Industry Trends


Further Improvements Needed on Chemical Security Regulations

Although the Department of Homeland Security (DHS) has made great progress in chemical security with the Chemical Facility Anti-Terrorism Standards (CFATS) program, there is still plenty of room for improvement, according to Timothy J. Scott, Chief Security Officer and Corporate Director Emergency Services and Security at The Dow Chemical Company.

Progress of Norristown Brownfields Recognized

The EPA has recognized Norristown, Pa. for the state’s efforts to revitalize brownfield sites for future development.

Energy Efficiency and Pollution Prevention Grants for Small Businesses

The DEP in Pennsylvania has given 36 small businesses across the state a total of $290,010 in grants for energy efficiency and pollution prevention projects.

New President/CEO for GZA Environmental, Inc.

William E. Hadge, P.E. has been named as the new President and CEO of GZA GeoEnvironmental, Inc.

NWS Center in Maryland Renamed

The Weather Prediction Center is one of nine national centers of the National Weather Service, which is part of NOAA.

President Obama Announces New EPA Administrator Nominee

During a ceremony at the White House today, President Barack Obama announced three cabinet-level nominations, including Gina McCarthy as the new administrator for the EPA.

Water Quality Improvements for Little Coal River

The latest restoration efforts for Little Coal River is sponsored by the West Virginia Department of Environmental Protection and will enhance water quality on a 15-mile stretch of the river from Danville downstream to McCorkle.

GE Technology for Dust Control in Coal and Mining Operations Effective

Research and testing has verified the effectiveness of GE’s CoalPlus Technology as an inhibitor of spontaneous combustion for coal applications.



AWWA Applauds Introduction of WIFIA Water Infrastructure Legislation in Senate

The American Water Works Association applauded the introduction of S. 335, the Water Infrastructure Finance and Innovation Act of 2013 (WIFIA) by U.S. Sen. Jeff Merkley (D-Ore.), calling it an important step forward in rebuilding U.S. water and wastewater infrastructure.

GM Seeks to Boost Recycling Infrastructure in Southeast

General Motors is taking a regional approach to boosting recycling infrastructure, looking first to the Southeast United States.

BP Says It's Ready for Civil Trial

The case before U.S. District Judge Carl J. Barbier apparently will go to trial after all. Phase one will determine the causes of the Deepwater Horizon disaster and who should be held responsible.

Canada Finalizes Plan to Study Wind Turbines' Health Impacts

Health Canada and Statistics Canada are collaborating on the study and expect to complete it in 2014. Initially they'll survey adult inhabitants in 2,000 residences near up to a dozen turbines.

A solar farm

Fueling Jobs in Renewable Energy

U.S. Energy Secretary Dr. Steven Chu cited progress on solar, wind, and EV battery initiatives in a Feb. 1 letter saying he’ll soon return to California and to academia.

Prospects for the Best-Paying Environmental Jobs

Technicians, scientists, engineers, hydrologists, and other types of environmental jobs are increasing faster this decade than the average for all U.S. occupations, in some cases almost twice as fast.

Nearly $18 Million Awarded in Recycling Program Grants in Pennsylvania

The DEP has awarded $17.8 million in recycling grants to 131 municipalities and counties for developing and implementing recycling programs.

NAS Elects New VP and Councilors

A new vice president and four new councilors have been elected to the National Academy of Science (NAS) governing Council. Their terms will officially begin on July 1, 2013.

Millions Awarded in Water and Wastewater Grants in Tennessee

Four communities in Tennessee have received more than $15 million in low-interest loans for water and wastewater infrastructure improvements.

Washington State Ferries May Switch to LNG

Fueling vessels with LNG reduces emissions, offering an almost 100 percent reduction in particulate matter and sulfur oxides, at least an 80 percent reduction in nitrogen oxide, and about a 20 percent reduction in carbon dioxide.

Sunshine Solar Rebate Program Reactivated

The Pennsylvania DEP has received $7.25 million in funding from the Commonwealth Financing Authority to complete the agency’s Sunshine Solar Program, which had been in a waiting-list phase since August 2011 because the demand exceeded available funds.

Multiple explosions and subsequent fires significantly damaged many of the structures on West Carrolloton site. Luckily, no one was killed in the incident. (Veolia photo)

Process Safety Progress at Veolia Environmental Services

Operations at West Carrollton successfully resumed during 2012 with a transformed process safety mission. Lessons learned from the events in Ohio are now being applied to the safety programs at the other five PSM-covered facilities.

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