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Envirobytes - An Environmental Newsletter
EnviroBytes, a Summary of Issues and Events for Week Ending September 5, 2008
EPA AWARDS 10 TRAINING, RESEARCH AND TECHNICAL ASSISTANCE BROWNFIELDS GRANTS
EPA awarded 10 Brownfields Training, Research, and Technical Assistance grants nationwide in the amount of $1.5 million to fund training, research and technical assistance in the development of brownfields projects that support and protect human health and the environment, as well as sustainable and equitable development. Each of the 10 projects will receive between $100,000 and $150,000 in annual funding for up to five years. For more detailed information, go to http://www.epa.gov/brownfields/trta.htm
REGION 3 PROPOSES TWO SITES FOR THE NATIONAL PRIORITIES LIST
EPA published a Federal Register notice on Sept. 3 proposing to add two Superfund sites to the National Priorities List: the Fort Detrick Area B Groundwater site in Frederick, Md. and the Borit Asbestos Tailings Pile in Ambler, Pa. The public comment period will close on Nov. 3, 2008. Federal Register notices and supporting documents for the proposed sites are available at http://www.epa.gov/superfund/sites/npl/current.htm. Once placed on the NPL list, the Superfund sites will undergo long-term clean up processes. For more information, go to The Superfund cleanup process .
PODCAST INTRODUCES EPA'S NEW PROBLEM-SOLVING TOOL
EPA is always trying to find better ways to solve environmental challenges. Our latest audio podcast "Magic MIRA Tells All" introduces EPA Region 3's new Multi-criteria Integrated Resource Assessment (MIRA) problem-solving tool devised to assist in the environmental decision making process. MIRA's analytical toolbox takes a hard look at environmental problems and seeks improvements using the right mix of programs. The podcast is available at http://www.epa.gov/region3/multimedia/
EPA TO CO-SPONSOR CHILDREN'S HEALTH AND THE ENVIRONMENT CONFERENCE IN PHILADELPHIA
The Children's Health and the Environment Conference will be held on Sept. 18th and 19th at the Perelman Quadrangle - University of Pennsylvania. 
The 2-day conference will consist of a guided tour of the John Heinz National Wildlife Refuge at Tinicum on the first day and case discussions and presentations on the second day. Topics for discussion will include Healthy Homes, Environmental Toxins, Hot Topics, What's New in Clinical Pediatric Environmental Health, and Children in Nature. Continuing education credits will be available to a target audience. For more information, go to http://www.gwu.edu/~macche/philadelphiaconference08/agenda.html
PENN HILLS (PA) AWARDED GRANT TO INSTALL A STORM SEWER
EPA awarded a $192,400 grant to Penn Hills, Pa. for the installation of a new storm sewer on Madison Road. The road was originally a private street that was not constructed to public street standards. The runoff flowing down Madison Road eroded the stream bank, and caused sedimentation and other earthly materials to enter the stream, polluting it and flooding five residences in the area. The project will minimize bank erosion, and allow the runoff to be captured and directed to the stream and into the Allegheny River. Construction is expected to begin September 2008.
NATIONAL CHILDREN'S STUDY GROUP REDESIGNS ITS NATIONAL WEB SITE
The National Children's Study, a consortium of federal partners including the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services, the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency, and others, was established to examine the effect environmental influences have on the health and development of children nationwide. In order to recruit study participants and better present its agenda of improving the health and well being of children, the organization has enhanced the content of its Web Site with new sections, and a more updated and user-friendly look. The Web site can be accessed at http://www.nationalchildrensstudy.gov/about/overview/Pages/default.aspx
EPA TIGHTENS ENGINE STANDARDS FOR CLEANER AIR
From lawn mowers and weed trimmers, to personal watercraft and speedboats, gas-powered engines will soon contribute to healthier and cleaner air for Americans. The EPA has set strict new standards for gas-powered lawn equipment and marine engines by substantially reducing the amount of gas fumes, carbon monoxide, hydrocarbons and smog-forming pollutants emitted from a wide range of engines. The regulations will take effect in 2010 and 2011. For more information, visit:
- Lawn and Garden (Small Gasoline) Equipment: epa.gov/otaq/equip-ld.htm
- Gasoline Boats and Personal Watercraft: epa.gov/otaq/marinesi.htm
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