16 Jul 2012

VOLUNTEERS NEEDED TO CLEAN UP QUAD CITY WATERWAYS

By Erin Robinson Vorac

QUAD CITIES–Xstream Cleanup, presented by Riverboat Development Authority and Group O, is seeking hundreds of volunteers to clean up 43 sites in the Quad Cities area on Saturday, August 11 from 8:30 a.m. until 11:30 a.m.

Cleanups will take place in Bettendorf, Buffalo, Davenport, LeClaire and McCausland, Iowa; Milan, Moline, Rock Island and Silvis, Illinois.

Volunteers can choose to participate in either a light-duty or heavy-duty cleanup, invasive plant removal or a greening/beautification project. All volunteers registered by August 2 receive a free t-shirt and a pass for a special viewing area at River Roots Live on August 18.

No previous cleanup experience is necessary and supplies will be provided. A parent or guardian must accompany volunteers under the age of 18. Interested persons should register online at www.xstreamcleanup.org. The registration deadline is August 2.

This event will mark the ninth annual Xstream Cleanup. Last year nearly 1,300 volunteers worked on August 13 and removed 69,455 pounds of debris from area waterways and illegal dump sites.

Xstream Cleanup 2012 is sponsored by: Presenting Sponsors: Group O and Riverboat Development Authority. Platinum Sponsors: Alcoa, iLivehere® and Living Lands & Waters. Gold Sponsors: Community Foundation of the Great River Bend, Iowa American Water, Rock Island County Waste Management Agency and The Moline Foundation. Silver Sponsors: Alter Metal Recycling, DHL Global Forwarding, Independent Insurance Agents of Scott County, McCarthy-Bush Corporation, Oystar Packaging Technologies, Quad City Conservation Alliance, Radish magazine, Sears Seating and Wallace's Garden Center. Bronze Sponsors: Coca-Cola Bottling Company, Eastern Iowa Grain Inspection, Mel Foster Company and Midas Auto Systems Experts. Logistics Sponsors: Cities of Bettendorf, Buffalo, Davenport, LeClaire, McCausland, Milan, Moline, Rock Island and Silvis. Allied Waste, Bi-State Regional Commission, Keep Rock Island Beautiful, Partners of Scott County Watersheds, River Roots Live and Waste Commission of Scott County.

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13 Jul 2012

EPA Seeks IDNR Action to Correct Deficiencies in Iowa's CAFO Permitting and Compliance Program

By Rick Martin

(Kansas City, Kan., July 12, 2012) - EPA's initial findings from an informal investigation of the Iowa Department of Natural Resources' (IDNR) permit program for concentrated animal feeding operations (CAFOs) disclose several correctable deficiencies.

EPA's investigation was carried out in response to a petition for withdrawal of the National Pollutant Discharge Elimination System (NPDES) program authorization from IDNR that was filed in 2007 by the Iowa Citizens for Community Improvement, Sierra Club and the Environmental Integrity Project.  Federal regulations allow interested parties to file these petitions when they are concerned that a state is not meeting the minimum NPDES program requirements.

EPA's initial findings identify deficiencies in IDNR's NPDES program that the state agency will need to correct.  Among others, EPA found that IDNR does not have an adequate program to assess whether unpermitted CAFOs need NPDES permits. The findings also note that IDNR must clarify its authority to issue NPDES permits to confinement (roofed) CAFOs that discharge.

EPA also found that in a number of cases involving Clean Water Act (CWA) violations, IDNR failed to take timely and adequate enforcement actions, and assess adequate penalties. The report containing the initial findings is available at www.epa.gov/region7/water/.

"Although today's report highlights areas for improvement, IDNR has made substantial strides in identifying large open feedlots and requiring those operators to apply for permits," said Karl Brooks, EPA Region 7 Administrator.  "As a national leader in beef, swine and poultry production, with roughly 7,000 animal feeding operations, it is imperative that Iowa have an NPDES permitting, compliance and enforcement program that complies with federal law and protects the quality of Iowa's rivers, lakes and streams.

The issuance of the initial report is the first step in the process in which EPA will work with IDNR to correct the deficiencies. EPA has asked that IDNR provide a written response to the report, within 60 days, describing the actions IDNR has taken or will take to correct the deficiencies, including a proposed plan and timeline to address the deficiencies. EPA intends to provide an opportunity for the public to comment on IDNR proposals to correct the deficiencies.

Any discharge of pollutants into a river or stream is a violation of the Clean Water Act unless the discharge is authorized by an NPDES permit. NPDES, a part of the Clean Water Act, requires CAFOs that discharge to obtain a permit from EPA or authorized states. The Clean Water Act also requires EPA and authorized states to assess whether CAFOs discharge and need an NPDES permit.

# # #

Learn more about EPA's civil enforcement of the Clean Water Act:

http://www.epa.gov/compliance/civil/cwa/index.html

Learn more about the National Pollution Discharge Elimination System (NPDES)

and how it regulates concentrated animal feeding operations (CAFOs):

http://cfpub.epa.gov/npdes/home.cfm?program_id=7

For a summary of how the NPDES regulations define large, medium and small CAFOs:

http://www.epa.gov/npdes/pubs/sector_table.pdf

EPA Region 7 offers 10 tips to help CAFO owners and operators prepare for inspections:

http://www.epa.gov/region07/factsheets/2010/ten_tips_cafo_inspection.htm

Connect with EPA Region 7 on Facebook:

www.facebook.com/eparegion7

13 Jul 2012

Loebsack Welcomes USDA Disaster Designation

By USDA Communications

Washington, D.C. - Congressman Dave Loebsack today applauded the United States Department of Agriculture (USDA) for issuing an agriculture disaster declaration for 9 counties that have seen extensive damage to crops and farm land.  Last month, Loebsack urged Secretary Vilsack to support the designation.

"I applaud the USDA for their decision to assist the farmers and rural areas that were greatly affected by the early freeze this spring," said Loebsack.  "As Iowans continue to struggle to recover, our rural areas and farmers need this assistance to help assure they are well-positioned to contribute to our economic recovery."

Specifically, the counties of Audubon, Chickasaw, Clayton, Delaware, Greene, Harrison, Jackson, Johnson and Lee are included in this declaration.

Benefits are also available for the contiguous counties of Adair, Allamakee, Benton, Boone, Bremer, Buchanan, Butler, Calhoun, Carroll, Cass, Cedar, Clinton, Crawford, Dallas, Des Moines, Dubuque, Fayette, Floyd, Guthrie, Henry, Howard, Iowa, Jones, Linn, Louisa, Mitchell, Monona, Muscatine, Pottawattamie, Shelby, Van Buren, Washington, Webster and Winneshiek.

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12 Jul 2012

Iowa Chapter Needs Your Support

By Neila Seaman, Sierra Club

This spring, we acted in concert with our allies to defeat legislation that would require the sale of public lands and an amendment that would force the Iowa Department of Natural Resources to assess the value of public lands that could be used in farming.

The Chapter also collaborated with our allies to successfully stop an egregious bill that would force rate-payers to fund a new nuclear power plant before it was even built.

The Chapter also succeeded in preventing a Senate vote on a bill that would remove a lead-based ammunition prohibition for hunting Mourning Doves.  Although the governor issued an executive order that permits the lead-based ammunition, the Chapter and its partners successfully convinced the Iowa Senate to support the ban by not voting on the bill passed by the House.

However, these accomplishments do not come free - there are costs involved.   Can we count on your donation so that we can continue to realize our goals?

You can make a non-tax-deductible donation to continue the Chapter's lobbying efforts by clicking the donate button below.

Or, you can choose to make a tax-deductible donation to further our informational and litigation programs.

If you prefer, you can send a check. Deductible donations need to be made out to The Sierra Club Foundation with Iowa Chapter written in the memo.  Non tax-deductible donations can be made out to Sierra Club Iowa Chapter.  All checks can be mailed to

Sierra Club Iowa Chapter,
3839 Merle Hay Road, Suite 280,
Des Moines, IA 50310.

Thank you in advance for your generous contribution.

Sincerely,

Neila Seaman, Director,
Iowa Chapter of the Sierra Club

P.S. Reserve the date of the Annual Dinner - September 22 - at White Rock Conservancy.

12 Jul 2012

Branstad, Reynolds to convene public meeting in Mt. Pleasant on dry and drought weather conditions

By Office of the Governor of Iowa, Terry Branstad

(DES MOINES) - Gov. Terry Branstad and Lt. Gov. Kim Reynolds announced today that they will hold a two-hour public meeting on the severe dry and D1 Drought conditions that have plagued Iowa this summer. The event will be held Tuesday morning at the Mt. Pleasant High School gymnasium, and members of the public are encouraged and welcome to attend.

The public meeting will feature officials from the Iowa Department of Natural Resources, Iowa Department of Agriculture and Land Stewardship, Iowa Department of Homeland Security and Emergency Management, and the USDA. Outside expert testimony will feature agricultural groups and environmental experts.

The discussion will include the latest information and tracking metrics, how coordination is being handled between the state and federal levels, and potential action steps that may be taken in order to ensure Iowa's needs are met. The public is invited to share their thoughts and concerns.

Details of the meeting are as follows:

Tuesday, July 18, 2012

9 a.m. Gov. Branstad and Lt. Gov. Reynolds hold public meeting on dry and D1 Drought conditions

Mt. Pleasant High School  gymnasium

2104 South Grand Avenue

Mount Pleasant, IA

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11 Jul 2012

Big Win for Baby Sea Turtles

By Sierra Club
The Sierra Club's Puerto Rico Chapter notched a huge victory when the island's governor signed a bill protecting nearly 2,000 acres of the Northeast Ecological Corridor from development. For more than 15 years, a proposal to build two megaresorts loomed over the Corridor, which includes one of the most important nesting grounds on Earth for the endangered leatherback sea turtle.

"Golf courses and baby sea turtles don't mix," says Sierra Club Executive Director Michael Brune. Find out how the Sierra Club Puerto Rico Chapter and other grassroots groups kept this wondrous place from being turned into condos and putting greens.
09 Jul 2012

EPA to Hold Two Public Hearings on Proposed Clean Air Standards for Particle Pollution

By Ernesta Jones

Speaker registration now open for hearings in Philadelphia and Sacramento, Calif.

WASHINGTON - The U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) will hold two public hearings on the proposed updates to the national air quality standards for fine particle pollution (PM2.5). A federal court ruling required EPA to update the standards based on best available science. The proposed updates, which meet that requirement, build on steps already taken by EPA to reduce pollution in communities across the country.

WHAT: Public hearings on proposed updates to national air quality standards for fine particle pollution.

WHEN: July 17, 2012 (Philadelphia) 9:00 a.m. - 9:00 p.m. EDT   
July 19, 2012 (Sacramento) 9:00 a.m. - 9:00 p.m. PDT

WHERE: July 17, Philadelphia

William J. Green Federal Building
600 Arch Street
Philadelphia, Pa. 19106

July 19, Sacramento, Calif.

California Air Resources Board
1001 "I" Street
Sacramento, Calif. 95814

To register to speak at the hearings, contact Alan Rush at rush.alan@epa.gov or 202-564-1658. Members of the public also may register in person at the hearing and will be accommodated as time allows. EPA also will accept written comments on the proposed standards until Aug. 31, 2012. EPA will issue the final standards by December 14, 2012.

Note: Please bring picture identification and allow additional time to enter the buildings and go through security.

More information on the hearings and instructions for submitting written comments: http://www.epa.gov/pm/actions.html

06 Jul 2012

Governor Quinn Urges Residents to Stay Safe During Record High Temperatures

By Leslie Wertheimer

Temperatures to Rise Over 100 Degrees; Governor Encourages Visits to  Cooling Centers, Wellness Checks

CHICAGO - July 5, 2012. With temperatures throughout Illinois at historic highs and surpassing 100 degrees for several days this week, Governor Pat Quinn again urged Illinois residents to take precautions to stay safe and cool. The Governor also encouraged residents to visit cooling centers and to check on family members and neighbors who are vulnerable to hot weather, including the elderly and children.

"Illinois is experiencing record-high temperatures and it is critical that people take the necessary steps to stay safe and cool during this extreme heat," Governor Quinn said. "We are all in this together and people should regularly check on their children and elderly neighbors and relatives to make sure they are safe, hydrated and keeping cool."

Governor Quinn and the Illinois Department of Public Health are encouraging Illinois residents to be conscious of and responsive to signs of heat-related illnesses. Symptoms of may include headaches, skin that is hot to the touch, increased body temperature, loss of consciousness, seizures and irregular heartbeats.

The Illinois Department on Aging also encourages relatives and friends to make daily visits or calls to senior citizens living alone. When temperatures and humidity are extremely high, seniors and people with chronic health conditions should be monitored for dehydration and other effects of extreme heat. Additionally, seniors should eat lighter meals, take longer and more frequent rests, and drink plenty of fluids.

To stay cool, avoid illness and prevent heat-related injury or death, people should increase their fluid intake but avoid drinks with caffeine, alcohol and sugar; decrease strenuous activity; and remain in air-conditioning when possible. In addition, people should avoid prolonged outdoor activity and visit the state's cooling centers if needed.

More than 120 cooling centers are open around Illinois, in order to help those without air conditioning find respite from the heat. The cooling centers are located at Illinois Department of Human Services offices throughout the state, as well as at Illinois Tollway Oases in the Chicago area. Cooling centers are open to the public during regular business hours, from 8:30 a.m. to 5 p.m., and Illinois Tollway Oases are available 24 hours/day.

For more information about cooling centers, call the Illinois Department of Human Services hotline at (800) 843-6154, or visit KeepCool.Illinois.gov for locations. For information about heat preparedness and cooling centers, visit the Ready Illinois website at Ready.Illinois.gov.

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02 Jul 2012

The 19th Anniversary of Wave Rider, the Great Flood of 1993

By Jonathan Kirkham

Story by Jonathon Kirkham, Illinois National Guard Command Historian Intern

SPRINGFIELD, IL (07/02/2012)(readMedia)-- Today commemorates the 19th anniversary of the Great Flood of 1993, which lead to Operation Wave Rider, the largest state active duty mission in the history of the Illinois National Guard. More than 7,000 Soldiers and Airmen were activated after heavy rains led to record flooding of the Mississippi, Illinois, Rock, Sangamon and Wabash rivers.

On July 1, Illinois Governor Jim Edgar alerted Maj. Gen. Donald Lynn, The Adjutant General of the Illinois National Guard to prepare for a potential flood mission. Three days later, Lynn activated units for Operation Wave Rider.

Soldiers and Airmen provided support to 44 counties declared natural disaster areas by state and federal officials. Operations included security, levee maintenance and repair, sandbagging, search and rescue, water distribution, medical assistance and aviation support.

Despite the extensive damage, Soldiers and Airmen proved valuable assistance to the disaster relief and cleanup resulting in zero loss of life. By Dec. 1, only 33 Guardsmen remained in the hardest hit areas to provide additional security.

02 Jul 2012

EPA Education Grant of $150,000 Awarded to Earth Force

By Denise Morrison

Earth Force, a non-profit organization, will use the grant to make 19 small grant awards up to $5,000 each to organizations that apply with a joint application and agree to work together as a team.  Each team applicant will identify partner organizations within their community to meet the specific goals identified in their application.  These awards will be used for the development and implementation of projects, programs and solutions to meet a variety of educational and environmental priorities.  Four of the 19 awards will be made to organizations working directly on the development of environmental literacy plans.

 

"The variety of organizations and diversity of projects to receive these environmental education sub awards will exhibit the commitment of communities to creating and sustaining a healthy environment," said Karl Brooks, Region 7 administrator.  "The rewards to be reaped from these sub awards will be visible in a stronger earth, cleaner air, reduced pollution, environmentally astute citizens, and healthier people."

 

These projects will bring together diverse organizations working on a number of environmental issues that will meet the needs of their community.  Sub award applicants will have the flexibility to support the strategic initiatives identified through one or more EPA educational priorities such as community projects, human health and the environment.

 

The Environmental Education Grant Program is a competitive grant program that supports EPA's efforts to enhance the public's awareness and knowledge about environmental issues. This grant program supports environmental education projects to increase the skills that help people make informed decisions that affect environmental quality and to take responsible actions toward the environment.

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Learn more about EPA's environmental education grant program:

www.epa.gov/enviroed/grants.html

 

Learn more about Earth Force:

http://www.earthforce.org/index.php

 

Connect with EPA Region 7 on Facebook:

http://www.facebook.com/eparegion7

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