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P2 Tools

Fledgling Metro-Omaha Ride Sharing Program Seeks Participants [MAPA] (12/31/2007)
From their web site: "MetrO! Rideshare is a free, quick and secure service that connects commuters throughout the Metropolitan Omaha Region who are interested in carpooling. [One can] simply create a new account and profile and MetrO! Rideshare will automatically search for carpool matches according to your commuting preferences. Carpooling helps to save money on fuel costs and vehicle wear and tear. Having someone to share the ride with can also be fun and relaxing. And by carpooling you are helping to reduce our dependence on oil and decrease pollution in the Omaha metro area.

WMRC Announces A New Technical Publication [WMRC] (12/31/2007)
P2Rx affiliate, the Waste Management Research Center, has announced a new publication [PDF] of interest to P2 specialists everywhere: RR-111 Applicability of Microfiltration for Recycling Semi-Synthetic Metalworking Fluids / Wentz, John E.; Kapoor, Shiv G.; DeVor, Richard E.; Rajagopalan, Nandakishore. -- Champaign, IL: Illinois Waste Management and Research Center, 2007.

New Tool: Global Water Tool will help companies manage water use ( WBCSD) (08/10/2007)
The World Business Council for Sustainable Development will officially launch its Global Water Tool on August 15, 2007. The free and easy-to-use tool is designed to help companies and organizations map their water use and assess risks relative to their global operations and supply chains.

Through an easy to manage process, the tool allows companies to quickly and accurately compare their water use (including staff presence, industrial use, and supply chain) with validated water and sanitation availability information, both on a country and watershed basis; calculate water consumption and efficiency; establish relative water risks in their portfolio; and create key water Global Reporting Initiative indicators, inventories, risk and performance metrics. The tool will also enable effective communications between internal and external stakeholders on water issues. For more information, see the press release.

P2 events calendars for Region 7 to be available via RSS feed (P2RIC) (08/08/2007)
Do your clients want to know about upcoming pollution prevention (P2) events, grant application due dates or reporting deadlines? Or do you want to know what P2 conferences, meetings and conferences are occurring in your community or the EPA's four-state Region 7 (Iowa, Kansas, Missouri and Nebraska)? Unless you know what you're looking for already or who to contact for details, finding this information can be time-consuming--and even then you might not find what want. Using P2RIC's new RSS (Really Simple Syndication) P2 calendar feeds will help solve this problem. And if you're trying to promote a conference, meeting or other event, you can be sure your information will reach the widest possible targeted audience.

P2RIC's calendar feeds will be easy to use and enable wide and immediate information distribution. Better yet, P2RIC calendar users will be able to enter their own event information, ensuring it is accurate and easy for clients to find--and to find more quickly.

Several RSS P2 calendar feeds will be available on P2RIC's calendar web page in the near future. There will be feeds for national, regional and each of the four Region 7 states. Each feed will list calendar events pertinent only to that feed's scope. The Nebraska RSS calendar feed, for example, will list only Nebraska events. All events will be listed chronologically.

RSS works by enabling web content such as events calendar listings to be shared between servers, or retrieved directly by web browsers using software tools known as news aggregators. Aggregators retrieve data from different RSS sources and post them to a single location on a web page.

P2RIC's web developer also will post information describing how to create one of two P2 Calendar Boxes for use on web sites. One Calendar Box will list events in headline format; the other will show events in calendar format. Both boxes will look similar to the existing P2 News Box.

New Tool: New water quality trading guide available (EPA) (08/07/2007)
A new EPA publication will help the regulated community design and implement voluntary water quality trading programs consistent with EPA's 2003 National Water Quality Trading Policy. This new guide will provide stakeholders with detailed guidance on the fundamental concepts of trading which can accelerate water quality improvement and reduce compliance costs.

Water quality trading is a voluntary option that regulated point sources can use to meet requirements under the Clean Water Act. The Water Quality Trading Toolkit for Permit Writers provides permitting authorities with the tools they need to incorporate trading provisions into required permits. The guide is focused on trading nitrogen and phosphorus, but other pollutants may be considered for trading on a case-by-case basis. The Toolkit discusses the fundamental concepts of designing and implementing trading programs including the relevant geographic scope, effluent limitations and other factors involved in defining a credit. The document also includes a set of appendices which feature detailed case studies based on actual trading programs.

New standard for cleaner transportation fuels released (UCDavis) (08/07/2007)
University of California experts last week released their much-anticipated blueprint for fighting global warming by reducing the amount of carbon emitted when transportation fuels are used in California. This "Low Carbon Fuel Standard," designed to stimulate improvements in transportation-fuel technologies, is expected to become the foundation for similar initiatives in other states, as well as nationally and internationally. For more information and links to the report, see the press release.

MO: "Take a Break from the Exhaust" saves local commuters money and miles; challenge inspires participants to drive less to reduce air pollution (MARC) (08/02/2007)
When Carol Nellis joined the Take a Break from the Exhaust challenge, she knew the miles she was saving by carpooling would earn her points and possibly prizes. What she didn't know was that she would be one of a group of several hundred Greater Kansas Citians who have so far saved enough vehicle miles to travel to the moon.

The challenge, which began July 1 and ends August 31, encourages employees of area organizations to carpool, bus, bike, walk, or take part in other activities that reduce pollution. The contest started only two weeks after preliminary data indicated that the Kansas City region violated the federal Clean Air Act. Vehicle emissions are a major contributor to regional ozone pollution.

Take a Break participants log their emissions-saving activities online, where a form translates the activities into amounts of miles and pollution saved. So far, the activities of program participants have:

• Saved 249,241 miles,
• Prevented 1,631 pounds of smog-forming pollutants, and
• Decreased carbon dioxide emissions by 229,152 pounds -- the work that 35,355 trees do in a month.

Nellis admits that she "would've been the last person to carpool." But after realizing she was putting 20,000 miles a year on her car by commuting from Lee's Summit to Kansas City, Mo., she reconsidered. Since the beginning of the year, Nellis has saved 3,773 miles.

New Tool: Freely accessible software assesses environmental performance of biofuel plants (IANR) (07/31/2007)
Measuring the environmental performance of individual biofuel plants is increasingly important for environmental, regulatory, political and economic reasons. But evaluating environmental performance has been difficult to do. Now agricultural researchers at the University of Nebraska-Lincoln have a solution: a newly developed a tool designed to assess greenhouse gas mitigation and energy efficiency of corn-based ethanol plants. The software and users guide can be downloaded for free at UNL's Biofuel Energy Systems Simulator website.

The computer modeling software analyzes energy yield and efficiency, greenhouse gas emissions and resource requirements for individual biofuel production systems. Called BESS for short, this "seed-to-fuel" tool quantifies lifecycle carbon savings and environmental impact of individual biofuel systems. It factors in energy use and greenhouse gases from crop production, ethanol conversion, byproduct use, waste disposal and transportation.

BESS is designed for easy use by ethanol plant operators, crop producers, researchers, regulators, policymakers or others concerned with optimizing biofuel systems' economic and environmental performance. The initial version of BESS is based on corn-based dry-milling ethanol production. In the future, UNL scientists plan to develop versions for soybean biodiesel and biomass ethanol production from switchgrass and corn stover, which eventually will allow performance comparisons of biofuel systems with different feedstocks. For more information, read the full press release.

Recycler turns old medications into energy (azcentral.com) (07/27/2007)
Don't be so quick to throw out that expired blood pressure medication. Drug disposal companies are taking outdated or recalled prescription drugs from pharmacies and manufacturers and incinerating them, generating energy.

Milwaukee-based Capital Returns Inc. last year created enough energy to power more than 220 homes for a year. To do that, it incinerated 6.5 million pounds of pills and other pharmaceuticals, which are sent from pharmacies and drug manufacturers around the country. To read the full article, click here.

New Tool: New website provides easier access to tribal environmental information (EPA) (07/26/2007)
The U.S. Environmental Protection Agency has launched the first-of-its-kind portal website to help the tribal community, its supporters and the public find tribal environmental information and data through a single web-based access point. The new cross-agency website allows EPA to consolidate and share environmental information reflecting the tribal community's perspective and needs into a central, easy-to-navigate structure. Various EPA programs, such as enforcement, waste, underground storage tanks and water, are also consolidating their tribal information through this website. The site integrates the tribal content and functionality of many existing agency programs and regional websites. Visit the tribal portal at www.epa.gov/tribalportal.

MO: Coming soon -- Special household hazardous waste collection August 18 (MARC) (07/25/2007)
On Saturday, August 18, the city of Belton will host a collection event for the safe disposal of household hazardous waste. Residents can drop off antifreeze, batteries, paint and motor oil only. The event will be at Wallace Park on North Mullen Road from 8 a.m. to 12 noon. Residents of Belton, Raymore, Harrisonville, Garden City, Peculiar, Cleveland, Pleasant Hill and other participating communities in the Regional Household Hazardous Waste (HHW) Collection Program may attend the event at no charge. Cass County is not a member, so residents of unincorporated Cass County will be charged a disposal fee of $75 if they choose to use the collection service. For more information on this event and other disposal options, please contact Nadja Karpilow at (816) 701-8226.

The Green Chamber: Bringing sustainability to communities around the country (Green Chamber / TreeHugger / GreenBiz) (07/19/2007)
A new and different kind of chamber of commerce was born on Wednesday, July 18. The all-new "Green Chamber," as it is called, offers "green-leaning" businesses, locally and nationally, the opportunity to work within a framework designed to foster and grow sustainable communities. The Green Chamber's goals include educating and promoting green principles to communities at all levels of life, from local to county to state to federal to global; promoting fair trade, non-toxic materials, recycling and waste reduction, and alternative energy use in our business and personal practice; and developing strategic partnerships and alliances with other green and non-green businesses for profit and non-profit organizations in order to increase business opportunities and enhance member benefits. Green Chamber members will soon have ready access to a wealth of online resources such as detailed membership lists from which to network with those of like interests; organize amongst themselves; post jobs; promote novel ideas and initiatives; and more.

New report shows environmental benefits from green computers (EPA) (07/18/2007)
Numerous environmental benefits achieved by buying high-performance, environmentally friendly computer equipment are highlighted in the first annual report issued this week by the Green Electronics Council. The report, called The Environmental Benefits of the Purchase or Sale of EPEAT Registered Products in 2006, states that the purchase of more than 36 million EPA-approved computer desktops, laptops and monitors has led to a significant reduction in greenhouse gas emissions and helped to:

• Save 13.7 billion kWh of electricity, enough to power 1.2 million U.S. homes for a year;

• Save 24.4 million metric tons of primary materials, equivalent to the weight of 189 million refrigerators;

• Prevent 56.5 million metric tons of air emissions (including greenhouse gas emissions);

• Prevent 1.07 million metric tons of carbon equivalent greenhouse gas emissions, equivalent to removing 852,000 cars from the road for a year;

• Prevent 118,000 metric tons of water pollutant emissions;

• Reduce the amount of toxic materials used by 1,070 metric tons, equivalent to the weight of 534,000 bricks, including enough mercury to fill 157,000 household fever thermometers; and

• Avoid the disposal of 41,100 metric tons of hazardous waste, equivalent to the weight of 20.5 million bricks.

EPEAT, which stands for Electronic Product Environmental Assessment Tool, is an easy-to-use, on-line tool helping institutional purchasers select and compare computer desktops, laptops and monitors based on their environmental attributes.

Pharm waste disposal guide for communities routinely updated with new information (IISG) (07/16/2007)
Disposal of Unwanted Medicines: A Resource for Action in Your Community, by Illinois-Indiana Sea Grant (IISG), contains information and resources for analyzing the current situation of unwanted pharmaceutical products. By identifying the various concerns related to this issue, the current barriers to improved disposal programs, and case studies of successful take-back programs, this kit serves as a resource and guide for future work in this field. Included in the kit are several examples of pamphlets, fact sheets and education materials that have been developed by communities and states as they wrestle with this complicated issue. The recommendations and advice, which are routinely updated, vary because jurisdictions are finding different ways to deal with the fact that at present, only interim solutions are available.

The Illinois-Indiana Sea Grant College Program is one of more than 30 National Sea Grant College Programs. Created by Congress in 1966, Sea Grant combines university, government, business and industry expertise to address coastal and Great Lakes needs. Funding is provided by the National Oceanic Atmospheric Administration (NOAA), U. S. Department of Commerce, the University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign and Purdue University at West Lafayette, Indiana.

MO: Special household hazardous waste collection scheduled for Aug. 4 (MARC) (07/11/2007)
On Saturday, Aug. 4, the city of Riverside, Mo., in partnership with Parkville and North Kansas City, will host a collection event for the safe disposal of household hazardous waste. Residents of Weatherby Lake, Lake Waukomis, Platte Woods and other participating communities in the Regional Household Hazardous Waste (HHW) Collection Program may also attend the event at no charge. Residents can drop off old paint, lawn and garden chemicals, house cleaners and other unwanted hazardous products from their homes at the city hall parking lot, 2950 N.W. Vivion Road, from 8:00 to 11:00 a.m. No business waste will be accepted. Unincorporated Platte County is not a member of the program, so those residents will be charged a disposal fee of $75 if they choose to use the collection service.

Go Green! with new EPA newsletter for consumers (EPA) (07/03/2007)
America is shifting to a "green culture" in which citizens are recognizing environmental responsibility is everyone's responsibility. EPA is helping Americans learn more by launching a new monthly email newsletter, Go Green! Readers can expect to find "what you can do" information in the newsletter as well as information about activities and events everyone can use or participate in to make a difference just about anywhere - in homes, workplaces, schools and communities. To subscribe to the Go Green! newsletter by email, please register here.

Cut lawn care pollution and waste; water lightly in the middle of the day (The Environment Report) (07/03/2007)
One of the most polluting activities at many homes is lawn care. Lawn sprinklers can use massive amounts of water. And over-use of fertilizer can pollute nearby streams. The Environment Report's Lester Graham looks at simple things you can do to reduce waste and pollution and still have a green lawn. Read the article here.

New technology could lead to more energy-efficient ethanol production (USDA, ARS) (06/29/2007)
Ethanol to fuel cars, trucks and other vehicles might tomorrow take less energy to produce. U.S. Department of Agriculture scientists think it may be possible to cut energy costs by using a series of specially designed permeable plastic sheets, or membranes, to produce ethanol from fermented broths of corn, or straw and other kinds of biomass feedstocks. The researchers' invention, called a spiral-wound liquid membrane module, could potentially replace the widely used process of distilling ethanol from fermentation broths. The module offers ethanol producers the important advantage of combining two separation processes, extraction and membrane permeation, in one piece of equipment. With further research and development, the module would require less energy than distillation. Today, energy costs are ethanol producers' second largest expense; feedstocks are first.

In brief, the fermentation broth--typically containing about five to 12 percent ethanol--would travel through a sandwich-like configuration of membranes and mesh sheets, called spacers, that keep the membranes separate from each other. One membrane has a solvent in its pores that extracts the ethanol from the broth. A second membrane, with the help of a vacuum, pulls the ethanol out of the solvent. The ethanol-and-water vapor that results is then, in other equipment, condensed into an ethanol-rich liquid.

The device has other potential uses as well: cleaning up wastewater or treating natural gas for home use.

Plant lovers want nurseries to stop selling invasive plants that threaten environment (ENN) (06/29/2007)
Invasive plant species have spread far and wide and choked off once thriving communities of native plants and driven off indigenous and migratory birds by depriving them of natural food sources. [The need to water nonnative plants, including trees, used in landscaping can also negatively impact groundwater levels, especially in areas suffering from drought.] Environmental groups hope to slow the spread of decorative but invasive plants and reduce the associated impacts by persuading nurseries to stop selling them and instead to promote native species.

New Tool: Pollution data from over 30,000 industrial facilities in North America publicly accessible using Google Earth (CEC) (06/28/2007)
The Commission for Environmental Cooperation (CEC) has created the first seamless, North America-wide map to connect citizens with point-specific industrial pollutant data from Canadian, Mexican and United States sources using Google Earth. Google Earth is an innovative and free computer program that allows users to explore geographic data projected over satellite images and aerial photography. The CEC's map layer plots over 33,000 North American industrial facilities that reported releases and transfers of pollutants in 2004, the most recent data available from all three countries, and allows users to learn about the pollution profile of industrial facilities located near their homes, their workplaces, or their schools. Users can learn which pollutants are generated and how the facility handles them. Users can also compare the performance of facilities in their community to similar facilities locally, nationally, and, now, across North America.

Information used in the mapping tool comes from publicly accessible "pollutant release and transfer registers," or PRTRs, maintained separately by the three North American countries: the National Pollutant Release Inventory (NPRI) in Canada, the Registro de Emisiones y Transferencias de Contaminantes (RETC) in Mexico, and the Toxics Release Inventory (TRI) in the United States.

And the first-ever mayor's climate protection survey says? Best Practices Guide also available (U.S. Conference of Mayors) (06/26/2007)
The Survey on Mayoral Leadership on Climate Protection released last week by the U.S. Conference of Mayors indicates that cities throughout the country, regardless of size, have initiated a multitude of actions aimed at reducing carbon emissions despite the lack of federal support. Of the 400 mayors who had signed the U.S. Mayors Climate Protection Agreement at the time the survey was conducted, 134 provided data for this first-ever assessment of city climate protection efforts. Among the survey's key findings are:

- More than four out of five of the surveyed cities now use renewable energy, or are considering beginning by next year.

- All but four of the surveyed cities (97 percent) are using more energy-efficient lighting technologies in public buildings, streetlights, parks, traffic signals, and other applications, or expect to by next year.

- Seventy-two percent of the responding mayors stated that their city fleets now run on alternative fuels and/or use hybrid-electric technology.

- Nearly nine in ten of the cities require, or anticipate requiring in the next year, that new city government buildings be more energy efficient and environmentally sustainable.

- More than three out of four of the cities are undertaking efforts to encourage the private sector to construct buildings that are energy efficient and use sustainable building techniques.

In other news, Tulsa, Oklahoma, Mayor Kathy Taylor in May became the 500th mayor to sign the U.S. Mayors Climate Protection Agreement. Between then and June 21, the kick off date for the 75th Annual Meeting of the U.S. Conference of Mayors, 40 additional mayors have committed their cities to reducing carbon emissions below 1990 levels, in line with the Kyoto protocol. To learn what mayors and cities around the country are doing to fight climate change, improve the local environment and conserve energy, see the U.S. Conference of Mayors' Energy and Environment Best Practices Guide published in January 2007.

IA: State launches new online water information tool (IA DNR) (06/21/2007)
The Iowa Department of Natural Resources has launched a new interactive online tool to help Iowans learn more about the state's surface water resources. When complete, the Iowa Water Web will offer Iowans information on everything water in Iowa, including information on recreation, watershed improvement and detailed scientific data.

New Tool (IA): Iowa Manure Management Action Group unveils new Web site (ISU) (06/14/2007)
The Iowa Manure Management Action Group (IMMAG) has unveiled a new Web site and a new link to the new site. IMMAG was initiated 10 years ago with the goal of providing a comprehensive and coordinated approach to manure management issues in Iowa, including pollution prevention. The newly revised Web site now can be found at: http://www.agronext.iastate.edu/immag/homepage.html. Major changes to the site include updating the "Publications and Reports" page to be better organized and to highlight Iowa publications and research work being done in Iowa. Other changes include updates to the "Plans, Permits and Regulations" page and the addition of more reference material. In the future, users will have access to a new "Frequently Asked Questions" document. The old Web site will continue to work by referring users to the new site.

Backyard Conservation: Popular how-to publication revised by USDA and National Audubon Society (USDA, NRCS) (06/14/2007)
The U.S. Department of Agriculture and the National Audubon Society have revised and released the popular Backyard Conservation publication, which highlights 10 conservation practices used by farmers and ranchers that can be adapted by homeowners in their urban or suburban backyards. The 28-page publication features actions people can take to enhance or protect natural resources, including building a pond, composting, mulching, properly managing pests, terracing, tree planting, conserving water and creating wildlife habitat. The printed version has always been available in English; it will now also be available in Spanish. Both also are available online.

New Tool: Web site lists regulations with potential impact on agriculture (EPA) (06/13/2007)
The U.S. Environmental Protection Agency today launched a new Web site containing an easy and succinct look-up tool that lists federal environmental regulations which could potentially apply to agriculture. Knowing the regulations beforehand will allow farmers to address these issues before they become problems.

MO: Special household hazardous waste collection June 30 (MARC) (06/12/2007)
On Saturday, June 30, Gladstone, MO, will host a collection event for the safe disposal of household hazardous waste. Residents can drop off antifreeze, batteries, oil and paint from their homes from 8 a.m. to 12 noon at the Gladstone Public Works facility at 4000 NE 76th St.

Residents of Gladstone, Pleasant Valley, Liberty, unincorporated Clay County and other participating communities in the Regional Household Hazardous Waste (HHW) Collection Program may attend the event at no charge. Only household waste will be accepted. No business waste is allowed.

Residents of non-participating communities will be charged a disposal fee of $75 if they choose to use the collection service. For more information on this event and other disposal options, please contact Nadja Karpilow at (816) 701-8226.

NE: WasteCap to host environmental webcast series this summer (WasteCap Nebraska) (06/11/2007)
June 20th marks the first in a series of four environmental webcasts hosted by WasteCap Nebraska. Topics for the webcasts include business energy conservation, hazardous and universal waste regulations, resource management and solid waste contracting, and "Liability and Identity Theft Protection for Computer Recycling." Each webcast will be offered on Wednesday afternoon--June 20, July 11, and August 8 and 29, respectively--from 1-2:30 p.m. CT.

These webcast events are designed to reach businesses in Nebraska and around the country with important environmental information. According to Carrie Hakenkamp, Executive Director of WasteCap Nebraska, "using the latest technology allows us to offer this training to businesses throughout the state that would not have otherwise been able to participate. This allows us to expand our reach in Nebraska without added travel expense and makes it very convenient for businesses to attend the seminars from their own desk."

WasteCap is able to offer these webcasts at reduced rates. Registration fees for the webcasts are as follows: WasteCap members: $69 for each webcast or $249 for all four webcasts; non-Members: $89 for each webcast or $319 for all four webcasts. Registrations should be received no later than the Friday prior to each webcast.

MO: Practical strategies for local government to reduce greenhouse gasses topic of June 12 training (HUEE) (06/05/2007)
Learn how local governments can reduce emissions. The Mid-America Regional Council and the City of Kansas City, MO, will host a free Web cast titled "Local government Climate Change Initiatives: Practical Strategies for Reducing Greenhouse Gasses" on June 12 from 2-3:30 p.m. Speakers will include Dennis Murphey, Chief Environmental Officer, Office of Environmental Quality, Kansas City, MO; and Mikaela Engert, Planner, City of Keene, NH. To register for the event at Metropolitan Community College's Business and Technology Center, Room 2003, contact Eliza Waterman at (816) 701-8387 or via email at ewaterman@marc.org.

New Tool: Updated Green Suppliers Network Web site launched (EPA) (06/04/2007)
The Manufacturing Extension Partnership recently posted an improved Green Suppliers Network (GSN) web site. The updated site includes a wealth of new resources to help GSN participants learn ways to save money, increase capacity, and improve supply chain relationships. Among the improvements and new materials are an expanded Tools and Resource Section, including Lean and Clean training modules and other resources to enhance companies' participation in the program. Other resources are designed to further the impact of supply chain initiatives, including information on chemical use, energy efficiency, and product stewardship. The Web site will be continually updated as the program continues to expand and include new resources.

Climate change focus of June conference and training in Madison, WI (MSWG) (06/04/2007)
Experts will be in Madison, WI, June 18-20 to explore three forces shaping world environmental policies--climate, China and Europe--and what can be anticipated in the future, plus share best practices that communities can use today to reduce risk from climate change. The Multi-State Working Group on Environmental Performance (MSWG) workshop at Monona Terrace is open to all who want to hear about policies and business practices from other nations, as well as our own that may soon affect our commerce and our lives in major ways. The conference will feature speakers from around the world as well as a Climate Change Workshop for municipalities on Tuesday, June 19. The workshop provides advice and take-home materials on how to identify climate change's impact and the options you have to cope with that change. Examples will be shared from work in King County, Washington (Seattle), developed with ICLEI- Local Governments for Sustainability. King County is recognized world-wide for its forward-thinking approach to coping with climate change. Daily registration is $200; full workshop is $325; climate training is $95. Registration is required. For additional information, see the press release.

New version of NIST's product lifecycle environmental and economic impact software tool released (EPA/NIST) (05/29/2007)
BEES 4.0 (Building for Environmental and Economic Sustainability version 4), the new version of the National Institute of Standards and Technology (NIST) software tool for selecting environmentally preferred, cost-effective building products, updates data on more than 200 products and adds 30 new products for review. This version also offers users the option of a new set of consensus weights for scoring the environmental impact of individual building products. The EPP Program was a part of the May 2006 stakeholder panel that developed this weighting scheme option and was one of the original funders of BEES. BEES 4.0 also includes a number of new products, including carpeting from several manufacturers who agree to purchase carbon credits to offset the product's life-cycle greenhouse gas emissions. These and other included products, such as biobased carpets, roof coatings, building maintenance products, and fertilizers that qualify for U.S. Department of Agriculture's Federal Biobased Preferred Procurement Program, could help policy developers and procurement officials in providing guidance on green building.

Gardeners can play an important role in reducing global warming (National Wildlife Federation) (05/21/2007)
Trade-in the SUV, use florescent light bulbs, turn down your thermostat. These are just some of the things we're being told we can do to reduce our impact on global warming. But according to a new report from the National Wildlife Federation, A Gardeners Guide to Global Warming, there are many things you can do in the garden that will help combat this serious and potentially devastating environmental problem caused by our voracious appetite for fossil fuels. Read the complete press release here.

School bus study shows idling worse for children's health than re-starting engines (EPA) (05/21/2007)
Shut off those diesel school bus engines! A new U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) study shows that school buses that idle for more than three minutes generate more pollution than stopping and re-starting the engine -- debunking a widely held belief of some drivers. The level of pollution from buses that idled for more than three minutes was 66% higher in fine particles than pollution generated from shutting off the buses and then re-starting them. Diesel exhaust particles can penetrate deep into the lungs and pose serious health risks, including aggravating the symptoms of asthma and other respiratory problems in healthy individuals. For more information about reducing pollution from school buses, visit EPA's Clean School Bus USA website.

New Tool: EPA launches Chinese-language Web site (EPA) (05/21/2007)
The U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) has launched a new consolidated Chinese-language Web site as part of its ongoing effort to provide environmental information in English, Spanish and Chinese. The new site compiles EPA Chinese-language materials on a wide variety of issues from lead poisoning prevention, energy efficiency, and clean water to proper management of pesticides. The site also serves as a valuable tool in delivering important health and environmental information to the Chinese-speaking community, both here in the U.S. and worldwide, to help protect local communities as well as the global environment.

WasteCap Nebraska's May newsletter available online (WasteCap NE) (05/17/2007)
Read about upcoming events such as the June 2007 Nebraska Battery Recycling Project, next month's Lincoln computer collection and WasteCap's summer lecture series webcasts. Also read local, regional and national news affecting Nebraska.

Study examines alternative asbestos removal technology, public comment sought (EPA) (05/16/2007)
The U. S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) today announced the release of a draft report that evaluates an alternative demolition process for buildings containing asbestos. Scientists and engineers from EPA's National Risk Management Research Laboratory and the Dallas regional office compared the current process of demolishing a dilapidated, asbestos-containing structure with a new method called the Alternative Asbestos Control Method or AACM. The first demonstration project was successfully completed in Fort Chaffee, Arkansas. Preliminary findings show the AACM procedures to be protective for clean-up of many asbestos-containing buildings. Two similar buildings at Fort Chaffee, Arkansas, containing similar types and quantities of asbestos, were demolished in April 2006. One demolition utilized the alternative method and one utilized the standard National Emissions Standards for Hazardous Air Pollutants (NESHAP) method. As they were demolished, environmental emissions were monitored to determine if the alternative protected the environment as well as the NESHAP method.

The current NESHAP process involves removal of some asbestos materials prior to demolition of the structure. This process can be time-consuming and expensive. After demolition, the removed asbestos and the demolished structure are both disposed in approved landfills. Similarly, the alternative method removes some friable (capable of becoming airborne) asbestos materials, but some asbestos-containing materials are allowed to remain. The structure is then wetted with amended water to control asbestos fiber release prior to and during demolition. Demolition debris and several inches of affected soil from the AACM process are disposed as asbestos-containing debris at an approved landfill. Data from the evaluation demonstrated lower than expected levels of asbestos and reduced potential for worker exposure. The cost and time-savings for the first study were significant.

The draft report has been released for public comment and for peer review by a select panel of experts. The public is invited to review the draft report and submit comments by June 11, 2007.

New Tool: Responsible Purchasing Guide for Paint released (RPN) (05/16/2007)
The Responsible Purchasing Network (RPN) has released a Responsible Purchasing Guide for Paint. The Guide, which is available on the web as a pdf document, as well as in print, includes information on the following: human health and environmental impacts; strategies for a successful paint program; cost, quality and supply of greener paint products; certifications and standards; sample policies and specifications; and database of certified green paint products. RPN membership is required to download the guide.

IA: Renewable energy from animal agriculture focus of two-day May ISU course (ISU) (05/10/2007)
As energy costs rise, agricultural producers are looking for ways to reduce costs and switch to renewable sources, such as energy generated from animal manure. Iowa State University is working to provide this information in a national short course on anaerobic treatment of agricultural wastes to be held May 21-22 in Des Moines.

The "Anaerobic Treatment of Agricultural Wastes" short course will include information about a variety of topics related to anaerobic digestion, including biogas production rates, collection and handling; direct use of biogas; electricity generation with biogas; marketing of carbon credits; and anaerobic digestion and biogas use at ethanol plants.

Presenters will include Iowa State University faculty members, as well as experts from other academic institutions, government and industry.

The short course will be held at the Hotel Fort Des Moines. For more information, read the press release. The agenda and registration details also are available online.

KS: State joins multi-state effort to address climate change (KDHE) (05/10/2007)
Kansas joins with 30 states as charter members of The Climate Registry, the largest multi-state effort to address climate change. The newly formed organization will assist in measuring, tracking, and verifying emissions of greenhouse gases. It also will provide the measurement and reporting infrastructure to support voluntary, mandatory, market-based and emissions reduction programs that are consistent across borders and industry sectors. The Registry will accept reporting data beginning in January 2008.

"Getting accurate data on greenhouse gas emissions through this pilot project is a vital first step towards assessing the impacts of climate change on our state," said Roderick L. Bremby, Secretary of the Kansas Department of Health and Environment (KDHE). "The Climate Registry will allow states to share resources, synchronize our programs, and help enhance the effectiveness of our efforts."

The Climate Registry is a 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization governed by a Board of Directors made up of state and tribal representatives, incorporated in March 2007. The list of charter members includes the states of Arizona, California, Colorado, Connecticut, Delaware, Florida, Hawaii, Illinois, Kansas, Maine, Maryland, Massachusetts, Michigan, Minnesota, Missouri, Montana, New Hampshire, New Jersey, New Mexico, New York, North Carolina, Ohio, Oregon, Pennsylvania, South Carolina, Utah, Vermont, Washington, Wisconsin, Wyoming and the Campo Kumeyaay Nation. Two Canadian provinces, British Columbia and Manitoba, have also committed to participate.

KS: SBEAP hosts Idling-Reduction Workshop in Kansas City (Pollution Prevention Institute) (05/08/2007)
Did you know fleet idling costs money and contributes to air pollution? In the next few years, in fact, fleets operating in Kansas City may be required to reduce idling. Here is your chance to learn about new technologies that can help reduce idling and save money. Don't sit idle - plan to attend the free May 15, 2007, Idling-Reduction Workshop in Kansas City. The workshop will run from 12:30 p.m. to 5:00 p.m. For more information or to register, go to the Pollution Prevention Institute's Web site or call Nancy Larson at 1-800-578-8898.

New Tool: Nonpoint Source Outreach Toolbox launched (EPA) (05/08/2007)
The U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) has released the Nonpoint Source Outreach Toolbox, a comprehensive set of Web-based resources designed to assist communities across the U.S. conduct locally effective watershed education and outreach activities. The Toolbox includes a searchable catalog of nearly 800 print, radio, and TV ads and outreach materials in the following categories: lawn and garden care, motor vehicle care, pet care, septic system care, household chemicals and waste, and general stormwater and storm drain awareness. This repository of contemporary, audience-tested materials is designed to meet the needs of stormwater professionals who might be strapped for ideas, money, time or staff to develop messages and products for their own communities. The Toolbox also provides EPA's publication Getting in Step - A Guide to Conducting Watershed Outreach Campaigns, as well as a comprehensive collection of surveys and evaluations of outreach programs from around the country and a collection of logos, slogans, and mascots to help unify a community's campaign.

New Tool: EPA tool helps answer air quality questions (EPA) (05/07/2007)
AirCompare, a new EPA-developed air quality tool, provides local air quality information to help people make informed decisions about moving, vacationing or living in different areas of the country.

AirCompare uses EPA's popular Air Quality Index (AQI) to explain air quality from a health perspective. A person with asthma, for example, can use AirCompare to select up to 10 counties across the country -- and with the click of a button, find out how many days the air was unhealthy for asthmatics last year. Or someone planning a trip can find out the best time of year to visit a particular area, based on concerns about asthma, heart disease, outdoor activity, or just general interest.

AirCompare searches EPA air quality databases to pull information about pollutants reported under the AQI -- and to translate it into charts that show simply whether the previous year's air quality was healthy, unhealthy or unhealthy for specific groups more susceptible to pollution. The tool also can provide a multi-year snapshot of a county's air quality, based on a particular health issue.

New Tool: Hazardous materials responders can access CAMEO online (NOAA) (05/07/2007)
A new online tool for first responders to hazardous chemical accidents has been released by NOAA's Office of Response and Restoration. The new Web site, CAMEO Chemicals, is the latest component of NOAA's popular CAMEO (Computer-Aided Management of Emergency Operations) software suite, and the first to be available for use online.

CAMEO Chemicals is an online, easy-to-use version of the most popular components of CAMEO, the chemical database and the reactivity prediction tool. CAMEO Chemicals was developed by NOAA in partnership with the Environmental Protection Agency and the U.S. Coast Guard. Key features include:

Extensive Chemical Database: CAMEO Chemicals uses the same chemical database as CAMEO, which contains response recommendations for over 6,000 chemicals. The database also contains more than 100,000 chemical synonyms and identification numbers, which aid emergency responders in identifying unknown substances during an incident.

Critical Response Information: The revised search engine and new ranking order for search results makes finding chemicals easier. Data sheets on each chemical provide physical properties, health hazards, information about air and water hazards, and recommendations for firefighting, first aid, and spill response.

Chemical Reactivity: This tool predicts what hazards could arise if chemicals were to mix.

New Tool: EPA launches environmental stewardship Web site (EPA) (05/03/2007)
The new EPA Web site on stewardship programs, launched today, can help business, government and private citizens make intelligent choices on sustainable environmental benefits. Simple everyday decisions by organizations and individuals on such issues as recycling, reuse or choice of fuel support pollution prevention and environmental stewardship.

The Web site will enable users to find EPA partnership programs, such as the Energy Star energy saving program, which best align with their needs and interests. Businesses can search for EPA programs based on their industrial category, environmental issue of interest, and geographic area. One specific sub-site, for example, shows businesses how they can help employees reduce the environmental impacts of commuting.

The Web site also provides information links individuals can use to protect the environment in different settings, such as home, work, school and shopping. One sub-site, for example, shows citizens how they can use pesticides safely.

This tool is the latest in a series of steps EPA has taken to support environmental stewardship. In 2005, EPA Administrator Stephen L. Johnson endorsed a framework for EPA that recognizes environmental stewardship as the next phase in an ongoing evolution of environmental policy -- from pollution control to pollution prevention and sustainability.

More recycling on the farm could reduce environmental problems (American Institute of Biological Sciences) (05/01/2007)
Growing environmental problems resulting from farming argue for a shift toward practices that use lower inputs of pesticides and energy and promote more recycling of energy and materials, according to an article published in the May 2007 issue of BioScience. The author, Craig J. Pearson, of the University of Guelph, documents how semiclosed agricultural systems--which he terms "regenerative"--could enhance global sustainability of biological resources, curtail greenhouse gas emissions and groundwater contamination, and reduce farming's reliance on oil imports and water.

What do we do with the leftover paint? New EPA study shows millions of gallons available for safe disposal, reuse or recycling (EPA) (04/26/2007)
A new study by the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) estimates that about 10 percent of the U.S. house paint purchased each year - about 65 to 69 million gallons - is ultimately discarded.

Leftover paint comprises the largest volume of material collected by most household hazardous waste collection programs and represents a high cost for local governments. Despite existing collection efforts, large volumes of leftover paint remain stored in basements and garages across the country. Yet, leftover paint offers significant potential for reuse and recycling.

The study was released at a national meeting of the Paint Product Stewardship Initiative (PPSI) on April 18 and 19 in Washington, D.C. This initiative brings together paint manufacturers, retailers, recyclers, EPA officials, and representatives from more than two dozen state and local agencies to find better ways to manage leftover house paint. The PPSI has just completed a 2-year, $1 million research program laying the foundation for a nationally coordinated solution.

PPSI is spearheaded by the Product Stewardship Institute, a national nonprofit organization that works in partnership with government, business and other stakeholders to reduce the health and environmental impacts of consumer products.

New Tool: Improved water quality modeling tool now available without costly software (EPA) (04/24/2007)
The U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) has released a new version of its acclaimed watershed management program, making it easier to use and more readily available. Better Assessment Science Integrating Point and Nonpoint Sources (BASINS) is a multipurpose system that integrates environmental data, analytical tools, and modeling programs. BASINS will help regions, states, and local agencies develop cost-effective approaches to watershed management and environmental protection. BASINS 4.0 is a valuable tool for watershed and water quality-based analyses, including developing total maximum daily load (TMDL) allocations.

Unlike earlier releases, BASINS 4.0 runs on non-proprietary, open source, free geographic information system (GIS) software, making the tool universally available to anyone interested in the system. Prior versions required users to purchase costly GIS software to run the BASINS system. Once installed on a personal computer, BASINS 4.0 gives users access to large amounts of point and non-point source data, which they can use to assess or predict flow and water quality for selected streams or entire watersheds. For more information, see the BASINS 4.0 fact sheet.

New Tool: Global warming solutions added to GreenerChoices.org Web site (Consumer Reports) (04/24/2007)
Consumer Reports celebrated Earth Day 2007 with the launch of a new Web site, Global Warming Solutions Center. This new Web site offers consumers solutions for improving energy efficiency at home and fuel economy on the road, including tips for buying new appliances and cars that will reduce greenhouse gases like carbon dioxide (CO2)--a prime contributor to global warming. Consumers also will find articles about alternative and renewable sources of energy and fuel, and what government and industry are doing to address global warming.

The Web site is part of GreenerChoices.org, which was launched on Earth Day 2005 by Consumers Union, the non-profit publisher of Consumer Reports. GreenerChoices.org is a Web-based initiative designed to inform, engage, and empower consumers by providing them with information about environmentally-friendly products and practices.

Report proposes Green Biofuels Index to aid consumers, market (UC Berkeley) (04/24/2007)
The debate over whether biofuels like ethanol are better for the environment than fossil fuels has left many consumers confused and unsure where to fill their gas tanks. A new study by University of California, Berkeley, researchers, Creating Markets for Green Biofuels: Measuring and Improving Environmental Performance, proposes a biofuels rating system that could eliminate much of this confusion by representing the positive or negative environmental impacts of a particular fuel. A ratings system, like the Michelin stars for hotels and restaurants, would take into account all environmental aspects of biofuels processing and production, from the way biofuel crops are tilled and fertilized to the kinds of energy - coal, natural gas or biomass, for example - used to process them.

The report lays out a range of possible options for a Green Biofuels Index, from voluntary labeling akin to the "organic" food label, to mandatory labeling like today's nutrition information, to more stringent government regulations like those required by renewable portfolio standards, which mandate that a state generate a percentage of its electricity from renewable sources.

The UC Berkeley group urges environmental, agricultural and regulatory agencies to join forces with local, state and national governments to develop this Green Biofuels Index, and that funding agencies should research ways to measure the environmental performance of biofuels, such as their impacts on global warming or farmland. For more information, read the complete press release.

New Tool: Watershed Plan Builder released to accelerate planning (EPA) (04/19/2007)
The U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) has released the Watershed Plan Builder, an interactive, Web-based tool to improve efforts by states and local communities in protecting and restoring local water resources. The tool will help local watershed organizations develop integrated watershed plans to meet state and EPA requirements and promote water quality improvements. Practitioners from watershed organizations, federal and state agencies, tribes, universities and local governments will use the Watershed Plan Builder to address polluted runoff, the largest contributor to water quality problems nationwide.

During the next six months, the Watershed Plan Builder will be available to watershed organizations, federal and state agencies, tribes, universities and local governments to beta test the application and provide feedback. A team of experts from EPA's water programs developed the tool, with input from state, tribal and local agency experts and other local watershed practitioners.

EPA will host a Webcast on the Watershed Plan Builder on May 2, 2007 from 1-2:30 p.m. EDT.

Mercury: First nationwide mercury thermostat collection program launched for homeowners (TRC/PSI/NAHMMA) (04/18/2007)
The Thermostat Recycling Corporation (TRC) and the Product Stewardship Institute, Inc. (PSI) this month announced the nation-wide rollout of a mercury thermostat recycling program via local household hazardous waste (HHW) collection facilities. The program expands a successful 8-month pilot project in which 50 municipal HHW facilities in five states safely recycled mercury thermostats from residents and their heating and cooling contractors free of charge.

To take advantage of the national program, homeowners can contact their local, municipal household waste management authorities for information on recycling locations. Consumers can also visit the Earth 911 Web site and searching via city or zip code for the closest HHW facility in their area.

Communities across Illinois, Minnesota, Wisconsin, Washington, and Florida participated in the pilot, which began May 1, 2006, and ended December 31, 2006. The 50 local programs, which operated 72 permanent facilities, 111 mobile facilities, and 14 one-time events, collected and shipped more than 3,000 mercury-added thermostats to TRC for recycling. Since TRC's inception, the organization has collected more than 530,000 mercury-containing thermostats, representing nearly 4,900 pounds of mercury.

National Pollution Prevention Roundtable training survey posted online (NPPR) (04/04/2007)
The National Pollution Prevention Roundtable (NPPR) has formed a Task Force to identify the pollution prevention (P2) training needs of our members and to investigate viable options for providing for those needs. Our first step is to solicit your views in this survey on current training available, gaps in that training, and interest in receiving or providing training. Please take the NPPR Training Survey in order to help out our Task Force.

NPPR's P2 survey will be available online until April 6th. The goal is to have 100 percent of the P2 community complete the survey.

NE: State's latest air quality newsletter available online (NDEQ) (03/28/2007)
The newest edition of "AirWaves," the Nebraska Department of Environmental Quality's semi-annual air quality bulletin, is now available online. This edition includes information about new regulations, technology and EMS, upcoming training, reporting deadlines and more.

NE: Pharmaceutical and personal care products pollute drink water; topic of April conference in Lincoln (The Groundwater Foundation) (03/28/2007)
Most Americans take prescriptions or over-the-counter medications or use cosmetics, lotions, laundry detergents and cleaning agents on a daily basis. Increasingly, these common household pharmaceuticals and personal care products, or PPCPs, are found in drinking water. A recent U.S. Geological Survey study found PPCP chemicals such as steroids, nonprescription drugs, and insect repellents in 80 percent of streams and 93 percent of sampled groundwater.

The Groundwater Foundation's "Pharmaceuticals and Personal Care Products in Drinking Water: Potential Risks and Best Practices" seminar will focus on the potential risks of PPCPs in drinking water and how Nebraskans can reduce those risks. The April 25 seminar in Lincoln, NE, features two nationally known speakers. Dr. Dana Kolpin, with the U.S. Geological Survey's Iowa Water Science Center, will provide more research data and discuss its implications. Cathy Lotzer, with Marshfield (Wisconsin) Utilities, will discuss lessons learned from conducting the Marshfield Area's "Rx Round-up" program.

Two panels of Nebraskans also will speak about the risks and best practices currently existing in the state, along with opportunities for education and take-back programs. During sessions and breaks, seminar attendees will be able to ask questions and network with the presenters and panelists.

The event is open to the public, but pre-registration is required. Registration is $34.95 prior to April 18; the registration fee increases to $44.95 after April 18, including the day of the seminar. Students may attend at the discounted rate of $19.95. For a complete agenda or to register, please contact The Groundwater Foundation at 1-800-858-4844 or visit the organization's Web site.

School chemicals focus of EPA, industry effort to mitigate potential hazards (EPA) (03/27/2007)
In a national kickoff, the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) announced its Schools Chemical Cleanout Campaign to help schools prevent chemical accidents. Under this program, EPA, working with the U.S. Department of Education and industry, will help schools safely manage chemicals. Across the country, EPA estimates that about 33,000 middle and high schools have laboratory and other chemicals that could cause accidents and injure students.

The Schools Chemical Cleanout Campaign is an effort to help schools safely manage their chemicals and avoid costly and possibly dangerous accidents. Through the campaign, schools are connected with local chemical management experts and a web-based toolkit.

The Schools Chemical Cleanout Campaign aims to raise awareness about chemical issues, promote sustainable solutions and ensure that all schools are free from hazards associated with inappropriate, outdated, unknown or mismanaged chemicals. The campaign gives K-12 schools information and tools to responsibly manage chemicals and its partners offer a broad range of services from conducting chemical inventories to training school personnel in responsible chemical management.

New tool tracks atmospheric carbon dioxide by source (NOAA) (03/27/2007)
CarbonTracker, a new tool that monitors changes in atmospheric carbon dioxide and other greenhouse gases by region and source, will enable users to evaluate the effectiveness of efforts to reduce or store carbon emissions. Potential users include corporations, cities, states and nations assessing their efforts to reduce or store fossil fuel emissions around the world, announced the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration's Earth System Research Laboratory (ESRL).

Using the data that currently exist, the model can characterize emissions each month among U.S. regions, such as the West or the Southeast. As the data source observation network becomes denser and available data increases, however, policymakers will be able to check the CarbonTracker Web site to compare emissions from urban centers. For instance, the resolution will be fine enough to determine the difference in net emissions from Sacramento as compared to San Francisco.

CarbonTracker's initial applications are primarily for scientists, and to attract new partners in NOAA's efforts to expand greenhouse gas observations in the United States and globally. NOAA and its partners are encouraging the addition of new monitoring sites around the United States and around the world to increase the resolution of point sources. Ultimately, the site will provide easy-to-use information on local scales for policymakers, business leaders, teachers, and the public.

"CarbonTracker's potential is enormous," said Pieter Tans, head of NOAA/ESRL's Carbon Cycle Greenhouse Gases group, who developed the tool. "We are moving into an era where emissions could have a price tag. If carbon trading, emissions reduction and sequestration schemes become more common around the globe, society will need the ability to compare their relative value. Accurate and objective information on changing atmospheric concentrations will be essential for both research and impact assessments."

Read the full article here.

U.S. seeks to accelerate phase-out of ozone damaging chemicals (EPA) (03/16/2007)
The United States has submitted a proposal to adjust the Montreal Protocol, accelerating the phase-out of ozone damaging chemicals. The proposal includes four elements that can be considered individually or as a package:

* Accelerating the phase-out date of hydrochlorofluorocarbons (HCFCs) by 10 years;
* Adding interim reduction steps;
* Setting an earlier baseline;
* Phasing out the most damaging HCFCs to the ozone layer as the first priority.

These proposals, which mark the 20th anniversary year of the Montreal Protocol's signing, would accelerate existing efforts to address ozone layer protection, cleaner air, and climate change by calling on the global community to act more quickly in phasing out hydrochlorofluorocarbons.

New Tool: Online climate and environmental-reporting service details climate change impact, disease and other address-based environmental risks (Climate Appraisal Services) (03/16/2007)
The nation's first online, address-based climate and environmental-risk-reporting service has launched to meet a growing need for information. Climate Appraisal Services, LLC is the only single source that connects consumers with comprehensive address-based information on the possible impacts of global warming, hurricanes, tornadoes, earthquakes, wildfires, drought, floods, industrial pollution and disease. The company offers both free and premium reports, which cost $30. Read more here.

KS: Spring air quality newsletter published by Pollution Prevention Institute (PPI) (03/14/2007)
April 1 is the deadline for the Class II emissions inventories, Kansas State University's Pollution Prevention Institute reports in its spring 2007 AIRlines newsletter. The newsletter, which is available online, also lists upcoming Kansas air quality training events. AIRlines is designed to provide small businesses with information to help them comply with the Air Quality Act.

Government releases framework for assessing environment-related metals risks (EPA) (03/13/2007)
Many U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) programs make regulatory decisions affecting metals, particularly with regard to controlling metals' release into the environment and establishing unacceptable air, water or land pollution levels. To assess better the hazards and risks from metals exposure, the agency has developed and released a Framework for Metals Risk Assessment. The document outlines key principles about metals that should be considered when conducting human health and ecological risk assessments. Topics addressed in the framework include principles for conducting metals risk assessments, environmental chemistry and fate and transport, and assessments related to human health, aquatic life, and land issues. The framework does not mandate how particular programs must conduct assessments; rather, it is a set of key principles that will be useful in preparing such assessments.

New facilities commit to environmental improvements and join EPA's National Performance Track program (EPA) (03/07/2007)
From leading food and beverage companies to a major automobile manufacturer, 55 new facilities have joined the National Environmental Performance Track. The partnership program recognizes facilities that set three-year goals for continuous improvements in environmental performance beyond their legal requirements, have internal systems in place to manage their environmental impacts, engage in local outreach about their performance and publicly report results.

Since the 2000 inception of this facility- rather than company-based program, Performance Track membership has grown to 470 members in 46 states and Puerto Rico, and those members have made 1,500 commitments to benefit the environment in both regulated and unregulated areas. To date, Performance Track members have collectively reduced their water use by 3.5 billion gallons, reduced their greenhouse gas emissions by 88,000 metric tons of carbon dioxide equivalent, and conserved more than 14,000 acres of land while helping to protect their local and national environment.

Forty-seven of the 55 new members, which include three in Iowa, one in Kansas and one in Nebraska, have committed to reduce their waste generation over the next three years; 37 facilities plan to reduce energy use; 25 facilities pledge to reduce their water use; and 17 facilities have committed to reduce their air emissions. Sixteen have committed to focus on EPA-defined regional and national environmental priorities.

Performance Track members come from a wide range of industries, such as automotive, paper, personal care products, pharmaceuticals, and government agencies. This membership round also includes first-time applications from Boise Cascade, Frito-Lay Inc., Shaw Industries Inc., Swiss Re, Toshiba International Corp., and Toyota Motor Corp. Twelve companies already represented in Performance Track added new facilities to the program. Covanta Energy Corp. added eight new facilities for a total of 13 Performance Track facilities. Performance Track now has its first U.S. Federal Aviation Administration facility (the Mike Monroney Aeronautical Center in Oklahoma City) and its second international airport, the Dallas/Fort Worth International Airport, in the program. A Swiss Re facility in Armonk, N.Y., is the first Performance Track member from the financial sector.

Performance Track facilities must meet all environmental regulatory requirements and typically make four additional commitments to the environment (small facilities make two). For example, the Mike Monroney Aeronautical Center, the Dallas/Fort Worth International Airport, and Swiss Re -- Armonk are each committing to reduce their energy use by 10 percent over the next three years through several means, including changing to compressed natural gas vehicles, increasing reliance on renewable energy sources, and offsetting carbon emissions.

MO: Liberty implementing new, free recycling program for cell phones and rechargeable batteries (MARC) (03/06/2007)
Not sure what to do with your old cell phone and rechargeable batteries? Recycle them with a new, free City of Liberty recycling program.

The City, working with the Rechargeable Battery Recycling Corporation (RBRC), has implemented the "Call 2 Recycle" program, which will provide an easy way for area residents to recycle rechargeable batteries and cell phones. Boxes have been placed in the lobby of City Hall, the Community Center and Fire Station One for citizens to drop off their old rechargeable batteries and cell phones.

Rechargeable batteries are commonly found in cordless power tools, cellular and cordless phones, laptop computers, digital cameras, two-way radios, camcorders, and remote control toys. Acceptable rechargeable batteries include: nickel cadmium (Ni-Cd), nickel metal hydride (Ni-MH), lithium ion (Li-ion) and small sealed lead (Pb). The program does not recycle lead batteries that weigh more than two pounds and car batteries.

All cell phones, regardless of size, make, model, age, and digital or analog phones are accepted. Cell phones must be deactivated prior to placing them into the collection box. Shipping batteries that have not been properly packaged may cause a battery to short-circuit and lead to a fire or explosion. Anyone taking advantage of this program must ensure they package the batteries or cell phone. To prevent fire and/or explosion, all cell phones and rechargeable batteries must be placed in an individual plastic bag (provided next to the collection box), or exposed battery terminals can be taped with non-conductive electrical tape before placing them in the collection box.

Recycling batteries allows materials to be reclaimed and used in the production of new batteries and other products. It conserves natural resources and prevents rechargeable batteries from entering the solid waste system. Cell phones that are collected are refurbished and resold when possible, with a portion of the proceeds going to charity.

The RBRC is a national non-profit service organization that provides this no-cost program to municipalities, businesses and communities throughout the United States and Canada. The program is funded by the manufacturers and marketers of rechargeable batteries and products that use rechargeable batteries. More than 30,000 organizations use RBRC collection boxes for the recycling of used batteries and cell phones, with nearly 5 million pounds recycled through the RBRC program in 2005.

MO: Household Hazardous Waste Collection Program announces 2007 schedule (MARC) (02/27/2007)
The Solid Waste Management District of the Mid-America Regional Council (MARC) has announced the 2007 Regional Household Hazardous Waste Collection Program. This year residents of 34 communities on the Missouri side of the region have access to 13 mobile events for the collection of residential household hazardous waste (HHW).

Because of their hazardous qualities, HHW cannot be thrown out with the regular trash. The Regional HHW Collection Program offers a safe way to properly dispose of unwanted hazardous wastes. Proper management improves water quality, protects public health and safety, and reduces illegal dumping.

Common household hazardous products include paint, paint strippers, varnishes, adhesives and glues, hobby supplies, batteries, motor oil, antifreeze, lawn & garden chemicals and pesticides. The program accepts household waste only; no business waste is accepted. Mobile events are well attended, providing convenient access for the proper disposal of HHW. All mobile events are open to residents of any participating community.

Although popular, mobile event dates and times may be inconvenient. So in addition to the mobile events, two permanent collection centers are located in Kansas City and Lee's Summit. Drop-off services are available at no charge to residents of participating communities. Others will be charged a disposal fee of $75 at the mobile events and $50 at the facilities.

The cities of Henrietta and Wood Heights, both in Ray County, have joined the program this year. Four communities opted out of the program. They are Greenwood, Lake Lotawana, Orrick and Richmond.

Applying nitrogen fertilizer to frozen soils can lead to surface water contamination (KSU) (02/22/2007)
Producers may plan to topdress nitrogen on wheat this winter while the ground is still firm and frozen, and before soils become too wet to accommodate fertilizer applicators. This practice, however, should be avoided, said Dan Devlin, a Kansas State University environmental quality scientist.

Nitrogen should not be applied to frozen soils because of the potential for surface runoff, Devlin said.

"When nitrogen is applied to frozen soils, it remains on the soil surface and on crop residue until the ground has thawed and precipitation moves the nitrogen into the soil," the K-State Research and Extension specialist explained. "If precipitation falls while the soil is still frozen, a high percentage of [nitrogen] could move off the field in runoff water and into nearby surface waters. This causes nitrogen contamination of surface waters, one of the major water pollution concerns in Kansas and nationwide."

Agricultural lands are the source of much of the nitrogen entering surface waters, according to research nationally.

When surface waters are enriched with nitrogen or phosphorus, excessive growth of algae and other aquatic vegetation can occur, Devlin said. This vegetation growth depletes the oxygen concentration in the water.

"When the vegetative mass dies and decomposes, oxygen is further depleted and compounds toxic to other aquatic life may be released resulting in eutrophication. Nitrogen in surface waters moves easily in the flow of water in streams and rivers. Much of that in the Mississippi River watershed eventually reaches the Gulf of Mexico, where it contributes to the 'dead zone' or the condition of hypoxia," he said.

Read the full article online, including the discussion of factors contributing to nitrogen runoff and management options to minimize nitrogen loss.

EPA issues first WaterSense label to Irrigation Association (EPA) (02/22/2007)
The Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) has issued its first WaterSense label for landscape irrigation just in time for the spring gardening season. As part of the agency's new water-efficiency partnership program, two certification programs for landscape irrigation professionals received the WaterSense label for their adherence to water-saving techniques.

The Irrigation Association's (IA) Certified Irrigation Designer (CID) program and Certified Irrigation Contractor (CIC) program each qualified for the national recognition. To earn the WaterSense label, IA's certification programs must test for the ability to design, install and maintain water-efficient landscape irrigation systems, including tailoring systems to the surrounding landscape, selecting water-efficient equipment, tracking local climate conditions, and developing appropriate schedules for watering.

"We are excited about continuing to work with the EPA to raise awareness of the importance of conserving water in the landscape and the role that certification plays in water efficiency," said IA Executive Director Deborah Hamlin. "WaterSense will help consumers understand that it pays to select certified. Certification demonstrates an understanding of industry best practices and a commitment to professionalism."

IA Certified Irrigation Designers and Certified Irrigation Contractors in good standing are now eligible to become WaterSense partners. A WaterSense partnership will allow CICs and CIDs to use the WaterSense label in addition to the IA certification logo. See IA's press release.

New tool calculates environmental benefits of electronics (FEC) (02/21/2007)
Used and obsolete electronics, such as computers, printers, mobile phones and fax machines, are part of an increasing and complex waste stream that poses challenging environmental management problems for federal and public sector facilities. The Electronics Environmental Benefits Calculator (EEBC), currently available in beta version, assists organizations estimate the environmental benefits of greening the purchase, use and disposal of electronics.

Electronic products contain an array of hazardous components -- cathode ray tubes, circuit boards, batteries, and other electronic parts -- that commonly include toxic materials such as lead, mercury, and cadmium. This growing and changing waste stream presents new challenges and responsibilities in designing and managing products to reduce the environmental impacts associated with each phase of the electronics life cycle -- acquisition and procurement, operation and maintenance, and end-of-life management.

The EEBC estimates the environmental and economic benefits of purchasing Electronic Product Environmental Assessment Tool (EPEAT)-registered products and improving equipment operation and end-of-life management practices. The current version of the EEBC evaluates desktop processors (CPUs), cathode ray tube (CRT) and liquid crystal display (LCD) monitors and notebook computers by translating environmental performance attributes and activities into environmental benefits, including savings in energy and reductions in virgin material use, CO2/greenhouse gas emissions, toxic materials, solid waste and hazardous waste generation.

FEC is managed by the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency and the Office of Federal Environmental Executive.

New technology cools effect of air conditioners on climate (EPA) (02/06/2007)
The automotive industry has developed new technologies that will reduce greenhouse gas emissions from car and truck air conditioning systems. Now electronic leak detectors and new recycling machines will help reduce emissions during automotive air conditioner repairs. U.S. Environmental Protection Agency's Mobile Air Conditioning Climate Protection Partnership helped developed these advances.

These technologies, which are now commercially available, are technically as well as environmentally superior. New leak detector technology will help service professionals to identify and repair very small leaks in vehicle air conditioning systems. With current diagnostic technology, most refrigerant escapes into the atmosphere before leaks are detected.

New recycling machines can recover a higher amount of refrigerants from air conditioner systems, which will minimize the amount of refrigerant that leaks into the atmosphere during system repair. The equipment precisely recharges the AC system after it is repaired. A precise recharge is important because it helps avoids system failure due to overcharge, increases cooling capacity, and improves energy efficiency. The new technologies will help reduce emissions by 1 million metric tons of carbon equivalent from current levels, the equivalent of the annual emissions from more than 650,000 cars.

This equipment is expected to be in widespread use in repair shops within several years. Leak-tight replacement parts and improved service procedures are currently under development and will further reduce refrigerant emissions in the future.

Scientists map air pollution using corn grown in U.S. fields (UC Irvine) (01/31/2007)
Scientists at the University of California, Irvine (UCI) have mapped fossil fuel air pollution in the United States by analyzing corn collected from nearly 70 locations nationwide.

This novel way to measure carbon dioxide produced by burning coal, oil and natural gas will help atmospheric scientists better understand where pollution is located and how it mixes and moves in the air. Tracking fossil-fuel-emitted carbon dioxide will be important as countries throughout the world adhere to the Kyoto Protocol, an agreement among nations to reduce greenhouse gas emissions. The United States signed the protocol, but the treaty has not been ratified by the U.S. Senate.

Atmospheric scientists typically measure carbon dioxide by collecting air samples, but this is the first time fossil-fuel-emitted carbon dioxide has been mapped using plants. This new method may complement existing air sampling techniques because plants provide a cost-effective way to record average daytime conditions over several months. Plants take in carbon dioxide gas, from both background and fossil fuel sources, during photosynthesis, and it becomes part of the plant tissue.

In summer 2004, UCI scientists collected corn from farms and gardens in 31 states, including Hawaii and Alaska. They chose corn because it is widely grown and, as an annual plant, all of its carbon is derived from a single growing season. The scientists avoided pollution point sources such as highways and power plants to allow for mapping of regional patterns across different states. Back in the laboratory, the scientists dried samples of corn leaves and husks, and then converted them to graphite using a series of chemical reactions. The graphite then was analyzed in the W.M. Keck Carbon Cycle Accelerator Mass Spectrometer, which measures a rare isotope of carbon, called radiocarbon. Carbon dioxide derived from fossil fuels contains no radiocarbon so it is easily distinguishable from other sources. With measurements from this machine, scientists calculated overall levels of carbon dioxide produced by fossil fuels at the location where the corn samples were collected.

California and the Ohio Valley had the most fossil-fuel-emitted carbon dioxide, while the Colorado region had the least. The scientists expected pollution from California and other western coastal states to drift east, but they found that the Rocky Mountains appeared to provide a barrier for the movement of carbon dioxide from fossil fuels.

Air in the Mountain West, including Colorado, Idaho and New Mexico, was the cleanest, with about 370 parts per million of carbon dioxide. Air in the Eastern United States, which includes Massachusetts, New Hampshire and New York, contained an additional 2.7 parts per million of carbon dioxide from fossil fuel sources. Air in Maryland, Ohio, Pennsylvania and West Virginia had nearly twice as much additional carbon dioxide from fossil fuels, 4.3 parts per million.

The study appeared Jan. 23 in Geophysical Research Letters.

EPA, industry launch agreement for cleaner outdoor wood heaters (EPA) (01/30/2007)
Under a voluntary partnership agreement with EPA, key manufacturers have agreed to make cleaner outdoor wood-fired heaters available for purchase this year. Outdoor wood-burning units provide heat and hot water for homes and other buildings. The new heaters will be about 70 percent cleaner than models currently on the market.

"This partnership, along with efforts from Northeast states, will provide consumers with a choice to purchase cleaner outdoor wood heaters and communities with tools to take action now," said Bill Wehrum, acting assistant administrator for EPA's Office of Air and Radiation. "Beginning this spring, consumers can look for the orange hang tag to identify new wood heaters that are both more efficient and less polluting."

Outdoor wood-fired heaters also are called outdoor wood boilers, outdoor wood furnaces, or outdoor wood-fired hydronic heaters. Use of the heaters has increased in recent years, prompting complaints about smoke and concern about the particle pollution the units produce.

Ten manufacturers--which make 80 percent of the units sold in the United States--have joined the partnership, agreeing to bring at least one unit meeting new performance specifications to market beginning in the spring of 2007. The cleaner models will be marked by an orange hang tag showing that a unit meets the requirements of the program.

EPA developed the voluntary program with input from heater manufacturers, states and the Hearth Patio & Barbecue Association, an industry trade group.

In addition to leading development of the voluntary agreement, EPA provided technical and financial support to a coalition of Northeast states for the development of a model rule that state and local governments can use to address wood heater use in their areas. That coalition, Northeast States for Coordinated Air Use Management (NESCAUM), is making the model rule available today.

Under the voluntary partnership agreement, the new models must emit no more than 0.6 pounds (particle pollution per million BTUs of heat input, i.e., wood burned). The models must be tested by an accredited third-party laboratory to verify that they meet these levels.

High-efficiency toilets earn EPA's WaterSense label (EPA) (01/25/2007)
The Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) is releasing a final specification for the latest generation of water-saving, high-efficiency toilets. Those that use less than 1.3 gallons per flush and meet performance standards for quality will qualify for EPA's WaterSense label to help consumers make informed buying decisions about water-efficient products.

The new toilets are the product of extensive research in fluid dynamics conducted over the last six years. While the exterior differs little from traditional toilets, interior redesign and new mechanical approaches significantly improve flow and reduce water usage.

During the development of its WaterSense program, EPA analysis determined that toilets represented a significant target for its water-efficiency activities. Toilet usage accounts for nearly one-third of home water consumption.

It is estimated that high-efficiency toilets can reduce water bills by about 10 percent. Replacing older, inefficient toilets, which are responsible for much of the water wasted in American homes, could save more than 900 billion gallons of water a year -- enough to supply almost 10 million households.

WaterSense-labeled toilets are certified by independent laboratory testing to meet rigorous criteria for both performance and efficiency. Only high-efficiency toilets that complete the third-party certification process can earn the WaterSense label.