19 Aug 2010

XSTREAM CLEANUP PRELIMINARY CLEANUP RESULTS

By Erin Vorak
QUAD CITIES?Volunteers at the seventh annual Xstream Cleanup on Saturday, August 14 removed approximately 50,573 pounds of debris from area waterways and illegal dumping sites. Cleanups were held at 42 locations in Bettendorf, Davenport and LeClaire, Iowa; Campbell's Island, Coal Valley, East Moline, Milan, Rock Island and Silvis, Illinois.

1,243 volunteers worked a total of 3,394 hours and collectively gathered 1,287 bags of trash, 682 tires, 14 appliances, 10 bicycles, 25 pieces of furniture, 13 televisions and 16 mattresses. This was the equivalent of 25,730 pounds of trash, 22,968 pounds of tires, 1,050 pounds of appliances, 195 pounds of televisions, 400 pounds of mattresses and 230 pounds of bicycles for a grand total of 50,573 pounds.

Additional items, reflected in the pounds above, included:
· Automotive-related items (bumper, muffler, van seats, front of car, rims, engine head, doors, battery, gas cans)
· Home items (carpet, shingles, siding, sink, chandelier, storm door, laundry basket, filing cabinet, air conditioner, six grills, four toilets, clothing, blankets)
· Metal (fence, pipe, sheet metal, iron tubes, tools, 80 lb metal chain)
· Kids' items (car seat, sled, swing set, slide, inflatable pool, kite, stroller)
· Large items (farm implements, lawn mower, car, part of a camper, two boats, bench grinder, railroad hand cart)
· Electronics (VCRs, TVs, computers)
· Miscellaneous (tiki light, Bettendorf HS sign, fisherman's basket with fish, traffic light, bowling ball, wheelbarrow, channel buoy, shopping carts, eight barrels, picnic bench, gas station sign, Styrofoam, 5-gallon buckets)

In addition, this year the following locations worked on beautification efforts:
· Nahant Marsh: removed 33 cubic yards of invasive species.
· North High School grounds: pulled 75 invasive trees and shrubs and planted 175 native plants.
· West Lake Park: removed one acre of invasive honeysuckle (the equivalent of 150 mature plants).
· Duck Creek at Middle Park in Bettendorf: removed 40 garbage bags of invasive species.
· Duck Creek at Fairmount in Davenport: removed three 30-yard dumpsters of woody invasive species.

Photos of several cleanup sites can be viewed on-line at www.xstreamcleanup.org.

This event was sponsored by the following:
Presenting Sponsor: Riverboat Development Authority

Platinum Sponsors: Alcoa, iLivehere: myhome ourcommunity, and Living Lands & Waters

Gold Sponsors: Iowa American Water, Community Foundation of the Great River Bend, The Moline Foundation, THE National Bank, Rock Island County Waste Management Agency

Silver Sponsors: Alter Metal Recycling, DHL Global Forwarding, Independent Insurance Agents of Scott County, McCarthy-Bush Corporation, Mel Foster Company, Oystar Packaging Technologies, Quad City Conservation Alliance, Sears Manufacturing

Logistics Sponsors: Cities of Bettendorf, Davenport, East Moline, LeClaire, Milan, Moline, Rock Island and Silvis. Allied Waste, Bi-State Regional Commission, Keep Rock Island Beautiful, Partners of Scott County Watersheds, Radish Magazine, River Roots Live, Waste Commission of Scott County

With Help From: Coca-Cola Bottling Company, Downtown Partnership, Division of Iowa Quad Cities Chamber, Eastern Iowa Grain Inspection, Midas Auto Systems Experts, Wallaces Garden Center


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09 Aug 2010

Observatory Open House

By Mike Granger

On Saturday, August 14 at dusk the Wapsi River Environmental Education Center will host an observation of the night's sky at the Monsignor Menke Observatory. Join Dr. Mitchell, director, for a celestial tour of the summer sky.  Please call (563) 333-6141 on the day of the event to find out if the weather conditions will permit viewing.

The Wapsi River Environmental Education Center can be found 6 miles south of Wheatland or 1 mile northwest of Dixon, Iowa by taking County Road Y4E.  Then turn north at 52nd Avenue and follow the signs for about 1 mile.

02 Aug 2010

Braley Secures $20 Million for Flood Recovery

By Caitlin Legacki

Washington, DC - July 29, 2010 - Congressman Bruce Braley (D-Iowa) secured $20 million in Community Development Block Grants late Thursday night for Midwest Flood Recovery efforts. Braley introduced the amendment as part of the Transportation, Housing and Urban Development Appropriations bill after visiting First District communities devastated by record flooding last weekend.

"The floods last weekend devastated homes and small businesses in Iowa," Braley said. "I am fully dedicated to helping my constituents rebuild, and am happy to have secured funds that will be critical to the recovery process. Iowans are strong and resilient, and this money will help them achieve a speedy and successful recovery. The CDBG funds I've secured are more flexible than other federal funding streams and, hopefully, will provide critical assistance to homeowners and small businesses in the First District."

Rep. Tom Latham (R-Iowa), chairman of the Transportation, Housing and Urban Development Subcommittee, spoke in support of Braley's amendment during debate on the House floor tonight.

Braley's amendment provides a $20 million increase in Community Development Block Grant funding to assist communities in the Midwest affected by the flooding. This funding will be offset by decreasing funds for non-personnel expenses within the Department of Housing and Urban Development.

For more information about flood recovery in Iowa's First District, visit http://Braley.house.gov/disasterrelief.

# # #

29 Jul 2010

Wapsi River Center Newsrelease

By Wapsi River

Wild Edibles Program Planned

On Saturday, August 7 at 11:00 A.M. the Wapsi River Environmental Education Center will host a wild edible program.  Join Amy Newman, AmeriCorps Naturalist, to learn about wild foods found at the Wapsi River Center.  Learn how to identify various "food stuffs" and prepare some easy to make recipes.  Bring your taste buds for this delicious edible presentation.  Call (563) 328-3286 to register.

Back-to-School Program: Scholastic Recyclables

On Saturday, August 7 at 1:30 P.M. the Wapsi River Environmental Education Center will host a back-to-school program: scholastic recyclables.  Going "green" when it comes to back-to-school supplies is easier than you think and very cost effective!  Learn how to convert cereal boxes, chip bags, food wrappers, soda boxes, juice pouches and t-shirts into functional back-to-school supplies.  These trash treasures will be a guaranteed hit!  This program will offer lots of fundraising ideas for scout troops, environmental clubs and church youth groups.  Registration is required by calling (563) 328-3286 by Thursday, August 5.

The Wapsi River Environmental Education Center can be found 6 miles south of Wheatland or 1 mile northwest of Dixon, Iowa by taking County Road Y4E.  Then turn north at 52nd Avenue and follow the signs for about 1 mile.

 

27 Jul 2010

Governor Quinn Declares 12 Counties State Disaster Areas

By Andrew Mason
Declaration Will Help with Flood Recovery Efforts

CHICAGO - July 26, 2010. Governor Pat Quinn today declared 12 counties as state disaster areas after heavy rains caused flooding throughout much of northern Illinois. The state disaster declaration will help communities in the 12 counties recover from devastation caused by flooding resulting from a series of thunderstorms Friday night into Saturday.

Counties declared state disaster areas include : Carroll, Cook, DuPage, Henderson, Jo Daviess, Lee, Mercer, Ogle, Rock Island, Stephenson, Whiteside and Winnebago.

"Dozens of communities throughout Illinois are reeling from these exceptionally heavy rains," said Governor Quinn. "The state has mobilized to help with recovery efforts, and this declaration will ensure that any assistance needed by these affected communities can be provided quickly and are available for as long as they are needed."

The state's response and recovery assets include personnel to assist with security and public safety, as well as work crews to speed up debris removal. The state also can provide equipment, such as trucks and heavy machinery, to address safety issues and debris removal.

At this time, the state has received one formal request for assistance from an affected county, although it is anticipated that more requests will be received in the near future. On Monday, 125,000 sandbags and 20 rolls of plastic sheeting from the state stockpile were sent to Henderson County.

"We're working closely with local emergency managers in the affected counties to ensure they get the assistance they need to deal with this disaster," said IEMA Interim Director Joe Klinger. "While it's too early to know if the damages will warrant a request for federal assistance, this state declaration is a necessary first step in submitting a request."

Additional information about flood safety is available at www.Ready.Illinois.gov.

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27 Jul 2010

Grant of $70,000 to Help Anhydrous Ammonia Facilities in Iowa Comply with Regulations

By Kris Lancaster

(Kansas City, Kan., July 27, 2010) - EPA has awarded the Iowa Department of Agriculture and Land Stewardship (IDALS) a total of $70,000 to assist with outreach, education and implementation of the Clean Air Act's Risk Management Program. All fertilizer facilities that handle, process or store more than 10,000 pounds of anhydrous ammonia are subject to EPA's chemical safety requirements.

"EPA wants to assure the continued safe handling of anhydrous ammonia which is a source of nitrogen fertilizer widely used for corn, milo and wheat," said Karl Brooks, regional administrator.

"This grant is designed to prevent releases and protect the health and safety of area residents, employees at the facilities, emergency responders and the environment."

IDALS is receiving this funding to conduct on-site audits, workshops and follow-up safety assessments at agricultural retail anhydrous ammonia facilities in Iowa. Anhydrous ammonia is generally safe provided handling, storage and maintenance procedures are followed. However, it is toxic and can be a health hazard. Inhaling anhydrous ammonia can cause lung irritation and severe respiratory injuries.

EPA Region 7 receives more accidental release reports for ammonia than for any other chemical. In addition to releases caused by transportation accidents, human error and equipment failure, a number of releases have been caused by anhydrous ammonia thefts. Anhydrous ammonia is a key ingredient in the illegal production of methamphetamine. When stolen, the toxic gas can be unintentionally released, causing injuries to emergency responders, law enforcement personnel, the public and the criminals themselves.

Retailers were first required to be in compliance with the Risk Management Program in 1999. EPA then started facility inspections and enforcement of the program, which includes five components: hazard assessment system, management, accident prevention, emergency response and submittal of a risk management plan.

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Learn more at: www.epa.gov/region07/toxics/arpp.htm

27 Jul 2010

Braley Unveils New Disaster Relief Website, Visits Affected Communities

By Caitlin Legacki

Will update information in real time, provide assistance to Iowans

NOTE: Updated times for Davenport and Buffalo events

Washington, DC - After a weekend of historic flood levels in the First District, Congressman Bruce Braley (D-Iowa) unveiled a new website to keep constituents up to date as flood relief moves forward. Constituents can click on the Disaster Relief link on Braley's home page, or go to www.braley.house.gov/disasterrelief to find helpful resources and information that will be updated with new information about federal assistance as it becomes available.

Braley spent the day traveling across the First District to meet with local officials about the historic flood levels impacting several communities. Braley is visiting nine towns and cities to receive briefings, survey the damage and hear from constituents about the help they need to rebuild their homes and small businesses.

"Many communities across Iowa are still recovering from the Floods of 2008," Braley said. "Rising flood waters are wreaking havoc across Eastern Iowa and I want Iowans to know that my office is here to help. Since Friday night, I have been in close contact with officials from Speaker Pelosi's office, the White House, FEMA and other agencies that will likely be involved in federal assistance efforts. We are doing everything we can to ensure Iowa's families receive the assistance they need to rebuild after yet another summer of record flooding.

"We are currently in the process of acquiring a federal disaster declaration. In the meantime, our primary focus is maintaining the safety and security of families near the flood zones and providing immediate disaster assistance. As we move forward, my office will continue to coordinate efforts and do everything we can to assist the families who have been impacted.  My thoughts and prayers are with those who have been impacted by these overwhelming swells."

The list of towns Braley is visiting today is below. Friday night, Braley visited local officials in Manchester.  On Saturday, Braley visited the Lake Delhi dam, Independence and Monticello.

8:00 CDT

Braley to visit Anamosa, meet with local officials about flooding

Tapkin's Convenience Store

Corner of South Elm Street and Cemetery Road, Anamosa, Iowa

8:45 CDT

Braley to visit Olin, meet with local officials about flooding

Olin Fire Station

105 West Cleveland Street, Olin Iowa

9:30 CDT

Braley to visit Monticello, meet with local officials about flooding

Monticello City Public Works Building

Corner of Hwy 38 and 11th Street,  Monticello, Iowa

10:30 CDT

Braley to tour Lake Delhi Dam site, meet with local officials

Meet on north side of dam on County Road X31.  You must approach the bridge from the north.  There is no way to cross at that point from the south.

12:00 CDT

Braley to visit Manchester, meet with local officials about flood recovery efforts

Maquoketa River bridge

Corner of River Street and Main Street, Manchester , Iowa

1:00 CDT

Braley to visit Dyersville, meet with local officials about flood recovery efforts

Meet at 1st Ave bridge

Corner of 1st Ave East and 1st Street SW, Dyersville, Iowa

3:00 CDT

Braley to visit Maquoketa, meet with local officials about flooding

Meet at corner North Main and North Street, Maquoketa, Iowa

UPDATED

5:00 CDT

Braley to visit Davenport, meet with local officials about flooding

Meet in downtown Davenport at corner of Brady Street and East River Drive, Davenport, Iowa

6:00 CDT

Braley to visit Buffalo, meet with local officials about flooding

Clark's Landing Restaurant

Corner of West Front Street and Jefferson Street, Buffalo, Iowa

# # #

 

 

 

19 Jul 2010

Thunderstorms Are a Deadly, Destructive Force, Warns IBHS

By Joseph King

Tampa, Fla. (July 15, 2010) - As insurers and homeowners keep a close watch on the Atlantic Basin for hurricane activity this summer, the Institute for Business & Home Safety (IBHS) cautions people across the nation not to underestimate the destructive and deadly force of thunderstorms and lightning, which occur far more often and directly affect more of the U.S. than hurricanes.

According to the National Weather Service, every thunderstorm produces lightning. On average, 300 people are injured and 80 people are killed each year in the U.S. by lightning.

"Thunderstorms are a dangerous weather event and their destructive capabilities should not be taken lightly," said Julie Rochman, IBHS president and CEO. "Property losses related to lightning strikes exceed $1 billion annually, according to insurance industry data. These losses can range from damage to expensive electronic equipment fires that destroy an entire house or business."

For lightning protection, a whole-house/building surge protector is the best starting point for reducing the risk of damage. It is important to make sure that it is either a secondary surge arrestor tested to IEEE C62.11 or a transient voltage suppressor that has been tested to UL 1449, 2nd Edition. A number of power companies have programs to provide and install the whole-building surge protection. If this is not available in your area, consult a licensed.

However, for best results, the protection should extend beyond the whole-building surge protection. IBHS strongly recommends the following:

· Install additional protection for important or expensive electronic equipment. This should include localized surge protection for power cords to the equipment and any telephone and cable/satellite TV lines connecting to the equipment. These devices are available at most home improvement and electronics stores.

· Have a licensed electrician or competent home/building inspector review the power, telephone, electrical and cable/satellite TV connections to your building. Have them check to make sure that you have adequate grounding of the power line connection and your power distribution panel. All of the utilities should enter the structure within 10 feet of the electrical service entrance ground wire and be bonded to that grounding point.

"Thunderstorms do not receive as much notoriety as hurricanes or the other perils of Mother Nature, but they are a force to be reckoned with," Rochman said. "Preparing your home or business will you give you peace of mind knowing that you will be better protected when thunderstorms strike."

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28 Jun 2010

IOWA AMERICAN WATER DISTRIBUTES ITS 2009 WATER QUALITY REPORTS TO CUSTOMERS IN CLINTON AND THE IOWA QUAD CITIES

By Lisa Reisen

Annual reports show high quality water service from Iowa American Water

Davenport, Iowa (June 22, 2010) -- Iowa American Water's 2009 Consumer Confidence Reports indicate high water quality that  meets or surpasses all state and federal standards for all service areas, including Clinton and the Iowa Quad Cities where the company serves over 60,000 customers.  The company has just completed distribution of the annual water quality report as an insert in all customers' bills.

"We are pleased to report that the water supplied to our customers is of higher quality than required by state and federal drinking water standards," said Randy Moore, president of Iowa American Water. "Our team of water quality and plant operations professionals works hard every day to ensure the highest quality product for our customers. These results are a testament to their dedication."

The annual report measures the quality of Iowa American Water's drinking water to the state and federal quality standards established by the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency and the Iowa Department of Natural Resources. The annual report details drinking water sources, testing conducted on the water, and substances detected in the water. Commonly asked questions and answers concerning drinking water are also included.

Customers who may have overlooked the report in their bill or who are not direct recipients of a water bill (e.g., renters) can request a copy by calling 1-866-641-2108. The reports are also available online at www.iowaamwater.com.

Iowa American Water

Iowa American Water, a wholly owned subsidiary of American Water (NYSE: AWK), is the largest investor-owned water utility in the state, providing high-quality and reliable water services to approximately 200,000 people.

Founded in 1886, American Water is the largest investor-owned U.S. water and wastewater utility company. With headquarters in Voorhees, N.J., the company employs more than 7,000 dedicated professionals who provide drinking water, wastewater and other related services to approximately 16 million people in 35 states, as well as Ontario and Manitoba, Canada. More information can be found by visiting www.amwater.com.

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21 Jun 2010

Governor Quinn Requests Federal Assistance for Five Counties Hit by Tornadoes

By William Palmisano

Federal Disaster Declaration Would Help People, Businessesin Kankakee, LaSalle, Livingston, Peoria and Putnam Counties

SPRINGFIELD - June 18, 2010. Governor Pat Quinn today asked President Obama to declare Kankakee, LaSalle, Livingston, Peoria and Putnam counties major disasters areas. If approved, a federal disaster declaration would help people and businesses affected by the June 5 tornadoes recover from the storm's aftermath by allowing them to apply for grants and loans to assist with storm-related losses.

"Many people in these areas are struggling to recover from the tornadoes that ripped their lives apart," said Governor Quinn. "As I said when I toured a devastated neighborhood in Dwight shortly after the storms, we need to do everything possible to get help to these people. Today, I'm asking President Obama to quickly approve federal assistance for these five counties, so people can begin to piece their lives back together."

Earlier this week, damage assessment teams from the Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA), the Illinois Emergency Management Agency (IEMA), the U.S. Small Business Administration (SBA) and local officials documented the extent of damage in all five counties. Governor Quinn's request for federal assistance is based on the results of those assessments, which determined that 62 homes were destroyed by the storm and 42 suffered major damage. Nearly 160 additional homes were damaged to a lesser extent. 

If granted, the federal disaster declaration would make assistance available, including grants to individuals and households to help with temporary housing, home repairs or replacement and other disaster-related expenses, as well as low-interest SBA loans to residents and businesses.

"The State of Illinois continues to do everything possible to help these communities recover from the tornadoes," said IEMA Interim Director Joe Klinger. "After conducting the damage assessments this week, it's apparent that federal assistance is needed to help many of the storm victims recover."

Governor Quinn previously declared all five counties state disaster areas to ensure affected communities received needed state assistance to recover from the storms. The State of Illinois has been assisting with debris removal in several of the affected communities for the past two weeks.

Several trucks and other pieces of heavy equipment from the Illinois Department of Transportation (IDOT) are helping with clean up efforts today in Streator and Dwight. In addition, inmate crews from the Illinois Department of Corrections (IDOC) are assisting with the debris removal today in Streator.

Additional information about the state's storm response efforts is available at www.Ready.Illinois.gov.

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