All Healthy News

Clean Air. Pure Water. Healthy Home.

HEALTH BEGINS WITH:
Clean Air. Pure Water. Healthy Homes.

Staff Reporter

Groups working to improve water quality for oyster farms :: WRAL.com

by

Each year oysters in North Carolina contribute 27 million dollars to the state’s economy, but for many growers that’s just the beginning of what the industry could contribute in the next ten years.

But it’s not as simple as just putting more oysters in front of people. It takes a lot of work on several different fronts to get oysters to your plate.

As the state’s beautiful coastline continues to grow and develop there’s an unintended downside: run-off from these new developments and farms are affecting water quality.

Having good water quality not only impacts the environment, where you can safely swim, but also a growing industry that packs a large punch to the state’s economy – oyster and shellfish farming.

“If there are toxins or pollutants in the water humans can’t consume shellfish that’s in poor quality of water so it’s incredibly important and that’s why you have areas that are closed to harvest in waters that have a lot of run-offs from either development or farms or poor sanitation,” said Chris Matteo with Siren’s Cove Shellfish and Oyster Farm.

That’s why groups like the North Carolina Coastal Federation are working to restore areas that can help improve water quality and while it’s taken a lot of hard work and dedication from hundreds of volunteers the work at one site along the north river is beginning to pay off.

“We’ve planted upwards of 150,000 trees, and probably close to a million different shrubs and wetland plants to put it back to what we think it once was and by doing this we’ve increased the water quality quite a bit,” said Mark Smith, North Carolina Coastal Federation preserve manager

For years the Coastal Federation has been working to purchase and restore 6,000 acres of farmland along that area, and they are now nearly finished working on the north river wetlands preserve.

“To see something being reversed to its natural state is rare nowadays,” said Matteo.

But the benefits of their work are not just improving the water quality along the river- it’s also greatly impacting shellfish farmers like Matteo, as more areas of the river are now being able to be used to grow and harvest shellfish like oysters and clams.

“We are just a couple of miles south of them in the north river so clearly whatever they are doing there for the benefit of water quality affects us in a positive way,” said Matteo.

Restoring areas like the north river wetlands preserve is just one step to improving water quality along the entire coast and why groups like the coastal federation hope to continue their work to reduce run-off.

The growing shellfish farming industry hopes to expand its economic footprint to 100-million dollars by 2030.

More On This

[ad_2]

Originally Appeared Here

EPA honors Nisqually Tribe and partners with national award for innovative watershed collaboration

by

February 16, 2022

SEATTLE (Feb. 16, 2022) – The U.S. Environmental Protection Agency is presenting the 2021 George F. Ames Performance and Innovation in the SRF Creating Environmental Success (PISCES) Award for Excellence in Community Engagement to the Nisqually Indian Tribe. The tribe created an innovative partnership and used funding from the Clean Water State Revolving Fund (SRF) program to acquire and manage lands to protect the Mashel River, the main tributary to the Nisqually River, near Mt. Rainier in Washington. The project will improve water quality and quantity in the Mashel River watershed, protect surrounding shoreline and timberlands, and benefit steelhead and chinook salmon.

“Today we celebrate projects that center innovation and partnership while upgrading drinking water infrastructure and wastewater systems to meet the needs of communities,” said Assistant Administrator for EPA’s Office of Water Radhika Fox. “These projects embody the win-win benefits of investing in water infrastructure through the State Revolving Funds—benefits that will come to more communities across the country thanks to the historic investment coming through the Bipartisan Infrastructure Law.”

“We have to do whatever we can to protect our watershed and we can’t do it alone,” said Willie Frank III, Chairman of the Nisqually Tribe. “Projects like these where we are working with state, federal and local non-profit partners show what can be done when we work together.”

The Nisqually Tribe and partners Nisqually Land Trust, Nisqually Community Forest, and Nisqually River Council are using a CWSRF loan to acquire land for permanent ecological forestry management in the Mashel River watershed. The tribe and its partners are working collaboratively with the Washington Department of Ecology to purchase and manage properties, pooling each group’s areas of expertise and funding sources. The project aims to build a community owned and managed forest that improves and protects fish and wildlife habitat, promotes local jobs through sustainable timber management, and provides recreational and educational opportunities. So far, the project has acquired about 4,000 acres managed by the Nisqually Community Forest. The project uses a watershed-based landscape approach, applying a new model by EPA’s Office of Research and Development, Visualizing Ecosystems for Land Management Assessment (VELMA), to identify best forest management practices for protecting water quality and restoring degraded stream habitat.

EPA’s PISCES program celebrates excellence and innovation demonstrated by Clean Water SRF programs and funding recipients. Twenty-seven projects by state or local governments, public utilities, and private entities were honored nationwide. These exemplary projects demonstrate leadership in innovative financing, partnership, and problem solving while improving water quality and public health protection.

The SRFs are EPA-state partnerships that provide communities with a permanent, independent source of low-cost financing for a wide range of water quality and drinking water infrastructure projects. Since their inception, EPA’s SRFs have provided more than $189 billion in financial assistance to nearly 43,000 water quality infrastructure projects and 16,300 drinking water projects across the country. To see the full list of recognized projects and learn more about the PISCES Program, visit: https://www.epa.gov/cwsrf/pisces.

The Bipartisan Infrastructure Law, signed in November of 2021, provides the largest single investment in water in U.S. history, with 43 billion in funding to the State Revolving Fund Programs over five years. For 2022, EPA will allocate $7.4 billion to the SRFs for states, Tribes, and territories, with nearly half of this funding available as grants or fully forgiveness loans. For more information about the Bipartisan Infrastructure Law, visit: https://www.epa.gov/infrastructure.

[ad_2]

Originally Appeared Here

Filed Under: EPA

New York answers questions about cannabis legalization as regulations are drafted

by

Leaders in New York State government are working to advance new medical and recreational-use cannabis rules. Meantime, the state is holding several “cannabis conversation” events to answer questions about how the drug will be regulated.

2021 saw the enactment of the Marijuana Regulation and Taxation Act. The sale of cannabis for recreational use is still prohibited in New York as the state puts together regulations.

This week, legislative leaders cheered the passage of a bill that would take the first steps of creating a regulated marketplace by granting temporary licenses to allow hemp growers to grow marijuana for adult use.

On Thursday, the state’s Cannabis Control Board gave approval to regulations that make changes to the state’s medical marijuana program. The changes that will be up for 60 days of public comment relate to packaging and labeling of products, and other efficiencies for producers.

While the MRTA legalized the recreational use of cannabis for adults ages 21 and up, regulations for retail sales have not yet been published. Home cultivation rules are not to be published until after the first retail sales.

Meantime the state’s Office of Cannabis Management is answering questions from New Yorkers across the state, with a series of 11 “Cannabis Conversations” set to wrap up next week.

Cannabis Control Board Chair Tremaine Wright spoke during a recent forum focused on the Capital Region.

“So let’s start with the most basic question. What is cannabis? Well, the scientific name is cannabis sativa. I know you’ve already heard it called by so many other names like weed, pot, and marijuana. However, we will not be using the term marijuana here because it has a long history of being associated with racial profiling,” said Wright.

Wright described New York’s marijuana law as shifting away from policies that centered on law enforcement and persecution to policies that support public health and social justice.

The cannabis law brought automatic expungements of past marijuana convictions.

Wright described how cannabis will be taxed in the state. An excise tax related to the amount of THC in a cannabis product will be applied between wholesalers and retailers. Sales tax revenues are envisioned to be reinvested in communities.

“These taxes are used to cover the cost of the OCM’s operations, law enforcement training, and programs supporting equity applicants. After those costs, 40 percent of the remaining tax revenue goes to supporting schools across New York State. Forty percent will be reinvested in communities most hurt by the disproportionate policing when cannabis was illegal. And 20 percent will support drug treatment programs and public education campaigns,” said Wright.

As to public use and housing, Wright explained that any place protected by New York’s Clean Indoor Air Act tobacco-free law also applies to cannabis smoke. As such, municipalities with local laws that only include tobacco will need to update them to include marijuana.

IDs will be required at retail establishments, similar to alcohol sales.

Regulations for food and agricultural products including honey and syrup infusions have not been determined. Wright said the state wants to support an industry that includes innovation.

Communities that opted out of retail sales ahead of December 31st deadline can opt back in at any time, but delivery to communities that have banned consumption lounges or retail stores will not be prevented. Zoning to effectively prevent marijuana businesses from opening is also not allowed. More than a third of New York municipalities opted out of both dispensaries and consumption lounges ahead of the deadline.

Wright explained that New York is not setting caps on the number of licenses it will administer, and that delivery and retail licenses will be separate.

One of the most frequently asked questions, according to Wright, relates to who can start a cannabis business, and how new businesses can complete against established, larger out-of-state companies.

Priority, she said, will be given to social equity applicants, including minority-women-owned businesses, distressed farmers, those who have been harmed by over-policing and mass incarceration, and disabled and veteran-owned businesses.

“What we are trying to do is build a supportive ecosystem that allows people to participate no matter their economic background and we want everyone to know they have a real opportunity at a license as well as support so that their businesses will be ongoing enterprises that are successful and have the opportunity for growth,” said Wright.

Wright predicts draft cannabis regulations will be released by late winter/early spring. After a 60-day comment period and final approval, applications can be submitted.

Meantime, the state has warned against so-callled “pop-up” dispensaries where businesses “gift” cannabis with the purchase of another product. Wright said Tuesday that cease-and-desist letters have been sent to two dozen operators accused of “gifting” cannabis.

[ad_2]

Originally Appeared Here

EPA Recognizes 49 Water Infrastructure Projects for Excellence and Innovation

by

4 Honorable Mentions in Southeast Region

February 16, 2022

ATLANTA (Feb. 16, 2022) – Today, at a virtual roundtable with state and community representatives, U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) honored 49 water infrastructure projects for excellence and innovation within the Clean Water State Revolving Fund (SRF) and Drinking Water SRF programs. These exemplary projects demonstrate leadership in innovative financing, partnership, and problem solving while improving water quality and public health protection.

“Through the power of partnership, EPA has helped states finance billions of dollars in water infrastructure investments for more than 30 years,” said EPA Assistant Administrator for Water Radhika Fox. “Today we celebrate projects that inspire continued partnership and innovation in addressing clean water and drinking water infrastructure needs in communities across the country.”

Since 1997, EPA has helped finance through the Drinking Water State Revolving Fund more than $44.7 billion in water infrastructure and has accelerated investments by working with our state partners to increase the utilization and leveraging of the State Revolving Fund programs. 

EPA’s AQUARIUS program celebrates innovation, sustainability, and public health protection demonstrated by Drinking Water SRF programs and assistance recipients. Twenty-two projects by local governments and drinking water utilities were recognized by the 2021 AQUARIUS program, including the following exceptional projects:

Excellence in Innovative Financing: East Central Oklahoma Water Authority, Oklahoma—Water Main Under the Arkansas River.

  • Excellence in System Partnerships: Albuquerque Bernalillo County Water Utility Authority, New Mexico—Carnuel Water System Improvements, Phase I.
  • Excellence in Community Engagement: Marana, Arizona—Picture Rocks and Airline/Lambert Water Treatment Campuses.
  • Excellence in Public Health Protection: North Smithfield, Rhode Island—Mechanic Street Water Main Extension.
  • Excellence in Problem Solving: Maryland American Water, Maryland—Winters Run Water Treatment Plant Intake Improvements.

EPA’s George F. Ames Performance and Innovation in the SRF Creating Environmental Success (PISCES) program celebrates innovation demonstrated by Clean Water SRF programs and assistance recipients. Twenty-seven projects by state or local governments, public utilities, and private entities were honored, including the following exceptional projects:

 

  • Excellence in Innovative Financing: ReHarvest Partners, Iowa—ReHarvest Pay for Success
  • Excellence in System Partnerships: Garber Farms Inc., Virginia— Riparian Buffer Improvement
  • Excellence in Community Engagement: Nisqually Tribe in Washington—Mashel River Protection
  • Excellence in Environmental and Public Health Protection: Flagstaff, Arizona—Flagstaff Watershed Protection
  • Excellence in Problem Solving: Bartlesville Municipal Authority, Oklahoma— Indirect Potable Water Reuse

The SRFs are EPA-state partnerships that provide communities with a permanent, independent source of low-cost financing for a wide range of water quality and drinking water infrastructure projects. Since their inception, EPA’s SRFs have provided more than $189 billion in financial assistance to nearly 43,000 water quality infrastructure projects and 16,300 drinking water projects across the country.

In 2022, EPA will allocate EPA will allocate $7.4 billion to states, Tribes, and territories, with nearly half of this funding available as grants or principal forgiveness loans that remove barriers to investing in essential water infrastructure in underserved communities across rural America and in urban centers. The 2022 allocation is the first of five years of nearly $44 billion in dedicated EPA SRF funding that states will receive through the Bipartisan Infrastructure Law.

To see the full list of recognized projects and learn more about the AQUARIUS and PISCES Programs, visit: https://www.epa.gov/dwsrf  and https://www.epa.gov/cwsrf

For a breakdown of EPA funding by SRF program, and additional funding available through the Bipartisan Infrastructure Law, visit: https://www.epa.gov/infrastructure

[ad_2]

Originally Appeared Here

Filed Under: EPA

Stadium Series PreGame Fan Festival Activities Announced

by

The NHL announced the slate of activities that will be a part of the 2022 Navy Federal Credit Union NHL Stadium Series “Truly Hard Seltzer NHL PreGame” Official Fan Festival. Quite frankly, I’m impressed. Before I get into what all the Festival has to offer, let me tell you details:

Where: Nissan Stadium Parking Lot R

When: Saturday, February 26th 2022, from 1 pm to 6 pm (CST)

Cost: Zero dollars and zero cents

Let’s take a look at what all the Truly Hard Seltzer NHL PreGame includes:

  • Truly: As title partner and part of the NHL Stadium Series PreGame, Truly Hard Seltzer is giving fans 21+ the opportunity to win the “best seats in the house” at the NHL Stadium Series game. Fans will also take a photo with an NHL alumnus alongside the Truly Margarita Zamboni, sample new product (for fans 21+), and try their luck with “Truly Hard Trivia.” Additionally, fans can test their hockey skills by participating in Accuracy Challenge, Target Practice and Hardest Shot games.
  • Navy Federal Credit Union: As title sponsor of NHL Stadium Series, Navy Federal Credit Union is giving fans the opportunity to visit the Navy Federal Credit Union Hockey Puck Shot Challenge to test their range and accuracy to receive a hockey-themed prize! Also, be sure to take a photo with their oversized NHL Stadium Series-branded jersey!
  • Bud Light: Bud Light will have two branded spaces for all hockey fans to hang out at PreGame. If you’re 21 years of age or older, spend some time at the Bud Light Beer Garden or the Bud Light Mobile Bar before heading into the stadium for an ice-cold beer.
  • Caesars Sportsbook: Again if you’re 21 years of age or older, before the puck drops visit the greatest sportsbook of all time: Caesars Sportsbook! Join in the fun with PreGame activities, giveaway promos and a meet and greet with an NHL legend!
  • Clorox: The Clorox Company’s “Beat the Sneeze” activation tent will be the ultimate 2022 NHL Stadium Series destination with photo moments, coveted prizes and more. The pop-up will challenge Clorox fans to show off their fastest slapshot to beat the speed of a sneeze for a chance to land on the leaderboard. As the NHL’s Official Cleaning & Disinfecting Product Partner, Clorox hand sanitizer gel will be available to help keep NHL fans safe and healthy.
  • DraftKings: DraftKings Sportsbook is hosting the Missin’ Curfew crew, former NHL players and off-ice legends Shane “OBS” O’Brien and Scottie “UPDOGG” Upshall as they podcast LIVE from PreGame. Stop by from 2:30 p.m.-4:30 p.m. to hear OBS and UPDOGG tell tales of missing curfew and break down hockey’s biggest stories!
  • Dunkin’: Dunkin’s Fan Zone will be a fun NHL Stadium Series PreGame destination for fans. The pop-up will offer air and bubble hockey games, live music, and a fun photo opportunity with a custom donut wall. All are welcome to stop by and enjoy free samples of hot coffee, Irish Creme Swirl Iced Coffee, and Munchkins Donut Hole Treats. As done previously at the NHL Winter Classic and NHL All-Star Game, Dunkin’ is continuing to partner with The Assist to bring sensory kits to the NHL Stadium Series.
  • Fanatics: A wide assortment of NHL Stadium Series merchandise will be available for purchase at the NHL Official Merchandise Shop – A Fanatics Experience.
  • FanDuel: Fans at the FanDuel Lounge will have the opportunity to test their accuracy skills by shooting pucks at targets for a chance to win prizes. Finalists will get an opportunity to compete against NHL alumni to win a grand prize. The FanDuel Lounge is open to fans 21 and older.
  • GEICO: Before the puck drops, visit GEICO at the NHL Stadium Series PreGame for details on how to enter for a chance to win a $500 gift card! There’s no purchase necessary and official rules will be available at https://GEICOhockey.com/stadiumseries on the day of the event. While you’re there, snap a photo in the GEICO NHL Stadium Series penalty box, spin the giant hockey puck, and play their goalie reflex game for a chance to win a prize!
  • Honda: Fans can show off their hockey skills at the Precision Passing Challenge or try their luck at the Honda Puck Drop for a chance to win great prizes! They can also check out the lineup of hockey-bag-ready Honda vehicles on display including the Ridgeline, Civic Hatchback, and All-New Passport Trailsport.
  • Jägermeister: Before puck drop, fans 21+ are invited to hang out at Jägermeister’s mobile bar and lounge to enjoy an ice cold shot of Jägermeister with friends. While there, capture the moment by snapping a shot with Jägermeister’s 20ft bottle or with a cobranded Jägermeister and NHL Stadium Series giant inflatable puck. See you at the game!
  • Nashville Predators: Join the SMASHVILLE experience and discover how to MAKE IT in Music City. Fans can get on stage at a karaoke bar, walk the GOLD carpet and finish by signing the GOLD mega record and taking a 360-degree photo. Enjoy the SMASHVILLE Experience, appearances by Predators personalities, and take part in a special rendition of SMASH car.
  • NHL Fan Access™ App presented by Ticketmaster: As the official event app, NHL Fan Access™ features maps, schedules, the “Ask Stanley” virtual assistant, opportunities to win prizes, and much more.
  • NHL Network: NHL Network is giving fans an interactive experience with the TV home for the National Hockey League. Fans can test their stick skills with an inflatable target practice shooting drill. NHL Network’s NHL Tonight will air extensive pre- and postgame coverage of the 2022 Navy Federal Credit Union NHL Stadium Series.
  • PPG: PPG will be enlisting the help of fans to create a paint-by-numbers mural.
  • Stanley Cup Display: Fans can take a photo with the most iconic trophy in professional sports.
  • Tampa Bay Lightning: The Tampa Bay Lightning are bringing the beautiful Tampa Bay beaches to Nashville. Fans will be able to take photos in front of the Sand Sculpture, sit down in beach chairs, and bury their feet in the sand.
  • Ticketmaster: Bullseye Battle – Show off your wrist shot by aiming for the bullseye!
  • Upper Deck: Get your own personalized NHL Stadium Series card from Upper Deck, the exclusive trading card partner of the NHL. Upper Deck is also giving fans an opportunity to win fun prizes by playing exciting games such as Pack Wars, Box Hockey, and more. Collect a FREE Stadium Series trading card set at UpperDeckEpack.com, the innovative platform that allows users to buy, open, collect and trade with hockey fans from around the world. Visit the Upper Deck booth for more information.
  • Verizon: Your home internet is going Ultra! 5G Ultra Wideband is now in more and more places around the country, so more people than ever can experience Verizon’s exceptional broadband internet at home. Stop by the Verizon booth and see how America’s most reliable network is built to connect your home with an ultra-fast internet that’s ready for what comes next.

It seems to me like there are plenty of opportunities to meet NHL legends, win prizes, get free samples, play some games, participate in activities, take fun pictures, and, most of all, see Lord Stanley’s Cup.

I’ll get the chance to preview the event on Friday, so expect to read all about it before you head down yourself on Saturday!

[ad_2]

Originally Appeared Here

Community Split on Need to Relocate Harriet Tubman Middle School Due to Pollution Concerns – Blogtown

by

Commissioner Jo Ann Hardesty speaking at a Youth vs ODOT rally Wednesday evening. Isabella Garcia

As the Oregon Department of Transportation (ODOT) moves forward with a plan to expand the Interstate 5 corridor towards Harriet Tubman Middle School, local officials, school representatives, and community members differ on whether the student body should be forced to move buildings to avoid the freeway’s pollutants.

Portland City Commissioner Jo Ann Hardesty spoke to a crowd of environmental activists Wednesday evening in front of Harriet Tubman in North Portland near the Rose Quarter. The crowd of approximately 40 people were there in support of Youth vs ODOT, an ongoing protest movement in opposition to ODOT’s freeway projects, led by environmental activists in Sunrise Movement PDX. ODOT’s planned widening of I-5 through the Rose Quarter to address traffic congestion is slated to bring the freeway within 25 feet of Harriet Tubman, raising concerns from the school district and local officials that the poor air quality surrounding the school will only be made worse by the project.

“Like you, I have a low level of trust for ODOT,” Hardesty told the crowd. “Like you, I’m drawing a line in the sand that says there are some conditions that must be met if this project moves forward.”

The crowd clapped in support.

“The fact that these students, whether they continue forward with this project or not, are continuing to breathe this air is inexcusable,” Hardesty continued. “So whether the project happens or not, the school must move. Do you agree with that?”

Grumbles of disagreement rolled through the group. It wasn’t the response Hardesty was expecting.

Moving Harriet Tubman students to a new building away from freeway pollution has been framed by local leaders and Portland Public Schools (PPS) board members as a possible step towards restorative justice. When the original I-5 corridor was built in the early 1960s it was built about 50 feet away from the school, exposing the student body to dangerous pollution levels. A 2018 study from Portland State University concluded that the air quality outside the school is so poor that students shouldn’t be allowed to play outside during high-traffic times. Albina—Portland’s historically Black neighborhood that feeds into Harriet Tubman—was partially razed to make way for the freeway, displacing hundreds of Black Portlanders.

In July 2021, the PPS board resolved that, if the I-5 Rose Quarter project moves forward, state leaders and ODOT must “accept the responsibility for the harm they have caused” to Harriet Tubman students and “secure the funds to rebuild Harriet Tubman Middle School in a safe, healthy location in Historic Albina.” While the board is requiring the school to move only if the I-5 Rose Quarter project continues, members of the school board have referred to moving Harriet Tubman to a new location—project or no project—as a way to “right some of those historical wrongs.”

According to Harriet Tubman teacher Bryan Chu, moving the student body from the school due to air quality issues is a “false narrative.” Chu, who has been teaching social studies at Tubman since it reopened in 2018, argues that the district has already mitigated the largest air quality concerns at Harriet Tubman.

In 2018, PPS spent about $18 million to upgrade Harriet Tubman’s air filtration system to combat air pollution. The filtration system filters out about 95 percent of pollutants in the air, delivering arguably the best indoor air in any PPS school. When it comes to concerns about outdoor air quality, Chu notes that many of the alternative school locations proposed by PPS staff are also near high-traffic areas.

Of the eight proposed relocation sites, half are flanked by one or more high-traffic streets. For example, PPS staff proposed moving Harriet Tubman students to the Blanchard Education Service Center (BESC), a district-owned building. The building is in a waterfront industrial zone that’s still near the freeway; moving Harriet Tubman students to BESC would put about 700 more feet of space between them and I-5.

“What would happen if they tested the [outdoor] air quality there, too?” Chu said, arguing that there isn’t any certainty the next location will be any better than Harriet Tubman’s existing location.

Anticipating the I-5 project to continue, the school board aims to relocate Harriet Tubman students to a new building by the 2027 school year and will determine the school’s new location by May 2022.

The future of the I-5 project was slightly challenged by the Federal Highway Administration in January. The administration decided that the design of the Rose Quarter project had changed significantly enough since its original approval to warrant a new environmental assessment, a study of how the project will impact the surrounding area. While ODOT believes the new assessment won’t interfere with breaking ground on the project in late 2023, environmental activists like Sunrise Movement PDX are hopeful the new environmental assessment will reveal that the project will have significant impact on the surrounding area. If that is the case, ODOT will have to perform an Environmental Impact Statement (EIS)—a rigorous environmental study of the project that will take years to complete, delaying the project. Environmental activists want an EIS because it could force ODOT to shift gears and instead rely on tolls to control congestion on the freeway as opposed to additional lanes that activists fear will bring more cars and carbon emissions to the area.

At Wednesday’s rally, Hardesty voiced her support for a more extensive EIS for the Rose Quarter project, earning a large cheer from the crowd.

“If Tubman wants to move, then they’ll move,” Hardesty told the Mercury after the rally. “If they don’t want to move, we shouldn’t make them.”

[ad_2]

Originally Appeared Here

EPA Recognizes ReHarvest Partners for Excellence and Innovation in Financing Projects to Improve Iowa Water Quality

by

Two rural Kansas water infrastructure projects receive honorable mentions

February 16, 2022

LENEXA, KAN. (FEB. 16, 2022) – Today, at a virtual roundtable with state and community representatives, the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) honored 49 water infrastructure projects for excellence and innovation within the Clean Water State Revolving Fund (SRF) and Drinking Water SRF programs.

ReHarvest Partners, a financial management group, was recognized for excellence in innovative financing in Iowa. The city of Westmoreland, Kansas, and Kansas’ Public Wholesale Water Supply District No. 25 (servicing Douglas, Franklin and Osage counties) both received honorable mentions for recent water infrastructure projects.

“Through the power of partnership, EPA has helped states finance billions of dollars in water infrastructure investments for more than 30 years,” said EPA Assistant Administrator for Water Radhika Fox. “Today, we celebrate projects that inspire continued partnership and innovation in addressing clean water and drinking water infrastructure needs in communities across the country.”

“We applaud these water infrastructure projects for forward thinking and collaboration within our Heartland communities,” said EPA Region 7 Administrator Meg McCollister. “We look forward to working with our state partners to deliver even more water upgrades in 2022 and beyond through Bipartisan Infrastructure Law investments in our regional State Revolving Funds.”

Iowa’s ReHarvest Partners was recognized for excellence in innovative financing for its ReHarvest Pay for Success project. The ReHarvest Pay for Success project was made possible through a $7.5 million investment from Iowa’s Clean Water State Revolving Fund. As an alternative to paying farmers to implement conservation practices, ReHarvest Partners pays Iowa farmers $20 to $40 per acre for the verified environmental outcomes they produce. These outcomes include nutrient capture that improves water quality.

The city of Westmoreland, Kansas, received an honorable mention for its 2019 Rock Creek Stream Bank Stabilization project. After a springtime flooding event caused stream bank erosion that threated the city’s wastewater lagoon site, Westmoreland collaborated with state and federal entities to stabilize the stream bank and prevent further erosion. These actions increased the integrity of the city’s wastewater facilities and protected Rock Creek from future erosion and sedimentation that can affect water quality.

Kansas’ Public Wholesale Water Supply District No. 25 (PWWSD) received an honorable mention for its New Regional Water Supply System project. PWWSD was formed in 2006 when two rural Kansas water districts combined, and it includes Douglas, Franklin and Osage counties. In 2015, PWWSD identified current and long-term water availability issues. The project received $22.4 million from the Kansas Department of Health and Environment State Revolving Loan Fund for three well fields, a water-softening treatment plant, main transmission lines, a pump station, and storage.

To see the full list of recognized projects and learn more, visit the PISCES and AQUARIUS programs’ websites. Learn more about the Clean Water SRF and Drinking Water SRF.

The SRFs are EPA-state partnerships that provide communities with a permanent, independent source of low-cost financing for a wide range of water quality and drinking water infrastructure projects. Since their inception, EPA’s SRFs have provided over $189 billion in financial assistance to nearly 43,000 water quality infrastructure projects and 16,300 drinking water projects across the country.

In 2022, EPA will allocate EPA will allocate $7.4 billion to states, tribes, and territories, with nearly half of this funding available as grants or principal forgiveness loans that remove barriers to investing in essential water infrastructure in underserved communities across rural America and in urban centers. The 2022 allocation is the first of five years of nearly $44 billion in dedicated EPA SRF funding that states will receive through the Bipartisan Infrastructure Law.

# # #

Learn more about EPA Region 7

View all Region 7 news releases

Connect with EPA Region 7 on Facebook: www.facebook.com/eparegion7

Follow us on Twitter: @EPARegion7

[ad_2]

Originally Appeared Here

Filed Under: EPA

GYPSY to Open At Music Mountain Theatre

by

“Ready or not, here comes Mama!” as Music Mountain Theatre continues their 5th season with Gypsy beginning February 18th. Gypsy will run from February 18 – March 6. Show times are Fridays and Saturdays at 8 PM, Saturdays and Sundays at 3 PM.

Often referred to as the greatest American musical, Gypsy first came to the Broadway stage in 1959 with music by Jule Styne, lyrics by Stephen Sondheim, and book by Arthur Laurents. Gypsy is the ultimate tale of an ambitious stage mother fighting for her daughters’ success – while secretly yearning for her own. Set all across America in the 1920s and 30s, when vaudeville was dying and burlesque was born, Arthur Laurents’ landmark show explores the world of two-bit show business with brass, humor, heart, and sophistication.

Leading the cast and tackling the iconic role of Mama Rose is Music Mountain Theatre favorite, Anna Hentz, alongside Lauren Brader as Louise. Also returning to the MMT stage for the first time in 2022 are Bill Weir as Herby and Jaimie Geddes as June. The show will also feature Gabrielle Arias and Penelope Kushnier who will alternate the role of Baby June, with Nora Bella Kushnier and Jillian Smith sharing the part of Baby Louise. MMT’s production of Gypsy is being directed by Louis Palena with Jordan Brennan choreographing.

In addition to the Mainstage productions, performances for Young Audiences are offered throughout the year! Pinnochio is currently playing on Saturdays at 11 AM and 1 PM.

Subscribe and save with a subscription package for the 2022 season. They can be purchased by visiting musicmountaintheatre.org, in person at the box office, or calling 609.397.3337.

The Theatre strives to provide a safe environment for all with rigorous cleaning procedures and more recently, the installation of state-of-the-art air scrubbers to increase indoor air quality and reduce contaminants. In an abundance of caution & based on CDC recommendations as well as a desire to protect the health and welfare of all, face masks will be required inside the building.

Music Mountain Theatre is located at 1483 NJ-179 in Lambertville, New Jersey.

[ad_2]

Originally Appeared Here

EPA Proposes Guidance to Support Water Affordability and Clean Water Act Implementation

by

February 16, 2022

WASHINGTON – The U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) has issued its Proposed 2022 Clean Water Act (CWA) Financial Capability Assessment (FCA) Guidance for public comment. The proposed guidance outlines strategies for communities to support affordable utility rates while planning investments in water infrastructure that are essential for CWA implementation.

“EPA is committed to ensuring that all Americans have access to essential water services and clean water. This guidance provides needed tools that can help achieve that goal for rural, suburban, and urban communities across the country,” said EPA Assistant Administrator for Water Radhika Fox. “The guidance supports water affordability while ensuring that wastewater utilities can take vital steps to improve wastewater management.”

The FCA Guidance is used by municipalities when devising plans to dramatically reduce discharges from Combined Sewer Systems. During that process, municipalities and EPA negotiate schedules with specific timeframes for implementation. The Proposed 2022 FCA Guidance describes the financial information and formulas the agency intends to use to assess the financial resources a community has available to implement control measures and timeframes associated with implementation.

“NACWA and its public utility members appreciate EPA’s work to revise the Financial Capability Assessment guidance and is pleased the agency has retained some of the recommendations previously provided by NACWA and its water sector partners,” said National Association of Clean Water Agencies CEO Adam Krantz. “We look forward to reviewing this FCA document in more detail and to providing comments for additional improvements, but I have been impressed throughout this process with the agency’s commitment to address the affordability and financial capability challenges of the nation’s low-income ratepayers and financially distressed communities.”

Once finalized, EPA intends for the Proposed 2022 FCA to replace the 1997 FCA Guidance to evaluate a community’s capability to fund CWA control measures in both the permitting and enforcement context. The 2022 FCA will also supplement the public sector sections of the 1995 WQS Guidance to assist states and authorized tribes in assessing the degree of economic and social impact of potential WQS decisions. The guidance document is not legally binding and is intended only to provide clarity to the public regarding existing requirements under the law or agency policies. EPA is accepting public comment until 60 days after publication in the Federal Register.

For more information about the Proposed 2022 FCA, visit:
https://www.epa.gov/waterfinancecenter/financial-technical-assistance-and-tools-water-infrastructure#affordability.

Background
October 18, 2022 commemorates the 50th anniversary of the Clean Water Act. Passed in 1972, the Clean Water Act charted a new path for America’s waters. Transformational progress has been achieved over the last 50 years. Waters that were once toxic and even caught fire, have been cleaned up. With these improvements, communities are starting to return to the water—to swim and to fish—while the sources of our drinking water are better protected. Significant challenges remain and EPA is committed to working toward a clean water future for all Americans.

[ad_2]

Originally Appeared Here

Filed Under: EPA

Statewide: A lawsuit over a town’s water quality

by

Residents of one Illinois community filed a class action lawsuit against their city over the quality of the water supply. A bad odor, discoloration and even high levels of lead made the tap water nearly unusable, according to the residents. We take a closer look at the issue.

We hear from parents navigating the public health and political interests when it comes to masks in schools. And there’s an effort to bring more doctors to rural areas.

Those stories and more on Statewide.

Our rundown:

* Steph Whiteside looks at a medical school’s effort to add more physicians in rural communities.

* Kristen Schorsch reports on a plan to track outpatient drugs that can help fight COVID-19.

* Sarah Nardi of WGLT talks with parents who say masking their students is not about politics, but rather keeping them safe.

* Eric Schmid follows up on his investigation into structural safety of warehouses, such as the one in Edwardsville that collapsed during a December tornado, killing six.

* Yvonne Boose brings us the story of a northern Illinois music organization that recently celebrated the life of a folk singer.

* Michelle O’Neill interviews the author of the book Tractor Wars.

WNIJ

/

* Peter Medlin looks at lead levels in water. The town of Sycamore faces a class action lawsuit from residents. First up, a report on water testing procedures in schools. Then, we hear from residents who say they’ve received little guidance for dealing with lead.

* Emily Hays has a conversation with the new Decatur Public Schools Superintendent Rochelle Clark, who is taking over at a challenging time.

* Jake Harper and Lauren Bavis of Side Effects Public Media report on how incarcerated people often face retaliation for calling out staff sexual misconduct.

[ad_2]

Originally Appeared Here