![[logo] US EPA](../gif/logo_epaseal.gif){kind=logo}
Envirobytes - Archive
EnviroBytes, a Summary of Issues and Events for week ending October 29, 2010
EPA RECOGNIZES VIENNA, W. VA. FOR TAKING PREVENTIVE MEASURES TO PROTECT ITS DRINKING WATER
On Oct. 28, EPA's mid-Atlantic region honored the City of Vienna,W. Va. with a source water protection award for its efforts to protect its drinking water sources. The city established a wellhead protection plan and a source water protection plan to protect the drinking water and health of local residents from possible contamination due to proximity to a Superfund site. For more information on EPA's source water protection awards and wellhead protection program, visit https://www.epa.gov/reg3wapd/drinking/protection.htm
EPA AWARDS A $975,000 DIESEL EMISSIONS REDUCTION GRANT TO THE MARYLAND TRANSIT ADMINISTRATION
On Oct. 26, EPA awarded a $975,000 Diesel Emissions Reduction Act grant to the Maryland Transit Administration to support the retrofitting of a CSX-owned conventional locomotive engine with a more efficient diesel emissions reduction engine. EPA's Clean Diesel Campaign program offers strategies as well as funding to retrofit diesel engines to reduce emissions of particulate matter (soot), nitrous oxide, and carbon dioxide which can aggravate asthma symptoms and contribute to heart and lung problems in vulnerable populations. Learn more about EPA's National Clean Diesel Campaign at https://www.epa.gov/diesel/
EPA ANNOUNCES 14 WINNERS IN THE FIRST NATIONAL BUILDING COMPETITION TO SAVE ENERGY; THREE FROM REGION 3
EPA's Energy Star program launched a competition on April 27, further challenging winning teams from 14 buildings across the country to measure their building's energy use with help from the Energy Star program. These 14 winners were then judged on their energy performance from Sept. 1, 2009 to Aug. 31, 2010 and ranked.
A Sears store in Glen Burnie, Md. came in second with a 31.7 percent energy reduction. The company retrofitted the store's inefficient bulbs with more efficient lumen lighting, leading to energy use reductions of 25 percent to 35 percent of the building's total consumption. The store managers and staff curtailed needless energy waste in store operations.
1525 Wilson Boulevard Building, a 12-story Class-A commercial office building located in Arlington, Va., ranked fourth with a 28 percent energy reduction. The building's energy-saving strategies included an upgraded energy management system, comprehensive water conservation, and avid tenant participation in the program.
The Virginia Beach Convention Center, Virginia Beach, Va. was ranked 14th with a 1.5 percent energy reduction in power usage through the use of energy efficiency strategies and improved operations and maintenance, as well as cooperation from staff and employees. For more information on these and other winners, go to http://www.energystar.gov/index.cfm?fuseaction=buildingcontest.contestants For information on the program, go to http://www.energystar.gov/buildingcontest
SWARTHMORE PRESBYTERIAN CHURCH WINS EPA AWARD FOR EXCELLENCE IN ENERGY EFFICIENCY TWO YEARS IN A ROW
On Oct. 24, EPA recognized Swarthmore Presbyterian Church in Swarthmore, Pa. as one of five winners of the national 2010 Energy Star Congregations Award (making the list two years in a row). Using Energy Star program strategies and better energy efficient heating and cooling methods, and the support of the congregation and community, the church reduced its energy costs by 54 percent, saving $25,000 annually in energy costs, and helped to reduce climate change. For more information about Energy Star for Congregations, go to www.energystar.gov/congregations.
HEALTHY WATERS BLOG CURRENT HIGHLIGHTS
Concentrated Effort. Universal Need. This week's blog makes us aware of how the Potomac River Basin Drinking Water Source Protection Partnership is addressing the quality of drinking water in the Potomac River basin to ensure safe drinking water. Through discussion, we too can learn how to ensure safe drinking water in our area.
Boast Your Coast! Every year, Pennsylvania Coast Day stresses the importance of water conservation. How do you think water should be conserved? We need suggestions that we can incorporate for our booth in the upcoming September 13, 2011 Pennsylvania Coast Day. Share your ideas. Visit the Healthy Waters Web site at http://blog.epa.gov/healthywaters/
