Ecosystems


In federal court yesterday, the EPA decreed that ExxonMobil will pay nearly $1.5 million in fines for a Clean Water Act violation that ultimately led to a Louisiana oil spill more than two years ago.

ExxonMobil to Pay Large Fine for 2012 Oil Spill in Louisiana

In federal court yesterday, the EPA decreed that ExxonMobil will pay nearly $1.5 million in fines for a Clean Water Act violation that ultimately led to a Louisiana oil spill more than two years ago.

Largest Dam Removal in History Already Restoring River’s Health

With only 35 feet left to remove of the Glines Canyon Dam on the Elwha River in Washington, the river is already showing great progress with fish and native plants returning to the area.

NOAA Analysis Documents Coastal Wetlands and Forest Loss

The agency found that between 1996 and 2011, 64,975 square miles in coastal regions -- an area larger than the state of Wisconsin -- experienced changes in land cover.

Associate Professor Karl Vernes from the University of New England, Australia, is undertaking research into these mysterious water sources and the habits of the animals that use them in a bid to conserve the unique ecosystems of a region which is facing the strains of mass development and tourism.

Researching the Key to Survival for Mammals of the Yucatan

Associate Professor Karl Vernes from the University of New England, Australia, is undertaking research into these mysterious water sources and the habits of the animals that use them in a bid to conserve the unique ecosystems of a region which is facing the strains of mass development and tourism.

 After the BC mine catastrophe earlier this week, Alaskans are asking the EPA to finalize mine waste restrictions in order to protect their fishery.

BC Mine Failure Brings Pebble Mine Risks to Light

After the BC mine catastrophe earlier this week, Alaskans are asking the EPA to finalize mine waste restrictions in order to protect their fishery.

EPA Settlement Aids San Franscisco Bay

"For many years, the health of San Francisco Bay has been imperiled by ongoing pollution, including enormous discharges of raw and partially treated sewage from communities in the East Bay," said Jared Blumenfeld, EPA's regional administrator for the Pacific Southwest. "Many of these discharges are the result of aging, deteriorated sewer infrastructure that will be fixed under the EPA order."

A new ruling in the Georgia Court of Appeals states that all waters are to be protected by 25-foot vegetative buffers under Georgia law.

All Waters in Georgia Protected by Buffers

A new ruling in the Georgia Court of Appeals states that all waters are to be protected by 25-foot vegetative buffers under Georgia law.

The thin ribbon of sandy barrier islands and beaches along America’s coastline shifts constantly, especially during hurricanes, nor’easters, and other extreme storms.

Science Brings Clarity to Shifting Shores

Each and every day, waves move sand back and forth, onto and away from beaches. The thin ribbon of sandy barrier islands and beaches along America’s coastline shifts constantly, especially during hurricanes, nor’easters, and other extreme storms.



BSEE Researcher Highlights Current Research Projects

Kristi McKinney, a research specialist in the federal agency's Oil Spill Response Division, spoke last month at the Norwegian Oil Spill Control Association’s annual seminar.

Thousands of Acres Preserved in South Carolina

More than 4,000 acres of land, including 2,000 acres of wetlands, will be preserved in South Carolina thanks to a wetland mitigation approved by the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers.

Federal Court Ruling Protects Appalachian Waters

A federal appeals court has sided with the EPA to uphold a policy to scrutinize pollution from severe mountaintop removal mining in Appalachia, helping protect the waters and surrounding communities.

WV DEP: Cleanups Removed 300 Tons of Trash

West Virginians are proud of their state and its beauty and understand the importance of keeping it clean," said Danny Haught, chief of the Department of Environmental Protection's Rehabilitation Environmental Action Plan, which oversees the programs.

Acidity Decreasing in Rivers

A USGS study shows that rivers across the United States are less acidic due to a decrease in atmospheric deposition, industrial waste, and mine drainage.

Queens Environmental Center Wins Design Award

New York Mayor Bill de Blasio and Design Commission President Signe Nielsen honored 10 public works projects in the city's five boroughs July 7 with the 32nd Annual Awards for Excellence in Design.

BSEE

BSEE Testing Stationary Skimmer Systems' Effectiveness

The skimmers will be tested using various oil types in order to determine their oil recovery rate and recovery efficiency.

Cincinnati School Receives Environmental Grant

The Ohio EPA has given more than $36,000 for an environmental education grant that will allow students in Cincinnati to learn environmental science while also restoring Salway Park as part of a community service project.

A new report from the Natural Resources Defense Council (NRDC) reveals that 10 percent of all beaches in the U.S. do not meet the EPA’s water quality requirements. The report also recognized 35 clean or “superstar” beaches and 17 “repeat offenders” that desperately need clean water protection.

How Safe is the Water at Your Favorite Beach?

A new report from the Natural Resources Defense Council (NRDC) reveals that 10 percent of all beaches in the U.S. do not meet the EPA’s water quality requirements. The report also recognized 35 clean or “superstar” beaches and 17 “repeat offenders” that desperately need clean water protection.

Organic Crops Boost Biodiversity

A new international project studied biodiversity in agriculture, and the research team discovered that farming practices and the number of habitats play a large role in obtaining that biodiversity.

Three Cockatoo Species Listed as Endangered Species

Three Cockatoo Species Listed as Endangered

The U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service today announced the final listing of three cockatoo species under the Endangered Species Act (ESA

Average 2014 Dead Zones Predicted in Gulf of Mexico, Chesapeake

"We are making progress at reducing the pollution in our nation's waters that leads to 'dead zones,' but there is more work to be done," said NOAA Administrator Kathryn D. Sullivan, Ph.D. "These ecological forecasts are good examples of the critical environmental intelligence products and tools that NOAA provides to interagency management bodies, such as the Chesapeake Bay Program and Gulf Hypoxia Task Force. With this information, we can work collectively on ways to reduce pollution and protect our marine environments for future generations."