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Envirobytes - Archive
EnviroBytes, a Summary of Issues and Events for Week Ending August 7, 2009
EPA / TEMPLE UNIVERSITY PARTNERSHIP TO LAUNCH TEMPLE'S COMPUTER RECYCLING PILOT AS MODEL FOR OTHER UNIVERSITIES
The Professional Recyclers of PA (PROP) Annual Conference in Scranton, Pa. was held on July 29. At the conference, Temple University's Computer Recycling Center presented its model innovative electronic recycling program which has been bolstered by a Sustainability Partnership agreement with EPA to be introduced to other universities. The EPA program encourages innovative environmental solutions. Temple explained how the program fixes its computers and either gives them to other departments, sells them to staff and students at a cost from $25 to $50 per computer, or donates them to community schools and nonprofit organizations, ultimately recycling the residue materials. For information on EPA's Sustainability Partnerships Program go to https://www.epa.gov/region3/green
REGION 3 AWARDS GRANT TO U. OF MARYLAND TO PROTECT POLLINATING HONEY BEES FROM PESTICIDE TOXICITY
EPA awarded a $53,292 Strategic Agricultural Initiative (SAI) grant to the University of Maryland for a project titled "Use Patterns of nonicotinoid insecticides on Cucurbit Crops and Exposure to Honey Bees." The grant will transition growers to environmentally sound pest management practices when they are applying neonicotinoid insecticides on cucurbit crops (cucumbers, melons, squash and pumpkins). Since the insecticide can be toxic to honey bees if applied to crops in strong levels during pollination, this project will determine the safe insecticide levels growers can use to minimize toxic exposure to honey bees.
EPA AWARDS TWO PROJECTS UNDER THE RE-POWERING AMERICA'S LANDS INITIATIVE
EPA has selected two projects in Region 3 to promote renewable energy on contaminated lands under the RE-Powering America's Lands Initiative. These projects will assist communities in assessing the potential for renewable energy and serve as models. One project near Hazelton, Pa will evaluate using hydro-power from a mine drainage tunnel to power part of a local wastewater treatment plant. The second project in Nitro, W. Va. will study the feasibility of solar energy on contaminated lands. Both projects will receive $50,000 for contractor support from the Department of Energy's National Renewable Energy Laboratory (NREL). For more information, go to https://www.epa.gov/renewableenergyland/index.htm
EPA ANNOUNCES BROWNFIELD REVOLVING LOAN FUND GRANTS TO FOUR PENNSYLVANIA AREAS
Brownfield Revolving Loan Fund Grants (RLFs) were awarded to four areas in Pennsylvania: Lehigh County, Bucks County, Northampton County and the Johnstown Redevelopment Authority. The grants will provide loans (low and no interest loans) and sub grants to help carry out brownfields cleanup activities, redevelopment projects, and jobs for local residents living near brownfields. All grants except for the Bucks County grant are funded through the American Recovery and Reinvestment Act of 2009.
Northampton County, Pa. - ($300,000) - For cleanup activities at the former Electric Furnace Shop project in the former Bethlehem Steel Foundry.
Bucks County, Pa. – ($500,000) – For cleanup activities, redevelopment projects, and to create jobs for local residents living near brownfields sites.
Johnstown Redevelopment Authority – ($900,000) - For cleanup activities, redevelopment projects, and to create jobs for local residents living near brownfields sites.
Lehigh County, Pa. – ($900,000) - Lehigh County will use the funding to help support cleanup activities at the Martin Tower project at the former Bethlehem Steel headquarters site.
For more information on brownfields cleanup revolving loan fund pilots and grants and other EPA Brownfields activities under the Recovery Act, go to https://www.epa.gov/brownfields/eparecovery/index.htm
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