News


Carbon Dioxide Atmospheric Concentration Hits Record

"Without rapid cuts in CO2 and other greenhouse gas emissions, we will be heading for dangerous temperature increases by the end of this century, well above the target set by the Paris climate change agreement," said WMO Secretary-General Petteri Taalas. "Future generations will inherit a much more inhospitable planet.

China Growing Fastest in Nuclear Power Production

China now has 38 nuclear power reactors in operation and 19 others under construction, IAEA reports.

Oil Companies' Climate Group Makes First Investments

OGCI Climate Investments is a billion-dollar investment fund established last year by OGCI to invest in promising technologies and business models that have the potential to significantly reduce greenhouse gas emissions; the fund is building a network of partners and co-investors in key sectors.

New Law Permits Tanker Avoidance Zones on the Hudson

The bill signed into law this week provides flexibility for the state so it can evaluate each instance to ensure it would be feasible and not hinder the necessary travel of petroleum-bearing vessels on the Hudson River and on active ports, some of which have active major oil storage facilities.

Canadian Forces Train for Maritime Emergencies

The exercise's scenario begins with a fire on BC Ferries' M/V Coastal Renaissance that causes passengers and crew members to evacuate. The two-day exercise simulates both search and rescue and a marine environmental response.

Higher Entry Fees Proposed for 17 'Highly Visited' National Parks

The National Park Service said the proposed new fee structure would boost national park revenue by $70 million per year, a 34 percent increase from the $200 million collected in fiscal year 2016.

NC Board to Evaluate Emerging Chemicals' Risks

Increased in size from eight to 16 members, the Science Advisory Board has a new charter and the scope of its work has expanded from toxic air pollutants to the broader focus on the impact of new and emerging chemicals, including GenX and hexavalent chromium.

GAO Estimates Benefits of Preparing USA for Climate Change

The study estimated coastal property losses from rising seas and more frequent, more intense storms could range from $51 billion to $74 billion per year late in this century.



Executive Order Issued for Post-Fire Waste Cleanup in California

The order allows qualified professionals at the federal agency to assist state and local officials in immediately removing visible hazardous debris such as batteries, flammable liquids, asbestos siding, paint, and pipe insulation from burned homes.

Canadian Company Pleads Guilty to Exporting Polar Bear Skin Rugs

Environment and Climate Change Canada's wildlife enforcement officers launched an investigation two years ago and discovered a polar bear skin rug located in Canada that had previously been exported to China. The investigation found the company on three occasions illegally exported polar bear skins to China.

Duke Energy Nuclear Plant Under Increased NRC Oversight

NRC said in April, an electrical component on a Catawba Unit 2 emergency diesel generator failed during a scheduled test. NRC said its inspectors reviewed the event and determined that the plant staff had failed to adequately develop and adjust preventive maintenance activities using operating experience, maintenance history, and performance records.

Veolia Wins Contract to Operate New-Generation French Wastewater Plant

The plant segregates wastewater and stormwater treatment for 37 MEL municipalities and satisfies high environmental standards, particularly for nitrogen and phosphate treatment, in order to maintain the quality of the nearby river water.

First Floating Wind Farm Starts Production in Scotland

Scotland's First Minister, Nicola Sturgeon, officially opened the 30MW farm, which Statoil operates in partnership with Masdar. The farm is located 25 kilometers offshore Peterhead in Aberdeenshire, Scotland.

Spain Joins UN Clean Seas Campaign

The announcement came Oct. 18 at the Volvo Ocean Race Ocean Summit in Alicante.

Port of Long Beach Makes Air Filter Grants

"The selected projects will provide high-performance air filters and heating, ventilation, and air conditioning upgrades at facilities most impacted by port operations," said Harbor Commission President Lou Anne Bynum. "We've made tremendous progress in reducing air pollution through our Green Port Policy."

NOLA Debuts Catch Basin Adoption Website

The Department of Public Works is spending $22 million on catch basin cleanings and repairs and is expected to clean 15,000 drains in 120 days, according to Mayor Landrieu's office, which said while the city will unclog and repair drains, it is important for residents to keep catch basins clear of trash and debris to prevent further issues.

West Virginia DEP Awards Electronics Recycling Grants

The program determines whether manufacturers have adopted or implemented free take-back/recycling programs for their products and awards recycling grants for county or city programs that divert covered electronic devices from their waste stream.

Banking on Big Data

Sophisticated tools capable of collecting and analyzing massive data sets and then displaying the results in visual form are no longer an option. They are becoming a necessity.

Two Coal-Fired Power Plants Closing in Texas

"These two plants are economically challenged in the competitive ERCOT market. Sustained low wholesale power prices, an oversupplied renewable generation market, and low natural gas prices, along with other factors, have contributed to this decision," Luminant's announcement said.

Eliminating the need for replacement is the most sustainable practice we can have as manufacturers. By design, durability is one of the most important factors in reducing environmental impact. (Nydree Flooring photo)

The Future of Sustainability

In the next five years, we'll see sustainability in commercial projects moving from a luxury to a requirement. Examining your product and its performance now will put you ahead of the curve.