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Envirobytes - Archive
EnviroBytes, a Summary of Issues and Events for Week Ending February 5, 2010
EPA AWARDS $97,000 DRINKING WATER IMPROVEMENT GRANT TO MATAMORAS (PA) MUNICIPAL AUTHORITY
EPA awarded a $97,000 water improvement grant to the Matamoras (Pa.) Municipal Authority to replace its outdated drinking water mains. The project will prevent leaks, potential contamination, and allow the Authority to provide clean and safe drinking water to Matamoras Borough and portions of Westfall Township. The EPA grant will pay for 55 percent of eligible project costs of $176,363 while a portion of the money for the project is to be funded with local and state funds. Construction is set to commence in April 2010.
EPA GRANT PROVIDES CITY WITH SAFE AND CLEAN DRINKING WATER
EPA awarded a $291,000 grant to the City of Hagerstown, Md., to upgrade/replace its Wilson Water Treatment plant's outdated water mains. The project will improve operational reliability, reduce maintenance, improve energy efficiency, increase pumping capacity, and help ensure a safe, consistent potable water supply to customers. The EPA grant will pay for 55 percent of eligible project costs of $529,091, while a portion of the money for the project will be funded with local and state funds. Construction began in December 2009.
LOCAL ELECTRONICS RECYCLER ACHIEVES HIGH STANDARDS IN PROCESSING PRE-OWNED ELECTRONICS
On Feb. 3, E-Structors, Inc., of Elkridge, Md., became the first electronics recycler in EPA Region 3 to qualify for the Responsible Recycling Practices (R2) certification and the third in the nation to achieve this new set of rigorous professional standards to qualify as a model for the electronics recycling industry. The R2-Certified recyclers system avoids unnecessary energy and natural resource consumption, produces less greenhouse gas emissions and hazardous waste in its operations while protecting workers and the environment.
EPA GRANT PROMOTES COMPOSTING AS A BUSINESS TO FARMERS
The EPA Solid Waste Program has awarded a grant to promote the use of composting of food/ organic waste to small farm and small operators at various farming conferences in Allentown, Lehigh County, Franconia, Montgomery County and Wyomissing, Berks, County, Pa. Composting promotes the beneficial reuse of large quantities of food and organic waste which would otherwise be sent to landfills. The grant will also provide EPA's technical assistance to farmers who are willing to start composting. For more information on composting, and permit requirements, go to https://www.epa.gov/reg3wcmd/solidwastecomposting.htm
EPA'S ENERGY STAR LEADERS QUADRUPLE ENERGY SAVINGS IN ONE YEAR
The list of Energy Star Leaders has grown to more than 100 organizations since 2004. In 2009, EPA's Energy Star Leaders prevented the equivalent of more than 220,000 metric tons of carbon dioxide emissions and saved more than $48 million across their commercial building portfolios - quadrupling their energy savings from the previous year. Energy Star Leaders represent more than 5,600 buildings covering nearly 390 million square feet across 32 states and the District of Columbia.
More about Energy Star Leaders: http://www.energystar.gov/leaders
ADMINISTRATION BOOSTS RENEWABLE FUELS, CLEAN COAL TECHNOLOGY TO COMBAT CLIMATE CHANGE, CREATE JOBS
EPA has finalized a rule to implement the long-term renewable fuels standard of 36 billion gallons by 2022 established by Congress. “The renewable fuel standards will help bring new economic opportunity to millions of Americans, particularly in rural America. EPA is proud to be a part of the President's effort to combat climate change and put Americans back to work – both through the new renewable fuel standards and through our co-chairmanship with the Department of Energy of the Interagency Task Force on Carbon Capture and Storage.” said former EPA Administrator Lisa P. Jackson. To read the rule, got to https://www.epa.gov/otaq/renewablefuels/index.htm To read the full report, go to http://www.whitehouse.gov/sites/default/files/rss_viewer/growing_americas_fuels.PDF
EPA RELEASES PLANS TO IMPROVE SAFETY OF COAL ASH IMPOUNDMENTS BY ELECTRIC UTILITIES
EPA released action plans for safety measures that 22 coal ash impoundments at electric utility facilities are taking to prevent coal ash spills and to ensure that EPA's recommendations are implemented in a timely manner. EPA is also releasing reports assessing the structural integrity of an additional 40 coal ash impoundments at 16 facilities across the country. (A high hazard potential rating means if an impoundment fails, it can cause loss of human life. A significant hazard potential rating means impoundment failure can cause economic loss, environmental damage, or damage to infrastructure). For more information, go to https://www.epa.gov/epawaste/nonhaz/industrial/special/fossil/surveys2/index.htm
EPA REGION 3 CO-SPONSORS EARTH DAY POSTER CONTEST FOR K-12 STUDENTS
Students in Region 3 may now apply for the EPA/Philadelphia Zoo sponsored Earth Day poster contest for students in four grade categories (K-2; 3-5; 6-8; and 9-12). Students who reside in Delaware, Maryland, Pennsylvania, Virginia, West Virginia and D.C. may submit hand drawings on plain letter-sized paper (using markers, colored pencils, crayons, pens or paint) on one of three themes: Protect Habitats, Endangered Species; Help Protect the Earth from Climate Change; and The Meaning of Earth Day. Please postmark entries by March 1. Winning entries and others will be displayed at the Philadelphia Zoo's April 22-24 40th Earth Day celebration and later at the EPA Public Information Center in Philadelphia.
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