News


Two August Meetings to Address Hawaii's Vulnerability to Sea-Level Rise

The meeting seek residents' input as state officials develop a Sea Level Rise Vulnerability and Adaptation Report for the 2018 Hawaii State Legislature. It will be the first state-wide assessment of the impacts of sea-level rise on Hawaii's coastal areas.

California Ports Looking for Cleaner Engines in Harbor Craft

The request under the Technology Advancement Program offers $500,000 for one or two demonstrations of technologies that will upgrade engines to Tier 3 or Tier 4 standards, which means the engines are as much as 70 percent cleaner. Proposals are due by Sept. 21.

Jacobs Engineering Acquires CH2M Hill for $3.27 Billion

It is a cash and stock transaction with an enterprise value of approximately $3.27 billion, including approximately $416 million of CH2M net debt, the companies announced Aug. 2.

HHS Awards Money for Flint Exposure Registry

Michigan State University is getting $3.2 million to establish a registry of Flint, Mich., residents who were exposed to lead-contaminated water from the Flint water system during 2014-2015. The money is the first installment of a four-year, $14.4 million grant.

South Carolina Company Halts Nuclear Project

The board of directors at Santee Cooper on July 31 suspended construction work on Units 2 and 3 at the V.C. Summer Nuclear Station in Jenkinsville, S.C. -- a decision the company reports will save is customers nearly $7 billion.

New Chief Appointed for WV Water Development Authority

Marie L. Prezioso has been appointed executive director of the agency, effective July 27, 2017. She replaces former executive director Chris Jarrett, who retired following an ethics investigation.

CARB Approves First VW Electric Vehicle Plan

Volkswagen will invest $800 million on zero-emission infrastructure in the next decade, part of its settlement with state and federal agencies for using a "defeat device" that caused in 2009-2016 diesel cars to emit far more nitrogen oxide than allowed.

Emergency Grazing Approved for Parts of Montana, North Dakota, South Dakota

"We are working to immediately address the dire straits facing drought-stricken farmers and ranchers," U.S. Agriculture Secretary Sonny Perdue said. "USDA is fully considering and authorizing any federal programs or related provisions we have available to meet the immediate needs of impacted producers."



Mutual Housing California Receives Grant for Green Building

NeighborWorks America recently announced a $403,000 grant to Mutual Housing California for green building, renovations, programs and operations.

New Orleans Climate Plan Calls for Reducing Waste, Using More Clean Fuels

"In New Orleans, we face a triple threat: subsidence, coastal erosion, and sea level rise. This strategy will help us transition to a low-carbon economy that not only helps manage our climate risk, but also creates new businesses, jobs, and wealth," Mayor Mitch Landrieu said.

USB or Bluetooth Temperature Loggers in the Field – Which Are Right for You?

For outdoor field monitoring, data access can be a critical issue—especially in hard-to-reach or limited-access locations.

Seattle Wastewater Plant Flood Report Calls for Emergency Training

Flooding inside the West Point sewage treatment plant in February caused $57 million in damage and 235 million gallons of untreated wastewater to be dumped from an emergency outfall near Seattle's Discovery Park.

Missouri Issues Final Permit Modification for Bannister Federal Complex

The permit includes an approved contingent remedy for 225 acres of the Kansas City site that are currently in the final remedy stage for soil and groundwater contamination.

Idaho DEQ Seeks Comments on West Silver Valley Emissions Inventory

The state agency began developing a State Implementation Plan in 2015. But based on certified air quality monitoring for 2014-2016, the area has attained national air quality standards, which qualifies it for a clean data determination, according to DEQ.

Air Emissions Fine Included in TCEQ Penalties Totaling $875,769

The commission issued agreed orders for the following enforcement categories: seven air quality, one industrial hazardous waste, three industrial wastewater discharge, two municipal solid waste, seven municipal wastewater discharge, nine petroleum storage tank, 16 public water system, three water quality, and one waste disposal well.

“Our Community CarShare Sacramento” Provides EVs to Affordable Housing Community

With two Kia Souls and two electric chargers, the residents of south Sacramento’s Mutual Housing at Lemon Hill can use the cars for trips to the grocery store, doctors’ appointments, job interviews and other errands.

DOE Completes Evaluation of Hanford's Tunnel 2, Finds 'High' Risk of Collapse

The two PUREX storage tunnels hold mixed radioactive and chemical waste. A section of Tunnel 1 collapsed May 9, and state authorities then ordered DOE and CH2M HILL Plateau Remediation Company to immediately assess the integrity of both.

EPA's Chief Touts Chemical Safety Gains

On the first anniversary of the Frank R. Lautenberg Chemical Safety for the 21st Century Act, he said EPA has met its first-year implementation milestones under the law, having issued three new rules, provided a guidance document for external parties, and released scoping documents for the first 10 risk evaluations that will be conducted.

CARB Reviewing 2016 Enforcement Report This Week

The report will include highlights of 2016 enforcement activities in key programs including truck and bus requirements, vehicle certification and aftermarket parts, consumer products, and ocean-going vessels. Staff also will discuss the division's goals for 2017 and beyond.

Canadian National Railway Paying Environmental Fines

The company has been ordered to pay $2.5 million, which will go into the Environmental Damages Fund. An additional fine of $125,000 was levied on May 25, 2017, on provincial charges from Alberta Environment and Parks under the Environmental Protection and Enhancement Act.