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Envirobytes - Archive
ENVIROBYTES, A SUMMARY OF ISSUES AND EVENTS FOR WEEKS ENDING AUGUST 26, 2011 AND SEPTEMBER 2, 2011
LYNCHBURG WATER SYSTEM OPERATOR WINS AWARD FOR EXCELLENCE IN DRINKING WATER PROTECTION
On August 25, EPA presented Leslie Gryder of Lynchburg, Va. the EPA mid-Atlantic region award for excellence in operating a large public drinking water system. Her innovative skills kept the city's drinking water clean and protected public health by reducing the levels of toxic disinfection byproducts, minimizing algal growth to improve taste, and assisting neighboring systems to improve their water quality. For more information, go to https://www.epa.gov/reg3wapd/drinking/awards.htm#source
EPA SOLID WASTE GRANT PROGRAM ENCOURAGES COMPOSTING OF FOOD WASTE
The EPA Region 3 Solid Waste Management Program provided a grant to the Virginia-based Martins/Giant supermarket chain to enable them to compost their food waste instead of sending it to a landfill. The grant will help prevent pollution and provide the economic benefits of soil enrichment and soil remediation. For information on the EPA Region 3 solid waste management grant program, go to https://www.epa.gov/reg3wcmd/solidwastegrants.htm
EPA LAUNCHES ELECTRONIC GREENHOUSE GAS POLLUTION REPORTING TOOL
On August 22, EPA launched the electronic Greenhouse Reporting Program pollution reporting tool (e-GGRT) so that large industrial emitters and suppliers, including power plants, petroleum refineries and landfills, can submit their 2010 greenhouse gas pollution (GHG) data electronically. The deadline is September 30, 2011. To submit, go to https://ghgreporting.epa.gov/ghg/login.do. For additional information, go to https://www.epa.gov/climatechange/emissions/ghgrulemaking.html
EPA ALLOCATES $6 MILLION TO HIRE UNEMPLOYED WORKERS TO RESTORE THE GREAT LAKES
On August 23, EPA announced that the Great Lakes Restoration Initiative program will set aside approx. $6 million to sign up unemployed workers for the ecological restoration of the Great Lakes during fiscal years 2010 through 2014, in five urgent areas:
• Cleaning up toxics and toxic hot spot areas of concern.
• Combating invasive species.
• Promoting near-shore health by protecting watersheds from polluted run-off.
• Restoring wetlands/habitats.
• Tracking progress, education and working with strategic partners.
For more information, go to http://www.glri.us. 
EPA CONTINUES TO ASSESS THE TOXIC HEALTH EFFECTS OF DIOXIN
EPA announced on August 29 that by the end of January 2012, it plans to complete the non-cancer portion of the Reanalysis of Key Issues Related to Dioxin Toxicity and Response and then finalize the cancer portion. Although levels have declined, dioxin continues to enter the food chain through soil and sediment releases that may threaten human health and the environment. For more information, go to https://www.epa.gov/dioxin/ See the Science Advisory Board Report, at http://yosemite.epa.gov/sab/sabproduct.nsf/WebReportsLastMonthBOARD/
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ENERGY STAR ENERGY-EFFICIENCY PROGRAM ENDORSES NEW MULTIFAMILY HIGH-RISE BUILDING CATEGORY
EPA announced on August 30 that the Energy Star program will now endorse multifamily high-rise residential buildings and not only single family homes/units in low-rise multifamily buildings with the energy-efficient features that save money, protect the environment, and increase a home's value and comfort. A new or substantially rehabilitated multifamily high rise building must meet strict guidelines for energy efficiency set by EPA to qualify. For more information, go to http://www.energystar.gov/mfhr
HEALTHY WATERS BLOG CURRENT HIGHLIGHT
Home, Sweet Water Sense-Labeled Home! - With pending water shortages, it is crucial to reduce water usage, especially when building a new home. With WaterSense standards incorporated early in the building stages and the use of more energy-efficient and less costly WaterSense labeled products, expensive retrofits can be avoided. What steps are you are taking to be more water efficient in your home? Share your ideas at http://blog.epa.gov/healthywaters/
It's a Boy, It's a Girl, It's an Environmentalist! - Several schools, colleges, and universities were recognized for protecting their drinking water sources at the 2011 Schuylkill Action Network Drinking Water Scholastic Awards. The projects, including installing rain gardens, planting and repairing buffers, and testing water, showed how important it is to keep our water clean. Share your ideas at http://blog.epa.gov/healthywaters/
