News


China to Build $1.5 Billion Area for Panda Conservation

China to Build $1.5 Billion Area for Panda Conservation

The Bank of China has pledged at least 10 billion yuan, or $1.5 billion, to create an enormous panda conservation park in the Sichuan province, the forestry ministry said last week.

Minnesota Ceiling Tile Plant Penalized for Air Quality Permit Violations

USG Interiors self-reported that between July 2014 and October 2016, it violated its air quality permits for emissions exceedances or missed equipment testing 32 times.

European Commission Acts on Croatian Waste Site, Flood Plans

The commission on March 8 referred Croatia to the Court of Justice of the EU for failing to adequately protect people and the environment at the Biljane Donje landfill.

Canadian Government Investing in Northwest Territories' Infrastructure

The investments will make a positive difference in communities, such as cleaner air and water, reduced greenhouse gas emissions, sustainable water management, better transportation, and energy security and reduced reliance on diesel.

Proposal to Store Nuclear Waste in New Mexico Advances

The proposal comes from Holtec International, who is seeking an initial 40-year license for an underground storage facility that could accept and temporarily store used nuclear fuel accruing at reactors across the United States.

San Pedro Bay Clean Air Action Plan Meeting Set for March 29

Up to four CAAP stakeholder advisory meetings per year were called for as part of the Clean Air Action Plan Update approved by the Long Beach and Los Angeles ports' boards of harbor commissioners on Nov. 2, 2017; this will be the first advisory meeting.

EPA to Roll Back Clean Air and Water Protections

Environmental advocates are concerned that these rollbacks would lead to dirtier air and water and reduce or remove consequences for large-scale polluters.

First Plastic-Free Supermarket Aisle Opens in Netherlands

The aisle includes more than 700 plastic-free products, including meat, dairy, and produce. According to A Plastic Planet, the products use alternative, biodegradable packaging where necessary and will not be more expensive than plastic-wrapped goods.



Marine Protected Area Confirmed for Easter Island

The waters around Easter Island are home to at least 142 endemic species, including 27 that are threatened or endangered.

California became the first state to require solar panels to be installed on almost all new homes built after 2020.

Solarize NYC Expanded to Brooklyn Neighborhood

"New York City continues to lead the fight against climate change. We're lowering greenhouse gas emissions, preparing for rising seas and more intense storms, and taking the fight directly to the fossil fuel interests that have caused this problem," said Daniel Zarrilli, the city's senior director for Climate Policy and Programs and chief resilience officer.

Hanford Sets Meeting on Tunnel 2 Plans

A public meeting has been scheduled for March 14 at 5 p.m. in Richland, Wash., so area residents can learn more about the plans to finish filling and stabilizing two large tunnels there that have been used to store contaminated waste.

Disaster Preparedness for Your Business

The impact of natural disasters on your business can be catastrophic. Depending on your type of business, identify the risks associated with natural disasters, lay out evacuation and relocation plans, secure your equipment and facilities, and look after your staff.

Cape Town's Day Zero Moved Back to July 9

The city's executive deputy mayor writes that "defeating Day Zero is in sight if we sustain our water-saving efforts."

3M Settles Minnesota Groundwater Pollution Case

3M has agreed to provide an $850 million grant to the state for a special "3M Grant for Water Quality and Sustainability Fund."

EPA Settles Syngenta Case for Far Less

The company will pay a $150,000 civil penalty and spend $400,000 on worker protection training sessions. EPA earlier had assessed $4.8 million in fines.

Ohio EPA Considering Discharge Permit for Huber Heights Water Plant

The agency will host a public meeting March 1 about a proposed wastewater discharge from the Huber Heights drinking water treatment plant. The permit would allow the city to discharge up to 1.3 million gallons per day of filtered reject water to the Great Miami River.

TCEQ Executive Director Stepping Down

Richard A. Hyde, P.E., is retiring effective in April.

Canada Working to Reduce Diesel Use in Rural Communities

The national government believes cutting reliance on diesel in rural and remote communities will decrease Canada’s carbon footprint, support climate change adaptation, and contribute to healthier communities.

UK Environment Agency Warns Intense Flooding Becoming More Common

The Environment Agency also has launched its Flood Action Campaign, which targets younger people through social media and online advertising to encourage them to check their flood risk, sign up for free warnings, and be prepared to take action when flooding hits.

DOJ Seeks Contempt Order Against Pesticide Manufacturer

A May 2017 court order required the defendants to comply with the 2011 consent decree, but HPI and Garvey continue to store thousands of pounds of uncharacterized, often unidentified, chemicals, some with labels indicating they have been stored for a dozen years or more, according to DOJ, which said many of HPI's facilities lack functional fire suppression equipment.