13 Apr 2010

Scott County Farmer Wins $2,500 for North Scott FFA in Monsanto's America's Farmers Grow CommunitiesSM Projec

By Rick Martin
ST. LOUIS (April 12) - Ronald Wilson of Bettendorf has been selected as a winner in Monsanto's America's Farmers Grow CommunitiesSM Project, which gives farmers the opportunity to win $2,500 for their favorite local non-profit organizations in each of Iowa's 99 counties. Wilson has designated the North Scott FFA Chapter located in Eldridge to receive the award.

Wilson says he is very excited to have been selected as the winner for Scott County. "There have been budget cuts, so the school might not have the funds available like they've had in the past to support groups like the FFA chapter," explains Wilson. "Not many kids are involved in agriculture anymore. One way to keep them involved is through programs like FFA. Monsanto's grant program is great. It will help give recognition to what farmers do."

Jamie Gray, agriculture teacher and FFA advisor, says the $2,500 will be used to help the students develop leadership skills by attending career development events, state leadership conferences and the National FFA Convention.

"American farmers are the backbone of this country, and without them we wouldn't have anything," says Gray. "The communities that make up the North Scott School District are very lucky to be surrounded by the farming industry. It felt good to know that Ron felt the North Scott FFA Chapter could benefit from this program. Monsanto has always been giving back to the communities and supporting organizations like the FFA. They know the importance of FFA and agriculture in the classroom and all it has to offer students and the community."

Brandon Messer, North Scott FFA member adds: "I would like to thank Ron Wilson for nominating us for this award. I feel our farming community is very supportive of our FFA chapter and would like to thank them for all their support."

The $2,500 donation was awarded at a ceremony held April 8 during the North Scott FFA Banquet and Awards Ceremony in Eldridge. The America's Farmers Grow Communities Project was offered throughout Iowa and in parts of Missouri and Arkansas. It is part of a broad commitment by Monsanto Company to highlight the important contributions farmers make every day to our society by helping them grow their local communities. More than 7,500 farmers participated in the program, which is designed to benefit non-profit groups such as ag youth, schools and other civic organizations. The program is currently in the process of being expanded to include additional states. Visit www.growcommunities.com to see a complete list of winners.
13 Apr 2010

Governor Quinn Delivers Keynote Address To 2nd Annual Sustainable Schools Symposium

By Robert Reed
Declares April "Earth Month", Presents Environmental Hero Awards
CHICAGO - April 9, 2010. Governor Pat Quinn today delivered the keynote address at the 2nd Annual Sustainable Schools Symposium at Walter Payton College Prep. Governor Quinn was joined by officials from the U.S. Department of Education and Chicago Public Schools in declaring the month of April "Earth Month" and presenting Environmental Hero Awards.
"We've come a long way in protecting precious natural resources and making our state 'green' but we can't stop now.  We must continue this important effort by recognizing that every month is Earth Month," said Governor Quinn. "By working together, we can teach today's youth the importance of conservation and creating a sustainable environment now and in the future."
Participants from across Illinois - including school administrators, superintendents, school board members, custodial staff, teachers, government officials and high school student environmental leaders - gathered at the daylong symposium in Chicago to exchange ideas that will enhance and promote green practices in K-12 schools.
The symposium is hosted by the Illinois Green Governments Coordinating Council in partnership with the U.S. Green Building Council Chicago Chapter and Chicago Public Schools, and features presentations from local, state, and federal policy-makers, educators, green businesses and non-profits. Workshops cover a variety of topics aimed at giving participants ideas for making schools across Illinois green. Green school construction and renovation, energy usage in the classroom, environmental education and health, and ways to finance sustainability projects are just some of the areas that were discussed.
Governor Quinn also issued a proclamation declaring April as "Earth Month" in Illinois. Throughout the month, various state agencies will hold events and programs aimed at educating the public about the importance of environmentalism and conserving natural resources. Details about those events will be released in the coming weeks.
Governor Quinn serves as the chairman of the Great Lakes Commission, the Illinois River Coordinating Council and the Illinois Green Governments Coordinating Council. Governor Quinn has also signed numerous Executive Orders and statutes into law to ensure greater energy efficiency, use of renewable energy, and protection of Illinois' land, air and water resources. For more information about Governor Quinn's sustainability initiatives, please visit www.Green.Illinois.gov.
###
06 Apr 2010

Wetland Grant Applications Sought Through May 20

By Kris Lancaster

(Kansas City, Kan., April 6, 2010) - Proposals for Wetland Program Development grants to develop effective, comprehensive programs for wetland protection and management will be accepted through May 20, 2010, from states, tribes and local governments.

EPA Region 7 anticipates $1,176,000 in federal funding to be available to fund approximately three to six awards. Awards will likely range from $100,000 to $500,000.

Parties interested in applying for the grants may contact Mandy Whitsitt, EPA Region 7, at whitsitt.mandy@epa.gov, or by calling (913) 551-7311, or toll-free, (800) 223-0425.

Proposals should be mailed to Mandy Whitsitt, Watershed Planning and Implementation Branch, Affairs, EPA Region 7, 901 N. 5th St., Kansas City, KS 66101. They must be received by

5 p.m. (CST) May 20. Proposals received after the due date will not be considered.

# # #

Grant application materials are available at: http://www.epa.gov/region07/economics/pdf/epa_r7wwpd_10_002.pdf

Learn more about the Wetland Program Development Grants: http://www.epa.gov/owow/wetlands/grantguidelines/

06 Apr 2010

IDNR celebrates Earth Day in the Parks

By Chad McCloud

4th annual event promotes natural resources stewardships for students.

SPRINGFIELD, April 5, 2010 - The Illinois Department of Natural Resources (IDNR) will host more than 1,200 students at state parks throughout Illinois in April and May to celebrate Earth Day.  The 4th annual Earth Day in the Parks event series has become an increasingly poplular way to get children involved in the outdoors through a variety of conservation stewardship activities.

"What better way to celebrate Earth Day and our natural resources than giving students the opportunity to help the environment through fun and fulfuilling activities right in their own backyards," said IDNR Director Marc Miller. "Nothing gives me more pleasure than to see the next generation of outdoor stewards engaged in nature."

Sponsored by the IDNR Office of Public Services, Office of Land Management and the Illinois Conservation Foundation (ICF), Earth Day in the Parks offer students the opportunity to get outdoors and work in nature.  Their hands-on experiences help students develop a sense of ownership of the natural resources while enhancing wildlife habitat and natural areas protection.  Students and teachers are encouraged to return to the park to study the effects of their work.

"With more than 40 events throughout the state, there is definitely something for every student of every age.  Our hope is that students will be hooked on the outdoors for life," said Miller.  "Their visit during Earth Day in the Parks could be the first introduction in a lifetime of stewardship for many of these youth."

School groups were selected to participate at park sites through random drawings from an application process held earlier this year.

The Earth Day in the Parks sites in the Quad Cities region are:

 

Johnson-Sauk Trail State Recreation Area

28616 Sauk Trial Road, Kewanee, Illinois

Date: April 27. Time: 10:00am-12:00pm

Project: planting native tree species

School: AlWood High School, Woodhull

 

Prophetstown State Park

Riverside Drive, Prophetstown, Illinois

Date: April 22. Time: 9:00am-11:00am

Project: planting native tree species

School: Prophetstown High School

 

Rock Island Trail State Park

311 East Williams, Wyoming, Illinois

Date: April 21. Time: to be determined.

Project: planting native prairie wildflowers and grasses.

School: Dunlap Grade School, Dunlap

05 Apr 2010

The Great Mississippi River Cleanup

By Natalie
Quad Cities, USA - Living Lands & Waters (LL&W) is seeking approximately 800 to 1000 volunteers from Minnesota, Wisconsin, Iowa, Illinois, and Missouri to take part in a first-ever, multi-state clean-up of the upper Mississippi River.  The event will take place Saturday, June 19, 2010 with a goal of  involving  volunteers in 22 cities from Saint Paul, Minnesota to St. Louis, Missouri.  LL&W is also needing site coordinators for each location, boats and drivers, and supply donations.

Over the past 12 years, LL&W has removed more than six million pounds of trash through clean-up efforts along the Mississippi, Missouri, Ohio, Illinois and Potomac rivers.  LL&W has also coordinated flood clean-up efforts after Hurricane Katrina and the historic floods in Cedar Rapids, Iowa. LL&W Founder and President Chad Pregracke calls the Great Mississippi River Cleanup "We've been able to host  over 440 community cleanups over the years and this is the biggest effort we've ever done."  Pregracke adds, "This has been needed for a long time, and we're so very excited to be coordinating this important effort."

Living Lands & Waters is a 501(c) (3) environmental organization established in 1998 and headquartered in East Moline, Illinois. Besides Community River Cleanups, LL&W conducts Big River Educational Workshops, the MillionTrees Project, Riverbottom Forest Restoration and the Adopt-a-River Mile program.

The Great Mississippi River Cleanup will remove debris; such as tires, barrels, propane tanks, appliances, plastic bottles and even a message in a bottle or two from the shorelines and islands of the upper Mississippi River.  For more information about what LL&W has pulled from America's rivers and our needs in this massive cleanup visit www.livinglandsandwaters.org.

###

29 Mar 2010

Additional Iowa Counties to Receive Federal Disaster Aid after Severe Winter Storms

By Sen. Charles Grassley

WASHINGTON - Chuck Grassley today said President Barack Obama has added several Iowa counties to a major disaster declaration he originally made on March 2.  Today's news triggers the release of FEMA funds to additional counties to help them recover from the severe winter storms that occurred from January 19 - 26.  Additional designations may be made at a later date after further evaluation.

"There has been an enormous amount of damage in Iowa caused by winter storms," Grassley said.  "It's good to see new counties being added so Iowans can continue cleaning up the damage."

FEMA will now provide assistance to Adams, Boone, Buena Vista, Cherokee, Clay, Dallas, Emmet, Greene, Hardin, Ida, Monona, Palo Alto, Pocahontas, Story and Union counties, in additional to those named in the March 2 declaration, through the Public Assistance program.  The Public Assistance program assists state and local governments and certain private nonprofit organizations for emergency work and the repair or replacement of disaster-damaged facilities.

All Iowa counties are also eligible to apply for assistance through the Hazard Mitigation Grant program.  The Hazard Mitigation Grant program assists state and local governments and certain private non-profit organizations for actions taken to prevent or reduce long-term risk to life and property from natural hazards.

Grassley sent a letter to Obama asking him to grant Governor Chet Culver's request to declare Iowa a major disaster area as a result of the severe winter storms that occurred from January 19 - 26.

22 Mar 2010

IOWA AMERICAN WATER FLUSHES WATER MAINS IN CONJUNCTION WITH TEMPORARY TREATMENT CHANGE

By Lisa Reisen

Annual water main and hydrant flushing program kicked off in the Iowa Quad Cities

DAVENPORT, IA (March 19, 2010) Iowa American Water kicked off its annual distribution system flushing in LeClaire earlier this week. The program will continue throughout the spring and summer months in all of the company's service communities, which include Davenport, Bettendorf, Riverdale and Panorama Park in the Iowa Quad Cities. Flushing will be conducted from 8 a.m. until 10 p.m. each week day. The company's Clinton District plans to flush its distribution system beginning in mid-April.

"The flushing program is designed to maintain a high quality of water in the distribution system by flushing or cleaning mineral deposits and sediment from water mains," said Randy Moore, president of Iowa American Water. "Over time, these sediments can build up in water mains causing discolored water and/or restricted flows.   As part of this program we will also inspect and operate fire hydrants to assure they are in good working order as well."

While no interruptions in water service will occur as a result of the work, Iowa American Water advises that when crews are flushing nearby, customers may experience a drop in water pressure or some discoloration of their water. Iowa American Water recommends that any customers experiencing discolored water let their cold water run to clear before using it again and refrain from doing laundry during that time.   Any water discoloration or low pressure problems should last only a short period of time.

In conjunction with the water main flushing, Iowa American Water is adjusting its treatment process for the next four weeks to prepare the distribution system for the on-going flushing.

From March 10 through April 19, the company is switching its disinfection method to a form of chlorine known as "free chlorine" which does not contain ammonia. Chlorine is commonly used in public water systems as a disinfectant and is monitored closely by our water quality experts to ensure optimum levels are present.

Due to the temporary change in the type of chlorine, customers may experience a more noticeable chlorine taste or odor in their tap water during the next four weeks.   There is no reason for concern. This is due to the switch in chlorine type only.

"The temporary switch in treatment is designed to make the routine flushing of water mains more effective and ensure we maintain our high quality water standards," Moore added.

If problems persist, notify Iowa American Water's customer service line toll free 24-hours a day at 1-866-641-2108.

The water main and hydrant flushing will be performed by Iowa American Water crews who will be working out of utility trucks labeled with the company logo.   All employees will also have photo ID badges.

Iowa American Water, a wholly owned subsidiary of American Water (NYSE: AWK), provides high-quality and reliable water and/or wastewater 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 15 million people in 32 states and Ontario, Canada. More information can be found by visiting www.amwater.com.

###

22 Mar 2010

Regional Flood Risk Management Team Prepares for Possible Spring Flooding

By Bob Anderson
CEDAR RAPIDS, IOWA, March 16, 2010 - The nation's first-ever Regional Flood Risk Management Team (RFRMT) will meet in Cedar Rapids, April 8, to discuss the unusually high spring river levels resulting from one of the wettest falls and winters in the Upper Mississippi River basin's history. The meeting, hosted by the Iowa Department of Homeland Security, is scheduled to be held at the Clarion Hotel and Convention Center. A media opportunity is scheduled for 11:35 a.m.

The RFRMT is historic both in purpose and composition. It is now fully chartered with signatory members from five states, including senior flood risk management officials from Illinois, Iowa, Minnesota, Missouri and Wisconsin. Other members include senior leaders from the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers, Federal Emergency Management Agency, U.S. Geological Survey, National Resource Conservation Service, U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service, U.S. Environmental Protection Agency and National Weather Service. The RFRMT is currently directed by a three-member leadership committee that includes Brig. Gen. Michael Walsh, Commander, Mississippi Valley Division (MVD), Mr. Gary Clark, Illinois Department of Natural Resources, and Bob Bissell, FEMA Region VII.

The RFRMT's overall purpose is to assist federal, tribal, state and local governmental partners to coordinate, communicate and collaborate on flood risk management initiatives within the Upper Mississippi River basin. The RFRMT is working on ideas to integrate pre-flood mitigation with a long-term strategy to plan and implement pre- and post-flood emergency actions to reduce regional flood risks this coming spring and in the future. The RFRMT framework ensures that important disaster planning and dialog occurs before a flood event. For example, the quarterly meetings allow member states to discuss immediate and long range plans for flood risk reduction within their jurisdictions.

The team's prime goal is to minimize risk to life, property and agriculture, while also protecting natural resources in a reasonable and cost-effective manner. Additional RFRMT goals include implementing flood risk and watershed management programs and activities that complement existing mitigation activities. The team is striving to ensure that flood risk reduction initiatives encompass federal, tribal, state and local programs and authorities in an inclusive or systemic approach.

The RFRMT's goals also include considering both potential structural alternatives and non-structural alternatives in all future planning to reduce flood risks and potential losses region-wide.
- end -
11 Mar 2010

April 22 Deadline Near for Contractors to Obtain Lead Renovation, Repair and Painting Certification

By David Bryan

(Kansas City, Kan., March 10, 2010) - Beginning next month, federal law will require that contractors performing renovation, repair and painting projects that disturb paint in homes, child care facilities, and schools built before 1978 must be certified in the new EPA Renovation, Repair and Painting Rule (RRP) and follow specific work practices to reduce human exposures to lead.

Common renovation activities like sanding, cutting, and demolition can create hazardous dust and chips by disturbing lead-based paint, which can be harmful to adults and children. To protect against this risk, on April 22, 2008, EPA issued a rule requiring the use of lead-safe practices and other actions aimed at preventing lead poisoning. All contractors must be trained and certified by April 22, 2010.

Landlords, property managers, and their employees are responsible for ensuring compliance with the rule and play an important role in protecting public health by helping prevent lead exposure from their housing units.

Lead-based paint was used in more than 38 million homes until it was banned for residential use in 1978.

Lead exposure can cause reduced IQ, learning disabilities, developmental delays and behavioral problems in young children.

To locate an EPA-accredited training provider or to learn more about protecting your family from lead-based paint, visit EPA's Get Lead Safe web site, http://www.epa.gov/getleadsafe or contact the National Lead Information Center, 1-800-424-LEAD (5323).

For information about Iowa's certification and training program, contact the Iowa Bureau of Lead Poisoning Prevention, 515-281-3479 or 1-800-972-2026, or visit http://www.idph.state.ia.us/eh/lead_poisoning_prevention.asp.

For information about the Kansas certification and training program, contact the Kansas Healthy Homes and Lead Hazard Prevention Program, 1-800-865-3233, or visit http://www.kshealthyhomes.org.

Missouri and Nebraska residents can locate an EPA-accredited training provider through EPA's Get Lead Safe web site, http://www.epa.gov/getleadsafe, or by calling the National Lead Information Center, 1-800-424-LEAD (5323). Information is also available from EPA Region 7 by calling 1-800-223-0425.


# # #

For more information go to EPA's Get Lead Safe website:

http://www.epa.gov/getleadsafe

09 Mar 2010

Iowa American Water Plans Temporary Treatment Change and Water Main Flushing

By Lisa Reisen
Company will switch to "free chlorine" treatment temporarily during its annual water main and hydrant flushing program.

DAVENPORT, IA (March 9, 2010) Iowa American Water will adjust its treatment process for the next five weeks as part of its regular, ongoing hydrant maintenance and flushing program.

From March 10 through April 19, the company will switch its disinfection method to a form of chlorine known as "free chlorine" which does not contain ammonia. Chlorine is commonly used in public water systems as a disinfectant and is monitored closely by our water quality experts to ensure optimum levels are present. However, due to the temporary change in the type of chlorine, customers mayexperiencea more noticeable chlorine taste or odor in their tap water during the next five weeks.   There is no reason for concern. This is due to the switch in chlorine type only.

"The temporary switch in treatment is designed to make the routine flushing of water mains more effective and ensure we maintain our high quality water standards," said Randy Moore, president of Iowa American Water.

The treatment change is being done in conjunction with the company's water main flushing program which will be ongoing this spring.

Flushing of the LeClaire, Iowa distribution system is scheduled to begin on March 15. The flushing will be conducted from 8 a.m. until 10 p.m. each day. In addition, flushing of the distribution system in Davenport and Bettendorf is continuing as well.

"The flushing program is designed to maintain a high quality of water in the distribution system by flushing or cleaning mineral deposits and sediment from water mains. Over time, these sediments can build up in water mains causing discolored water and/or restricted flows. As part of this program we will also inspect and operate fire hydrants to assure they are in good working order as well." Moore added.

While no interruptions in water service will occur as a result of the work, Iowa American Water advises that when crews are flushing nearby, customers may experience a drop in water pressure or some discoloration of their water. Iowa American Water recommends that any customers experiencing discolored water let their cold water run to clear before using it again and refrain from doing laundry during that time. Any water discoloration or low pressure problems should last only a short period of time.

If problems persist, notify Iowa American Water's customer service line toll free 24-hours a day at 1-866-641-2108.
The water main and hydrant flushing will be performed by Iowa American Water crews who will be working out of utility trucks labeled with the company logo. All employees will also have photo ID badges.

Iowa American Water, a wholly owned subsidiary of American Water (NYSE: AWK), provides high-quality and reliable water and/or wastewater 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 15 million people in 32 states and Ontario, Canada. More information can be found by visiting www.amwater.com.
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