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Envirobytes - Archive
ENVIROBYTES, A SUMMARY OF ISSUES AND EVENTS FOR WEEKS ENDING October 7, 2011 AND OCTOBER 14, 2011
WAYNSBURG, PA FACILITY AWARDED ENERGY STAR AWARD FOR EXCELLENCE IN POLLUTION REDUCTION AND ENERGY SAVINGS
The Dominion Gas Transmission Crayne Compressor Station in Waynesburg, Pa. received the coveted EPA Energy Star Combined Heat and Power (CHP) award for successful use of CHP cogeneration technology in producing both electricity and thermal energy from natural gas, and biomass. The facility achieved an estimated annual energy savings of more than $4 million and prevented the equivalent carbon pollution from nearly 20,000 cars on the road.
EPA REGION 3 ANNOUNCES REVISED STORMWATER PERMIT TO REDUCE WATER POLLUTION IN DC AND THE CHESAPEAKE BAY
A newly-revised stormwater permit will help the District of Columbia meet its Chesapeake Bay pollution reduction targets and Watershed Implementation Plan. The new requirements include use of green infrastructure to control runoff, control of storm water drainage from impervious surfaces, preventing trash discharges into the Anacostia River, and developing plans to restore the impaired Anacostia and Potomac Rivers, Rock Creek, and the Chesapeake Bay. For the permit, fact sheet and response to comments, visit: https://www.epa.gov/reg3wapd/npdes/dcpermits.htm .
GRANT WILL HELP PHILIPSBURG, PA REDUCE WETLANDS FLOODING
The Borough of Philipsburg, Pa. has been awarded a $485,000 grant as partial funding for the construction of a storm sewer system to redirect a portion of the storm water volume from wetlands into Moshannon Creek to reduce the volume of discharge. The EPA grant will pay for 55 percent of the $881,819 eligible project costs. The balance of the project will be financed by state funding. Construction is expected to begin in April 2012.
SEWER INFRASTRUCTURE IMPROVEMENT PROJECT TO AID CHESTER CREEK WATERSHED AND THORNBURY TOWNSHIP RESIDENTS
A $242,000 grant has been awarded to Thornbury Township, Pa. for the installation of approximately 6,400 feet of upgraded, new sewer lines and to protect against infiltration of failing onsite septic systems. The primary beneficiaries of this sewer infrastructure project will be the residents of the College Hill area of Thornbury Township, Delaware County, including Cheyney University.
CHESAPEAKE BAY TO BENEFIT FROM WASTEWATER TREATMENT PLANT UPGRADE AND EXPANSION PROJECT
A $679,000 grant has been awarded to Chesapeake Beach, Md. for the construction of the Waste Water Treatment Plant Enhanced Nutrient Removal (ENR) project. The project will help eliminate plant overflows, remove nutrients from treated wastewater, and improve the bay. When completed it is estimated the project will eliminate 18,265 pounds per year of total nitrogen and 7,762 pounds per year of total phosphorous.
NOV. 28 IS DEADLINE TO APPLY FOR EPA BROWNFIELDS FUNDING
On Oct. 5, EPA announced that applications are open for 2012 Brownfields grant funding. The funds will help eligible organizations redevelop former contaminated and abandoned sites and transform them into new developments that improve the local economy by increasing the tax base, providing jobs, and protecting the environment. To apply, go to www.epa.gov/brownfields/applicat.htm. Learn more about EPA’s Brownfields Program.
APPLICATIONS NOW OPEN FOR 2011 PRESIDENTIAL INNOVATION AWARD
On Oct. 14, EPA announced the 2011 Presidential Innovation Award for Environmental Educators Program in partnership with the White House Council on Environmental Quality. The award recognizes outstanding K-12 teachers for their innovative approaches to environmental education. Two teachers from each EPA region will be selected to receive the award. The application deadline is Dec. 30. .Award winners will be announced in spring of 2012. To submit an application, please visit www.epa.gov/education/teacheraward.
HEALTHY WATERS BLOG CURRENT HIGHLIGHTS
Balm Before the Storm EPA announced two initiatives that will have a big impact in cleaning up the Potomac and Anacostia rivers and Rock Creek, and improving the health of the Chesapeake Bay. The initiatives will promote clean water, create jobs and improve the quality of life in the District. Share your ideas at http://blog.epa.gov/healthywaters/
A Firsthand View Waste water treatment plants go through a complex, systematic and rigorous process to treat wastewater before it is discharged back into rivers and streams. Do you know where the water goes after you use it, and what happens before it goes back into rivers and streams? Contribute your ideas at http://blog.epa.gov/healthywaters/
Giving Fish a Lift In order to help migratory fish swim unimpeded from saltwater to their freshwater spawning grounds, they must be helped to bypass dams. Fish ladders allow the fish to swim upward into a series of upstream chambers that by pass the dams. Did you know that the Mid-Atlantic region is home to several fish ladders, including one in Philadelphia? Share your ideas at http://blog.epa.gov/healthywaters/
