Water


DEP Penalizes Energy Corporation of America for Drilling Violations

The Pennsylvania Department of Environmental Protection (DEP) has collected a $1.7 million civil penalty prescribed in a consent order and agreement with Energy Corporation of America (ECA) for violations at 17 well sites in Greene and Clearfield counties.

USDA to Invest Nearly $32 Million in Wildfire Mitigation and Water Quality Projects

The U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) will invest nearly $32 million in 2018 to mitigate wildfire risk, improve water quality, and restore health forest ecosystems in 24 states and Puerto Rico.

EPA Awards $2.1 Million to Protect, Restore California Wetlands and Streams

The U.S. Environmental Protection Agency has awarded more than $2.1 million in grants to protect and restore wetlands and streams across California.

LANL Cleanup Public Meeting Set for Jan. 16

NMED will host the meeting and the Environmental Management Los Alamos field office will present information concerning cleanup work completed in fiscal year 2017 and the coming year's cleanup milestones and target dates.

CPUC Votes to Close Diablo Canyon Nuclear Power Plant

PHOTO: DOC SEARLS

Diablo Canyon to Close by 2025

In a unanimous vote Jan. 11, the California Public Utilities Commission approved Pacific Gas and Electric Company's request to retire the Diablo Canyon Nuclear Power Plant by 2025.

Ohio EPA Offers Alternative Fuel Vehicle Conversion Grants

A new grant from Ohio EPA will reimburse owners of large diesel or gasoline vehicles for a portion of the cost of the conversion or replacement of engines to use compressed natural gas, liquefied natural gas, or liquid petroleum gas such as propane or butane, including bi-fueled or dual-fueled vehicles that can run on both an alternative fuel and on gasoline or diesel fuel.

WHO, UNEP Collaborating on Environmental Health

It is the most significant formal agreement on joint action about environment and health issues in more than 15 years, according to the partner organizations.

Georgia EPD Unveils Air Quality Website

The website provides smog alerts and real-time monitoring data with which Georgia residents are familiar and adds information about individual air pollutants and their impacts.



Colombia Establishes New Marine and Coastal Area for Conservation

PHOTO: WILDLIFE CONSERVATION SOCIETY

Colombia Establishes New Marine and Coastal Area for Conservation

The Government of Colombia has recently established a new marine and coastal area for conservation and sustainable use in partnership with local communities in Tumaco, Colombia.

More Than $456 Million in Disaster Assistance Provided to U.S. Virgin Islands

More than $456 million in federal funding has been provided so far to the U.S. Virgin Islands for disaster assistance following the devastation to the region from hurricanes Irma and Maria in September.

EPA Awards $681,343 to Ohio State University for Harmful Algae Blooms Research

EPA Awards $681,343 to Ohio State University for Harmful Algae Blooms Research

The U.S. Environmental Protection Agency has awarded $681,343 to The Ohio State University in Columbus, Ohio, for research on the prediction, prevention, control, and mitigation of freshwater harmful algal blooms.

Canada Introduces Revised SmartDriver Program

"This program will help meet the trucking industry's growing demand for safe, fuel-efficient drivers while educating existing operators on improved driving techniques. The real savings come in the form of reduced greenhouse gas emissions, helping meet Canada's domestic and international climate goals," said Jim Carr, Canada's Minister of Natural Resources.

FEMA Expands Reinsurance Program for Flood Claims

FEMA Expands Reinsurance Program for Flood Claims

FEMA transferred $1.46 billion of the NFIP’s financial risk to the private reinsurance market, increasing the NFIP’s flood claims-paying ability.

EPA to Provide Over $1 Million for Diesel Reductions to Two Portland Organizations

EPA to Provide Over $1 Million for Diesel Reductions to Two Portland Organizations

The U.S. Environmental Protection Agency is providing over $1 million to two Portland-area organizations in an effort to reduce harmful diesel emissions from trucks and construction equipment in the Portland metro region.

2017 Weather Disaster Losses Totaled $306 Billion: NOAA

There were 16 billion-dollar weather and climate disasters during the year, according to the agency, and the $306 billion in losses set a new U.S. record.

Most West Coast Governors Bash Leasing Plan

Alaska's governor supports the plan, which Interior Secretary Ryan Zinke said would open more than 98 percent of undiscovered, technically recoverable oil and gas resources in federal offshore areas to exploration and development, a reversal from the current program, which he said puts 94 percent of the OCS off limits.

Westinghouse Electric Acquired for $4.6 Billion

"Brookfield's acquisition of Westinghouse reaffirms our position as the leader of the global nuclear industry," Westinghouse President & CEO José Emeterio Gutiérrez said.

Guilty Plea in Antitrust Conspiracy Involving Water Treatment Chemical

Two individuals and one company have now pleaded guilty to charges arising out of a federal investigation of collusion in the liquid aluminum sulfate industry, according to DOJ.

PA Agency Urges Periodic Home Radon Testing

DEP said someone who does not want to use a do-it-yourself test kit should consider hiring a qualified radon professional to conduct a test.

Pennsylvania DEP Orders Pipeline Work Halted

The agency's order lists various violations and says Sunoco Pipeline's "unlawful conduct . . . demonstrates a lack of ability or intention on the part of Sunoco to comply with the Clean Streams Law, the Dam Safety and Encroachments Act, and permits issued thereunder."