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Envirobytes - Archive
EnviroBytes, a Summary of Issues and Events for Weeks Ending June 5 and June 12, 2009
REGION AWARDED FUNDS TO CONSTRUCT BIODIESEL STATION PROTOTYPE
EPA headquarters awarded the EPA Mid-Atlantic Region $30,000 for a feasibility study to construct a biofuel station at the Keystone Industrial Port Complex in Fairless Hills, Pa. Keystone is a Region 3 RCRA Corrective Action site and Sustainability Partner, and one of ten similar land revitalization projects nationwide. The study results will be used to develop a biofuel station at the site, establish the environmental case and business model for constructing biofuel stations in other communities and to promote the use of biofuels. To learn about EPA Region 3's Corrective Action program, go to https://www.epa.gov/reg3wcmd/ca/ca_program.htm
EPA ANNOUNCES $15.6 MILLION RECOVERY ACT FUNDS FOR WATER INFRASTRUCTURE PROJECTS IN WEST VIRGINIA
EPA has awarded $15.6 million American Recovery and Reinvestment Act of 2009 funds to the W. Va. Department of Health and Human Resources to create jobs, boost local economies, improve aging water infrastructure and protect human health and the environment in West Virginia. The funds will help the state and local governments finance overdue improvements to water projects through the state's Drinking Water State Revolving Fund program which provides low-interest loans for drinking water systems to finance infrastructure improvements. Information on implementation of the American Recovery and Reinvestment Act of 2009 in West Virginia, visit: http://www.recovery.gov/?q=content/allocation-programs&state=WV. Information on the Drinking Water State Revolving Fund program visit https://www.epa.gov/safewater/dwsrf/.
EPA EXTENDS COMMENT DEADLINE FOR PROPOSED CEMENT PLANT RULES, SETS PUBLIC HEARING DATES
EPA is extending the public comment deadline to Sept. 4, on a proposal to slash mercury emissions and other pollutants from Portland cement kilns setting emission limits for total hydrocarbons and particulate matter from cement kilns of all sizes. The proposal would also reduce hydrochloric acid emissions from large hydrochloric acid emitting kilns. Three public hearings on the proposed rule will be held on June 16, 17 and 18 at the following locations:
June 16: Los Angeles
Wilshire Grand Hotel
930 Wilshire Blvd
Los Angeles, Calif.
June 17: Dallas
Grand Hyatt DFW
2337 South International Parkway
DFW Airport, Texas
Note: The hotel is across from the parking facility for Terminal D, on the departure level. The Federal Register notice indicated the incorrect terminal.
June 18: Arlington, Va.
EPA Potomac Yard South Conference Center
2777 Crystal Drive
Arlington,Va.
Note: Anyone attending the Arlington hearing will need to bring photo identification.
To preregister to speak at the hearings, please contact Pamela Garrett at garrett.pamela@epa.gov or 919-541-7966. More information on proposed rule: https://www.epa.gov/ttn/oarpg/t3/fact_sheets/portland_prop_fs042109.pdf
Proposed rule as published in the Federal Register on May 6, 2009:http://www.gpo.gov/fdsys/pkg/FR-2009-05-06/pdf/E9-10206.pdf
REGARDING THE DIGITAL TELEVISION TRANSITION: ECYCLE DO NOT DISPOSE
After June 12, all full power television stations began broadcasting in digital, over-the-air signals. Consumers who own analog TV sets can choose to subscribe to a paid TV service or connect to converter boxes. EPA encourages people who choose to use converter boxes to look for Energy Star-qualified boxes to extend the life of their TVs. And for people purchasing new TVs, choose one bearing the Energy Star-qualified label. To recycle your old TV, contact your local household hazardous waste collection and recycling program. Look up the benefits of EPA's Plug-In To eCycling, offering consumers more opportunities to donate or recycle their used electronics.
More information on Plug-In To eCycling: https://www.epa.gov/epawaste/partnerships/plugin/index.htm
OBAMA ADMINISTRATION ANNOUNCES INTERAGENCY PLAN TO IMPLEMENT MOUNTAINTOP MINING REFORM
Obama Administration officials announced that EPA, the Army Corps of Engineers and the U.S. Department of Interior will undertake several short-term actions to reform mountaintop coal mining regulations that negatively impact the environment. Concurrent with the short-term actions, the three agencies will begin a comprehensive, coordinated review of their existing respective regulations and procedures governing mountaintop coal mining under existing law. The agencies will also create an interagency working group to promote ongoing federal collaboration and ensure the Action Plan achieves results and will seek to involve the public through public comment and outreach. More information on the Memorandum of Agreement: https://www.epa.gov/owow/wetlands/guidance/mining.html
$10 MILLION IN EPA GRANTS TO HELP DEVELOP CLIMATE CHANGE SHOWCASE COMMUNITIES
EPA is announcing up to $10 million in “Climate Showcase Communities” grants to assist local and tribal governments plan and implement programs that reduce greenhouse gas emissions within their operations and surrounding communities. The agency expects to award approximately 30 cooperative agreements (ranging from $100,000 to $500,000 each) with approximately 5 percent of the funds ($500,000) set-aside for tribal governments. Requests for applications are due by July 22, at 4:00 p.m. EDT. Projects should create replicable models of sustainable community action, generate cost-effective greenhouse gas reductions, and improve the environmental, economic, public health, and social conditions in a community. Training and technical support will be provided to grant recipients. For more information: https://www.epa.gov/statelocalclimate/index.html
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