the 2014 Farm Bill.

The 2015-2016 WREP projects are located in Iowa, Kentucky, Missouri,
Mississippi, Nebraska and Tennessee.

Mississippi will receive approximately $5.1 Million to expand an existing
project to increase the acres acquired and wetlands restored in the
Mississippi River Basin. These additional wetland acres will provide
habitat for fish and wildlife, improve water quality by filtering sediments
and nutrients, reduce flooding, recharge ground water and provide outdoor
recreational and educational opportunities. These wetland reserve easement
programs allows effective integration of wetland restoration on working
landscapes by providing benefits to farmers, ranchers and rural communities
where the wetlands exist.

Collectively, NRCS easement programs help productive farm, ranch and tribal
lands continue in agricultural production and protect the nation's critical
wetlands and grasslands that are important to water supplies and home to
diverse wildlife and plant species. Under the former Wetlands Reserve
Program, private landowners, tribes and entities such as land trusts and
conservation organizations have enrolled 2.7 million acres through 14,500
agreements for a total NRCS and partner investment of $4.3 billion in
financial and technical assistance. Today's awards build on the more than
$330 million USDA announced in fiscal year 2015 to protect and restore
agricultural working lands, grasslands and wetlands.

Visit NRCS's ACEP webpage to learn more about NRCS's wetland conservation
opportunities.



###

News Clippings 10.15.15

State

Renew Our Rivers tackles debris in Clermont Harbor


Sun Herald


CLERMONT HARBOR -- A Hancock County community almost destroyed by Hurricane
Katrina is now a little cleaner, thanks to an environmental-stewardship
program.

http://www.sunherald.com/news/local/counties/hancock-county/article39121812.html



Gluckstadt to incorporate


Madison County Journal


A Gluckstadt incorporation effort is once again in the works, with
community members appointing an initial mayor and board of aldermen Tuesday
night.

http://www.onlinemadison.com/main.asp?SectionID=1&SubSectionID=1&ArticleID=30824





Mississippi ceremony will designate U.S. 78 as I-22


Commercial Appeal


One of the final steps in converting U.S. 78 into Interstate 22 through
northern Mississippi will take place Oct. 23 in New Albany, where a
ceremony will unveil the familiar interstate-style highway signs
designating the divided highway as I-22 from the Tennessee state line to
the Alabama line.


http://www.commercialappeal.com/news/suburbs/desoto/mississippi-ceremony-will-designate-us-78-as-i-22-2212cb8b-6f57-2a7f-e053-0100007ff4ab-332948601.html





Oil Spill





Mississippi gets millions for restoration projects
Clarion Ledger


WASHINGTON – Mississippi officials will turn to the public and other
stakeholders to help decide how to spend $582 million the state will
get to restore areas damaged by the 2010 Gulf of Mexico oil spill.


http://www.clarionledger.com/story/news/2015/10/14/mississippi-gets-millions-restoration-projects/73881796/





Regional





Mulch fire emitting potentially unsafe levels of particulate pollution


Commercial Appeal


A mulch fire in East Memphis is spewing potentially unhealthy levels of air
pollution in localized areas, the Health Department announced Wednesday
morning.
http://www.commercialappeal.com/news/mulch-fire-emitting-potentially-unsafe-levels-of-particulate-pollution-2213205e-399c-31be-e053-01000-332719781.html





Mulch fire causing air quality issues for Memphians


WMC


MEMPHIS, TN (WMC) -The National Weather service has issued an air quality
alert for Shelby County that reaches until 12:30 a.m. Thursday.
http://www.wmcactionnews5.com/story/30256866/air-quality-alert-issued-for-shelby-county





Mississippi River basin gets D+ because of aging infrustructure


AP



ST. LOUIS — A report card is out on the Mississippi River basin, and the
grade is not good: a D+, with an aging transportation infrastructure
topping the list of concerns.

http://www.nola.com/environment/index.ssf/2015/10/mississippi_river_basin_gets_d.html#incart_river





National





Energy, Mining Companies Begin to Back Climate Talks

Nearly 200 countries seek December accord over carbon-dioxide emissions at
UN-sponsored negotiations in Paris
WSJ


A major international agreement to reduce carbon-dioxide emissions is
starting to draw in major energy and mining companies.


http://www.wsj.com/articles/energy-mining-companies-begin-to-back-climate-talks-1444855640





New Concern Over Quakes in Oklahoma Near a Hub of U.S. Oil

NY Times


A sharp earthquake in central Oklahoma last weekend has
raised fresh concern about the security of a vast crude
oil storage complex, close to the quake's center, that
sits at the crossroads of the nation's oil pipeline
network.


http://www.nytimes.com/2015/10/15/us/new-concern-over-quakes-in-oklahoma-near-a-hub-of-us-oil.html?ref=earth&_r=0






State, feds won't pursue $92M more in '89 Exxon Valdez spill




AP


JUNEAU, ALASKA
The state and federal governments have decided not to pursue $92 million in
additional damages from Exxon Mobil Corp., citing the recovery of ducks and
sea otters in Alaska's Prince William Sound following a devastating oil
spill more than two decades ago.

http://www.sunherald.com/news/business/article39261981.html






New regs for Thursday: Air pollution, pools, pesticides
The Hill




Aluminum: The Environmental Protection Agency is moving forward with new
air pollution rulesfor aluminum plants.




The emissions standards cover hazardous air pollutants stemming from
aluminum plants.




The rules go into effect immediately.




Pools: The Department of Energy (DOE) is considering new efficiency rules
for pool pumps.




The Energy Department's Office of Energy Efficiency and Renewable Energy
will host a series of meetings to negotiate new rules for pool pumps. The
meetings will be hosted by the Dedicated Purpose Pool Pumps working group.




The DOE will host six public meetings between Oct. 19 and Dec. 8.




Pesticides: The Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) will allow small
amounts of the pesticide methyl bromide to be used.




The EPA is providing an exemption from the current restrictions on methyl
bromide under the Clean Air Act.




"Methyl bromide is an odorless, colorless, toxic gas which is used as a
broadspectrum pesticide," the agency wrote. "Methyl bromide was once widely
used as a fumigant to control a variety of pests such as insects, weeds,
rodents."




The exemptions go into effect on Jan. 1, 2016.


http://thehill.com/regulation/256888-new-regs-for-thursday-air-pollution-pools-pesticides





Opinion


Power Play at the Supreme Court

Another illegal rule against fossil fuels may be overturned.
WSJ


The Obama Administration's crusade against carbon returned to the Supreme
Court on Wednesday, as the Justices heard an important federalism challenge
to an energy scheme that usurps state powers to promote the green agenda.
The oral arguments suggested they may be queueing up another judicial
rebuke.


http://www.wsj.com/articles/power-play-at-the-supreme-court-1444862800





Press Releases


Mississippi Based RESTORE Act Center of Excellence Selected as the RESTORE
Research Center of Excellence

(JACKSON, Miss.)—The Mississippi Department of Environmental Quality (MDEQ)
announced today that the Mississippi Based RESTORE Act Center of Excellence
(MBRACE) has been selected as the RESTORE Research Center of Excellence.
Following the Deepwater Horizon disaster, Congress passed the RESTORE Act
to direct a portion of Clean Water Act civil penalties collected from
responsible parties to the states impacted by the oil spill, and it
includes a 2.5 percent funding designation to establish Research Centers of
Excellence.


MBRACE is a consortium made up of Mississippi's four major research
institutions: the University of Southern Mississippi, Jackson State
University, the University of Mississippi, and Mississippi State
University. The University of Southern Mississippi will serve as the lead
institution with the MBRACE program administered within the University's
Center for Gulf Studies.


"The Mississippi Based RESTORE Act Center of Excellence will further our
understanding of the condition of our natural resources and how to better
protect them. It will also be of assistance as we implement restoration
projects across the Coast," said Gary Rikard, Executive Director of the
Mississippi Department of Environmental Quality.


The Research Centers of Excellence in each Gulf state, including
Mississippi, will focus on science, technology, and monitoring in the
following disciplines:

•Coastal and deltaic sustainability, restoration and
protection, including solutions and technology that allow
citizens to live in a safe and sustainable manner in a
coastal delta in the Gulf Coast Region;

•Coastal fisheries and wildlife ecosystem research and
monitoring;


•Offshore energy development, including research and
technology to improve the sustainable and safe
development of energy resources in the Gulf of Mexico;


•Sustainable and resilient growth, economic and
commercial development in the Gulf of Mexico; and


•Comprehensive observation, monitoring, and mapping of
the Gulf of Mexico.


The results of studies conducted by the center will be shared with other
scientists, agencies and research groups to enhance coastal resource
management and develop practical applications that can drive technology
innovation and business development.

"This is a key milestone in the process of repairing the damage done in
Mississippi by the Deepwater Horizon oil spill, and the best way to find
new solutions for preventing future damage to our Coast," said Dr. Gordon
Cannon, USM Vice President for Research.

Dr. Monty Graham added: "The Center for Gulf Studies and MBRACE brings
together for the first time the state's highest caliber scientists to use
respective institutional capacities to address the most critical issues
facing Mississippi's Gulf Coast and its incredible natural resources." Dr.
Graham is the Chair of the Department of Marine Science and Interim
Director of the USM Gulf Coast Research Lab.


Comprehensive information on all aspects of Mississippi's oil spill
restoration efforts can be found at www.restore.ms.



###

News Clippings 10/14/15

State

Wicker: EPA Requirements Will Explode Power Bills

WTOK


Washington, D.C. Mississippi Sen. Roger Wicker is among leaders opposing a
new clean power plan recently unveiled by the U.S. Environmental Protection
(Embedded image moved to file: pic16803.jpg) Agency.

http://www.wtok.com/home/headlines/Wicker-EPA-Requirements-Will-Explode-Power-Bills-332577842.html



Chevron: Air monitoring shows chemicals below detectable levels


Sun Herald


PASCAGOULA - The Chevron Refinery Tuesday released a timeline of events and
results of air monitoring data related to the Sept. 28 collapse of a
storage tank roof.

http://www.sunherald.com/news/local/counties/jackson-county/article39000684.html



Public hearing held about Faircloth Landfill

WJTV

HINDS COUNTY, Miss. (WJTV) — A Hinds County landfill business wants to
expand, but neighbors are against it.


http://wjtv.com/2015/10/13/public-hearing-held-about-faircloth-landfill/



Owners of Faircloth rubbish landfill seek expansion
WAPT

CLINTON, Miss. —Dozens of residents attended a public hearing Tuesday to
voice their opposition to a request to expand a landfill near Clinton.


http://www.wapt.com/news/central-mississippi/owners-of-faircloth-rubbish-landfill-seek-expansion/35813384




Household Hazardous Waste Day Saturday

WTOK

Meridian, Miss. There are certain household items(Embedded image moved to
file: pic01408.jpg) you can throw in the trash can, while other items must
be disposed of in a different fashion and to make sure certain household
hazardous waste items are disposed of properly, the City of Meridian is
holding at Household Hazardous Waste Day.

http://www.wtok.com/home/headlines/Household-Hazardous-Waste-Day-Saturday--332480142.html




S.H. Anthony owner's sentencing delayed at prosecution's request


Sun Herald


GULFPORT -- Sentencing has been delayed a second time for contractor Sean
Anthony, who has admitted that he bribed two Harrison County Utility
Authority officials in exchange for business.

http://www.sunherald.com/news/local/crime/article38992833.html



National



Congress Pushes Back on EPA "Clean Power" Standards

WILX


The Environmental Protection Agency's 'Clean Power Plan' has stirred
controversy throughout the United States. Some senators believe the
administration(Embedded image moved to file: pic05542.jpg) is setting
unachievable standards for carbon dioxide and ozone reductions.

http://www.wilx.com/home/headlines/Congress-Pushes-Back-on-EPA-Clean-Power-Standards-332534532.html





More evidence children harmed by lead near Philadelphia 'Ghost Factory'
USA Today


Children living near the former site of a huge lead factory in
Philadelphia are six times more likely than children nationwide to
have elevated levels of toxic lead in their bodies, according to a
new federal study prompted in part by a USA TODAY investigation.
Tests of soil where these children play also found dangerously high
levels of lead contamination in most of the samples examined.


http://www.usatoday.com/story/news/2015/10/12/philadelphia-lead-factory-john-t-lewis-anzon/73688256/





Opinion


Littlejohn: Mississippi's conservation footprint grows
Clarion Ledger


This is an exciting time to be a part of the Mississippi outdoor
family as the Magnolia State now boasts a conservation footprint
that rivals the Great Smoky Mountains. The Nature Conservancy
recently acquired 2,100 acres along the Leaf and Pascagoula rivers
in the George and Greene County region of the Pascagoula River
Basin, connecting over 450,000 contiguous acres between the longleaf
pines of DeSoto National Forest and cypress-tupelo river bottoms of
the Pascagoula River Wildlife Management Area. This now marks the
largest tract of contiguous protected lands in Mississippi.


http://www.clarionledger.com/story/opinion/columnists/2015/10/13/mississippis-conservation-footprint-protected-land-pascagoula-river-basin-forest/73843774/





Press releases





"GREAT CENTRAL U.S. SHAKEOUT" EARTHQUAKE DRILL
SET FOR OCTOBER 15, 2015

PEARL –The Mississippi Emergency Management is encouraging everyone in the
state to take part in the fifth annual "Great Central U.S. ShakeOut"
Earthquake Drill on Thursday, October 15 at 10:15 a.m.

During the self-led drill, participants practice how to "Drop, Cover, and
Hold On". The essential steps to take are to:
· DROP to the ground.
· Take COVER under a sturdy table or desk if possible, protecting
your head and neck.
· HOLD ON until the shaking stops.

Citizens in Mississippi are not immune to earthquakes. The state is on the
outer edge of the New Madrid Seismic Zone which saw a series of major
earthquakes in the early 1800's which caused catastrophic damage. There are
several fault lines that cross the state.

"While the greatest risk for Mississippi lies in the northwest part of the
state, we know they can happen anywhere as we had three small quakes this
year in Madison County," said MEMA Director Robert Latham. "All
Mississippians should know how to protect themselves from an earthquake
whether you are at home, school, work or just out in the community.
Preparedness is the key to surviving a disaster regardless of where you
are."

The ShakeOut is free and open-to-the-public, and participants include
individuals, schools, businesses, local and state government agencies, and
many other groups. To take part in the ShakeOut, individuals and
organizations are asked to join the drill by registering to participate at
www.shakeout.org/centralus.

Once registered, participants receive regular information on how to plan
their drill and become better prepared for earthquakes and other disasters.

To date, three million people are registered to participate in this
regional event, however drills will also take place throughout most of the
nation and in several countries worldwide. More than 40 million people
around the globe are expected to participate; and in addition to safety
drills, many participants take extra steps to become more prepared for
earthquakes or other disasters.

The "Great Central U.S. ShakeOut" is being coordinated by local and state
emergency management, as well as by the Central U.S. Earthquake Consortium
and its Member and Associate States, the Federal Emergency Management
Agency, the U.S. Geological Survey, and dozens of other partners.

For detailed preparedness information please visit MEMA's website,
www.msema.org, and on its social media outlets Facebook and Twitter for
updates.
###