Envirobytes - Archive

Archive Information

EnviroBytes, a Summary of Issues and Events for weeks ending October 8, 2010 to October 15, 2010

OCTOBER IS CHILDREN'S HEALTH MONTH!
This year's Children's Health Month theme is "Healthy Communities for Healthy Children." EPA offers useful information on how to protect children from toxins, the sun, lead, and other potential environmental health threats at its Office of Children's Health Protection Website, as well as their multi-language Tips to Protect Children from Environmental Threats. The threats to children's health include:

STATIONS CAN ADD MORE ETHANOL AT FUEL PUMPS; IMPROVE FUEL BLEND'S IMPACT ON ENGINE DURABILITY AND EMISSIONS

On Oct. 13, EPA announced an initial action towards the commercial use of 15 percent ethanol gasoline (E15) blends for conventional cars and light trucks, and non-road vehicles built since 2007 to replace the 10 percent ethanol (E10) blends used since 1979. A decision on the use of E15 in model years 2001 to 2006 vehicles will be made in November. Model year 2000 and older vehicles still await testing. EPA will help consumers identify the correct fuel blend for their vehicles to prevent engine damage. For more information, go to https://www.epa.gov/otaq/regs/fuels/additive/e15/

EPA RELEASES PLAN TO PROMOTE THE DEVELOPMENT OF RENEWABLE ENERGY ON POTENTIALLY CONTAMINATED LANDS; REGISTER FOR OCTOBER 21 WEBINAR

As of Oct. 14, EPA has announced the development of a two-year draft management plan (The Repowering America's Land initiative draft plan) that will determine the feasibility of developing renewable energy production on Superfund sites, brownfields, and former landfill or mining sites. This initiative will help to decrease the use of green space for development, reduce greenhouse gas emissions, and provide health, economic benefits and job creation in local communities. The public can submit comments on the draft plan until Nov. 30, 2010 at https://www.epa.gov/renewableenergyland/

A webinar Oct. 21 on "Renewable Energy on Potentially Contaminated Land: Introduction of Repowering America's Land Initiative Draft Plan" will provide an overview of how developing renewable energy projects on brownfields sites benefits communities and how local governments can strategically plan to build these sites on contaminated land. Speakers will discuss their experiences on this topic, including the challenges and advantages. Go to More Information & Registration for the Oct. 21 webinar (3:00 p.m.-4:30 p.m. EDT or 19:00-20:30 GMT).

EPA AWARDS $4 MILLION TO REVITALIZE 23 ECONOMICALLY DISADVANTAGED COMMUNITIES

EPA announced the award of $4 million to 23 under-served and economically disadvantaged communities selected under the new Brownfields Area-Wide Planning Pilot Program. Each recipient will get up to $175,000 to help revitalize areas by creating more housing choices, more efficient and reliable transportation, reinforcing existing investments, and attracting businesses.
For more information go to https://www.epa.gov/smartgrowth/pdf/partnership_year1.pdf

EPA AWARDS $1.9 MILLION IN ENVIRONMENTAL JUSTICE SMALL GRANTS

EPA has awarded $1.9 million in environmental justice small grants to 76 non-profit organizations and local governments nationwide to address environmental and public health issues that affect minority, low income and indigenous communities disproportionately impacted by pollution. Projects include training to increase recycling, avoiding heat stroke, improving indoor air quality, reducing carbon emissions through weatherization, green jobs training programs and building healthy and sustainable communities. For a list of 2010 grantees in Region 3 and other regions and their projects, go to 2010 Grant Recipients PDF (33 pp, 123K) and click on Region 3. For information on the grant program, go to https://www.epa.gov/compliance/environmentaljustice/grants/ej-smgrants.html

HEALTHY WATERS BLOG CURRENT HIGHLIGHTS

Is your well well? If you are using a private well, it is important to have it tested for quality once a year. Testing for total coliform bacteria, nitrates, total dissolved solids, and pH level is an important practice for private well users but equally important are prevention practices. Share your ideas, visit the Healthy Waters Web site at http://blog.epa.gov/healthywaters/

Have some common ‘cents" You can save water, energy and money too by using WaterSense labeled energy efficient products. WaterSense products save water without sacrificing performance or quality. See if you are using any WaterSense labeled products. Use this product search to find more. Get more information about WaterSense in the mid-Atlantic region, visit the Healthy Waters Web site at http://blog.epa.gov/healthywaters/

REGISTRATION OPEN FOR APRIL 3-5, 2011 NATIONAL BROWNFIELDS CONFERENCE IN PHILADELPHIA

Registration is open for the 14th National Brownfields Conference co-sponsored by EPA and the International City/County Management Association at the Pennsylvania Convention Center in Philadelphia on April 3-5, 2011. The conference focuses on cleaning up and redeveloping abandoned, underutilized, and potentially contaminated properties. This year's emphasis is on green jobs, community engagement and environmental justice, the business of brownfields, green technology, planning for community revitalization, and sustainability. Register early at www.brownfields2011.org

Envirobytes - Archive

Local Navigation