![[logo] US EPA](../gif/logo_epaseal.gif){kind=logo}
Envirobytes - Archive
EnviroBytes, a Summary of Issues and Events for week ending November 5, 2010
EPA PROCLAIMS AMERICA RECYCLES DAY ON NOVEMBER 15TH
Recycling trash has an immediate positive impact on the environment in reducing pollution. The nation's composting and recycling rate rose from 7.7 percent of the waste stream in 1960 to 17 percent in 1990 and is currently hovering around 33 percent. In 2008 -- the latest recycling statistics available -- recycling and composting 83 million tons of waste saved the equivalent of more than 10.2 billion gallons of gasoline. By tossing one aluminum soda into the recycling bin, you've just saved enough energy to run your TV for two hours! So, reduce, reuse, and recycle! For more information, go to https://www.epa.gov/reg3wcmd/solidwasterecycling.htm
For more information on America Recycles Day go to:
http://www.kab.org/site/PageServer?pagename=ard_homepage
DOE AND EPA RELEASE THE 2011 ANNUAL FUEL ECONOMY GUIDE
The newly released EPA/DOE 2011 Fuel Economy Guide provides information to consumers on the most fuel efficient vehicles that are in the market including estimated mileage and fuel costs for the 2011 model year vehicles. This includes electric and plug-in hybrid cars, clean diesel and gasoline models and for the first time, medium-duty passenger vehicles such as large SUVs and passenger vans. The Fuel Economy Guide is available at http://www.fueleconomy.gov, in automobile dealer showrooms, and at fueleconomy.gov/m.
CONSTRUCTION COMPLETED AT NORFOLK, VA SUPERFUND SITE
On Nov. 1, EPA announced that the largest naval base in the world (the Naval Station Norfolk Superfund site in Norfolk, Va.) has been added to the EPA's construction completion list. This means that after 27 years of cleanup and remediation EPA has determined that unacceptable risks to human health and the environment at the site have been addressed and the Navy can now look forward to the potential redevelopment of the base. More information on the site is available at: https://www.epa.gov/reg3hwmd/super/sites/VA6170061463/index.htm .
CLEANUP COMPLETED AT HAVERTOWN SUPERFUND SITE WITH HELP OF RECOVERY ACT FUNDS
EPA has completed the cleanup of the Havertown PCE Superfund site (formerly National Wood Preservers) in Haverford Township, Delaware County, Pa. at a cost of approximately $3.6 million including $3.2 million in American Recovery and Reinvestment Act funding. Naylor's Run, a small stream that flows through a residential area into the Delaware River, as well as the local groundwater will continue to be monitored on a regular basis until federal standards are met. For more information on the Havertown PCP Superfund site, go to: www.epa.gov/reg3hwmd/super/sites/PAD002338010/.
EPA RECOGNIZES 50 TOP GREEN POWER PURCHASERS; MANY IN REGION MAKE LIST
On Nov. 1, EPA announced a list of top 50 national organizations that are reducing their greenhouse gas emissions by supporting the purchase of electricity generated from cleaner, renewable resources (“green power”) such as solar, wind, geothermal, biogas, and low-impact hydropower. In the mid-Atlantic region, 10 organizations made the list including the commonwealth of Pennsylvania, EPA headquarters and the District of Columbia. For the top 50 list, go to https://www.epa.gov/greenpower/toplists/top50.htm For information on EPA's Green Power Partnership, go to https://www.epa.gov/greenpower/
HEALTHY WATERS BLOG CURRENT HIGHLIGHTS
Regional Geographic: Mapping Our Waters for Environmental Protection. Mapping and geography are integral parts of EPA's mission to protect human health and the environment. Can you think of any maps that EPA could provide to help you learn more about your environment and geography? The EPA website “Surf your Watershed” can help you find a river or watershed to see what efforts are being made to keep your water clean.
The Field Isn't the Only Thing Green in the Nationals' Stadium. The Washington Nationals baseball team are in their third season at D.C.'s National Park, America's first green certified professional sports stadium. A 6,300 sq. ft. green roof over the concession area, storm drains and huge sand filters beneath the stadium are among the efforts that help reduce storm water runoff from reaching the Anacostia River. The stadium's low flow faucets and dual flush toilets also save millions of gallons of water a year. Visit the Healthy Waters Web site at http://blog.epa.gov/healthywaters/
