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EnviroBytes, a Summary of Issues and Events for Week Ending May 15, 2009

FREE EXHIBIT DETAILS HOW BLIGHTED PROPERTIES ARE TURNED INTO PRODUCTIVE COMMUNITY ASSETS

A ribbon cutting ceremony on May 11 at the regional Public Information Center (PIC) 1650 Arch Street in Philadelphia debuted Region 3's Land Revitalization exhibit "From Brown to Green." The exhibit showcases detailed information on the redevelopment of blighted properties that have been put into productive reuse through EPA's Brownfields program. Designed and developed by EPA staff and graduate students studying museum exhibit design at the University of the Arts in Philadelphia, the exhibit is free to the public and open from 8:30 a.m. to 4:00 p.m. Monday through Friday. For information on the public information center, visit https://www.epa.gov/Region3/ee/pic.htm For information on land revitalization in EPA's mid-Atlantic region, visit https://www.epa.gov/reg3hwmd/bf-lr .

MAY 7 FORUM BROUGHT ATTENTION TO D.C. AREA ASTHMA PROBLEM

A World Asthma Day Education Forum was held May 7, in Washington, D.C. to improve asthma care nationwide as well as in the Washington, D.C. area. The event was sponsored by EPA Region 3, George Washington University and the Mid-Atlantic Center for Children's Health and the Environment. In D.C., at least 40,000 adults and 13,000 children are estimated to have asthma, and it affects more than one in ten children under 18 years of age. EPA staff believe that successful implementation of EPA asthma guidelines can improve the quality of life for asthma sufferers and reduce asthma-related health disparities and healthcare costs. For more information, go to https://www.epa.gov/asthma01/awm/index.html

EPA FORUM STRIVES TO REDUCE PCB POLLUTION THROUGH COMPLIANCE/POLLUTION PREVENTION

On May 7, EPA Region 3 hosted a conference, "The PCB Challenge Forum" at the Hyatt - Penn's Landing, Philadelphia, Pa. to assist firms on how to achieve compliance with regulations to reduce the use of authorized Polychlorinated biphenyls (PCBs) transformers, and provide information on ways in which firms who qualify may obtain mitigation of potential penalties associated with the unauthorized use of PCB transformers. EPA attorneys and staff were available to assist participants in identifying opportunities for PCB reduction or elimination, as well as opportunities for waste minimization and general pollution prevention tactics. For basic information on PCBs, go to https://www.epa.gov/epawaste/hazard/tsd/pcbs/pubs/about.htm

EPA OFFERS TIPS TO SAVE ENERGY AND FIGHT CLIMATE CHANGE

With the warmer weather approaching, EPA would like to help Americans keep cool and reduce both energy bills and greenhouse gas emissions by one third through Energy Star. The energy used in an average home costs more than $2,200 a year and contributes more greenhouse gas emissions than a typical car. "A few simple changes will help create real reductions in high summer electric bills and provide a hefty cut in greenhouse gas emissions in the bargain," said former EPA Administrator Lisa P. Jackson. "It's important that we all do our part to confront climate change, especially when it can help save money during these challenging economic times."
More tips on to how to save energy at home: http://www.energystar.gov
More tips on how to save energy at work: http://www.energystar.gov/index.cfm?c=business.bus_summer_ready
More hot tips for a cool summer: https://www.epa.gov/epahome/hi-summer.htm

EPA RECOGNIZES PRESIDENT'S (K-12) ENVIRONMENTAL YOUTH AWARD PROGRAM WINNERS FOR CONTRIBUTING TOWARD A HEALTHIER ENVIRONMENT

Former EPA Administrator Lisa P. Jackson recognized 10 winners of the 2008 President's Environmental Youth Awards ceremony in Washington, D.C. on May 13. Winning projects were judged on environmental need, goal accomplishments, long-term environmental benefits and positive impact on local communities. Among the 10 winners was Ryan Morgan, a junior at North Pocono High School (Pa.) in region 3. His innovative "Project Greenlight" allowed Ryan to successfully raise contributions, so he was able to amass 2,000 CFL bulbs which were distributed at school and community events with the help of the high school environmental club he founded. By giving away the bulbs for free, Ryan also persuaded many to try the more energy-saving CFLs and make the switch. More information on winners and project descriptions available at https://www.epa.gov/peya/peya2008.html

EPA ANNOUNCES NEW REQUIREMENTS FOR ENERGY EFFICIENT COMMERCIAL GRIDDLES AND OVENS

EPA announced that commercial griddles and ovens earning the Energy Star label are approximately 10 to 20 percent more energy efficient than standard models. Energy Star qualified electric griddles can save businesses about $190 per year, while gas griddles can save an average of $175 per year. Qualified electric ovens can save about $190 per year, while gas ovens can save an average of $360 per year. Outfitting an entire kitchen with Energy Star qualified commercial food service equipment could save operators approximately $3,600 each year. For more information on Energy Star qualified griddles and ovens, go to http://www.energystar.gov/index.cfm?fuseaction=find_a_product.showProductGroup&pgw_code=CKP

REGIONAL SCHOOLS GAIN RECOGNITION FOR PROTECTING THE SCHUYLKILL RIVER

The Schuylkill River and its tributaries are an important source of drinking water for 1.5 million people in the Philadelphia area. The Schuylkill Action Network (an organization dedicated to protecting and keeping the river clean) presented its annual Source Water Protection awards at a ceremony in Ambler, Pa. Students from the Anna L. Lingelbach Elementary School in Philadelphia, the Kutztown Area Middle School, and Reading Area Community College were honored for their efforts to protect the Schuylkill River. To win, students conducted water quality tests, planted native vegetation along walking trails, promoted environmental awareness and won awards for educating students and their communities about protecting rivers and streams that are the important sources of drinking water. For more information on the Schuylkill Action Network (of which EPA is a member): http://www.schuylkillwaters.org/ For more information on safe drinking water: https://www.epa.gov/safewater

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