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Envirobytes - An Environmental Newsletter
EnviroBytes, a Summary of Issues and Events for Week Ending August 15, 2008
EPA SEEKS APPLICATIONS FOR CLEAN AIR EXCELLENCE AWARDS
EPA is accepting applications for the Ninth Annual Clean Air Excellence Awards based on outstanding accomplishments in programs, projects or technologies that reduce air pollution emissions. Applicants are judged in five awards categories: clean air technology; community development/redevelopment; education/outreach; regulatory/policy innovations; and transportation efficiency innovations. Applications for the awards should be postmarked on or before Sept. 19. Awards will be announced in spring 2009. For application information, go to http://www.epa.gov/air/caaac/clean_award.html
BACK TO SCHOOL TIPS FEATURED ON NEXT PODCAST
Tips on protecting the environment in back-to-school purchases and activities will be featured in the next podcast offered by EPA's Mid-Atlantic region on Friday, Aug. 22. The current podcast focuses on an initiative in York, Pa, where a former industrial site was turned into a thriving baseball stadium thanks to collaboration between EPA's Office of Brownfields and Revitalization, the York County Economic Development Corp. and others. To subscribe to the podcast or to hear previous ones you might have missed, go to http://www.epa.gov/region3/multimedia/
EPA PROVIDES VIRGINIA WITH $4.3 MILLION TO FIGHT POLLUTED RUNOFF IN 2008
EPA awarded a $4.3 million Clean Water Act grant to the Virginia Department of Conservation and Recreation to support the Virginia Nonpoint Source Pollution Program for 2008. This grant requires a 40-percent match from the state to bring the total grant award to $7.2 million which will be directed toward several priority watershed restoration activities. Important goals include nutrient reduction from runoff through comprehensive soil conservation practices, promotion of nutrient management plans for agricultural operations, livestock operations, and poultry production, as well as resource extraction activities.
ANNUAL EXCELLENCE AWARD PRESENTED TO DRINKING WATER SYSTEM OPERATOR
At a ceremony on Aug. 13 regional administrator Donald S. Welsh presented the annual EPA Region 3 Professional Operator Excellence Award for Certified Operators of Drinking Water Systems to Ralph Hughes, a certified operator at the Felton Water Department in Felton, Del. EPA developed the operator excellence award program to highlight public water systems, and to increase public awareness of the important role the certified operator plays in protecting public health. Nomination criteria targets certified operators who demonstrate excellent commitment to Safe Drinking Water Act compliance, as well as service to the profession and the community.
REGIONAL SOURCE WATER PROTECTION AWARD HONORS TOWN OF GEORGETOWN, DEL.
Regional Administrator Donald S. Welsh presented Georgetown, Del., with the 2008 Region 3 Source Water Protection Award for adopting an ordinance for protecting its drinking water sources that exceeds state standards and addresses wellhead protection and water recharge area protections as well. Although the Safe Drinking Water Act requires all states to develop source water assessments on their public water supplies, it is up to local authorities to develop their own plans and measures to protect their drinking water sources from contamination. For more information on the source water protection award program, visit http://www.epa.gov/reg3wapd/drinking/awards.htm#source
SAFE DEPENDABLE SUPPLY OF WATER TO THE RESIDENTS OF SOMERSET COUNTY, PA
A $723,200 grant has been awarded to the Somerset County General Authority, Pennsylvania to provide partial funding of the Quemahoning Reservoir Water Supply project. The project includes the construction of storage tanks, a filtration plant, pumps, and a transmission main to service the boroughs and townships between the Quemahoning Reservoir and Somerset, Pennsylvania. Somerset County has recently experienced severe water supply shortages during drought events. This project will provide a drought resilient and safe drinking water supply to 18,000 consumers in central Somerset County. The grant will pay for 55-percent of the $1,314,910 eligible project costs. The balance of the project costs will be financed by other federal, state, and local funding. Construction began February 2008.
EPA WEB SITES PROVIDE ECO FRIENDLY ADVICE FOR GARDENERS
Did you know that your yard and how you take care of it can help the environment? That a full, thick lawn reduces soil erosion, filters contaminants from rainwater and absorbs airborne pollutants like dust and soot? That grass is great at converting carbon dioxide to oxygen? EPA suggests many tips to help homeowners keep beautiful and environmentally friendly yards. Visit EPA's green gardening Web site at http://www.epa.gov/reg3esd1/garden/index.htm.
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