16 Dec 2014

USDA Improves Forest Health by Harvesting Biomass for Energy

By USDA Office of Communications

WASHINGTON, Dec. 16, 2014 - Agriculture Secretary Tom Vilsack today announced that more than 200,000 tons of biomass were removed from federal lands through the Biomass Crop Assistance Program (BCAP). BCAP, reauthorized by the 2014 Farm Bill, provided incentives for the removal of dead or diseased trees from National Forests and Bureau of Land Management lands for renewable energy, while reducing the risk of forest fire. This summer, 19 energy facilities in 10 states participated in the program.

"This initiative helps to retrieve forest residues that are a fire risk, but otherwise are costly to remove," said Vilsack. "In just three months, working with private partners across the country, the program helped to reduced fire, disease and insect threats while providing more biomass feedstock for advanced energy facilities."

The U.S. Department of Agriculture's (USDA) Farm Service Agency administered the program earlier this year. Eligible farmers, ranchers or foresters participating in BCAP received a payment to partially offset the cost of harvesting and delivering forest or agricultural residues to a qualified energy facility. Up to $12.5 million is available each year for biomass removal.

Key program accomplishments include :

  • In Colorado's Front Range, 18,000 tons of trees targeted by the USDA Forest Service to reduce forest fire threats were removed to generate energy.
  • In California's Rim Fire area in Tuolumne County, nearly 100 percent of the USDA Forest Service's targeted 40,000 tons of forest residue was approved for removal and transport to energy facilities.
  • In Arizona, 41,000 tons of forest residue in Apache and Navajo counties were approved for removal and transport to energy facilities.
  • In Oscoda County, Mich., home of the Huron Manistee National Forest, 5,000 tons of forest residue were approved for removal and transport to energy facilities.

These accomplishments helped the Forest Service meet or exceed its restoration goals for Fiscal Year 2014, including reducing hazardous fuels on 1.7 million acres in the wildland urban interface and sustaining or restoring watershed conditions on 2.9 million acres, resulting in 2.8 billion board feet of timber volume sold. To further support this program, the Forest Service has entered into a three-year, $1.5 million agreement to provide technical assistance to the Farm Service Agency as they implement BCAP on National Forest System lands. This will enable the development and execution of biomass sales, and help open and support new and existing markets for biomass products.

USDA will issue a final regulation this winter to incorporate BCAP updates established in the 2014 Farm Bill. The next funding opportunity will be announced once updates are incorporated.

BCAP was reauthorized by the 2014 Farm Bill. The Farm Bill builds on historic economic gains in rural America over the past five years, while achieving meaningful reform and billions of dollars in savings for taxpayers. Since enactment, USDA has made significant progress to implement each provision of this critical legislation, including providing disaster relief to farmers and ranchers; strengthening risk management tools; expanding access to rural credit; funding critical research; establishing innovative public-private conservation partnerships; developing new markets for rural-made products; and investing in infrastructure, housing and community facilities to help improve quality of life in rural America. For more information, visit www.usda.gov/farmbill.

Visit www.fsa.usda.gov/bcap or contact a local FSA county office at offices.usda.gov to learn more about BCAP.

#

08 Dec 2014

ROCK ISLAND COUNTY HOLIDAY RECYCLING GUIDELINES

By Laura Berkley
The Rock Island County Waste Management Agency (RICWMA) would like to encourage Rock Island County citizens to "Think Recycling" during the upcoming holiday period.

Due to Christmas holiday gift giving and the numerous celebrations and special events that occur during this time of  the year, a lot of waste materials will be generated. The amount of special holiday waste materials generated can be enormous, and it needs to be disposed of properly. As a result, it is very important for people to remain environmentally responsible and to "Think Recycling," rather than simply throwing items away as garbage. Special attention needs to be given to recycling efforts to be productive and beneficial.

Examples of acceptable recycling materials:

Flattened and broken down cardboard boxes
Other cardboard packaging materials
Tissue paper
Plastic food and beverage containers.

Examples of unacceptable materials and items that are NOT recyclable:

Gift-wrapping paper
All forms of Styrofoam
Gift bows and ribbons
Hard, brittle types of plastic materials
Clear plastic wrappers from cartons and boxes.
Glass containers

Rock Island County citizens are encouraged to utilize their community's curbside recycling services or to use one of the four regional drop-off recycling sites at the following locations:

East Moline - 1200 -13th Avenue (Engineering & Maintenance Services Facility)
Milan - 451 West 4th Street
Moline - 3635 4th Avenue, at Public Works Department
Rock Island - 16th Avenue and 24th Street, at Water Treatment Plant

For more information, Rock Island County residents may contact RICMWA at (309) 788-8925 or visit the website at www.ricwma.org.

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18 Nov 2014

Loebsack Leads Call for Action on Wind Energy Prior to Adjournment

By Joe Hand

Washington, D.C. - Congressman Dave Loebsack today led a call to Congressional leaders to take action and extend the job-creating Production Tax Credit (PTC) and Investment Tax Credit (ITC) before the 113th Congress adjourns. Loebsack joined with Senator Tom Harkin and Representative Bruce Braley in writing to the leaders of both the House and Senate calling for Congress to provide the wind energy industry the stability it needs to operate. The three have been longtime proponents of the wind energy industry.

"Like all businesses, the wind industry seeks certainty and predictability so that long term project decisions and investments can be made. Without that stability, we once again risk losing many of the jobs, infrastructure and investment that the wind industry has created," the Members wrote. "Time is running out for us to pass an extension of the PTC and ITC to help to avoid further layoffs and divestment. It is imperative that a vote to extend these important provisions occurs before the 113th Congress adjourns sine die."

A copy of the letter can be found here.

###

18 Nov 2014

Governor Quinn Visits Washington and Brookport Communities on Anniversary of Deadly Tornadoes

By Dave Blanchette

Governor Participates in Memorial Dedication Service, Announces Additional State Relief Toward Recovery Process

WASHINGTON - One year after deadly tornadoes devastated several areas of Illinois, Governor Pat Quinn today visited two of Illinois' hardest-hit communities, Washington and Brookport, to visit with families and participate in the dedication of a new memorial to mark the tragedy. The Governor also announced additional state recovery assistance to aid the two communities who are still in the process of rebuilding and recovery one year later.

"One year ago we saw unimaginable destruction in central Illinois, and today we gather together to reflect on the healing process," Governor Quinn said. "Tragedy struck Illinois last November, but we refused to give up on these towns no matter how long it took for them to get back on their feet. Rebuilding Washington and Brookport has been an amazing demonstration of what can be done when communities come together in the face of hard times. It's important that we continue to support the local governments, businesses and families affected by this disaster until the recovery process is completed."

The Governor's additional investments announced today are from the Illinois Department of Commerce and Economic Opportunity (DCEO) and total $1.3 million between Illinois' two hardest hit communities. The $398,283 for Washington and the $938,100 for Brookport will help local governments rebuild tornado-damaged infrastructure.

Including today's announced funding, Washington has received $13.4 million and Brookport $2.9 million in state assistance to recover from the November 17, 2013 tornadoes. The investment is the latest in more than $19.5 million in state assistance provided to date for tornado damaged communities from the November disaster.

"Our community thanks Governor Quinn for his commitment to Washington's recovery," Washington Mayor Gary Manier said. "He was here immediately following the storms and has been back frequently to see how we are doing and to provide the assistance we need. We can't say enough about what the Governor has done for our community, and we welcome him here today to help us remember what happened one year ago and to honor those we lost."

"Governor Quinn literally saved our community from bankruptcy, because without this state assistance to help with tornado-related expenses we wouldn't have been able to survive," Brookport Mayor John Klaffer said. "The state relief package has made all the difference in the world. The Governor kept his word, and we welcome him back with open arms today to join us in our day of remembrance."

The state's multi-agency relief package for local governments included assistance from DCEO, the Illinois Department of Transportation, Illinois Finance Authority, Illinois Emergency Management Agency, the Illinois Environmental Protection Agency and the Illinois Housing Development Authority. The local government entities that have received state assistance to recover from the storms a year ago include :

·         Arcola Township, $380

·         Braceville Township, $219,744

·         City of Brookport, $2,971,202

·         Champaign County, $44,528

·         Champaign County Highway Department, $1,753

·         Claypool Drainage & Levee District, $14,625

·         Village of Coal City, $446,096

·         Compromise Township, $394,546

·         Compromise Township Road District, $17,416

·         City of Danville, $43,258

·         Douglas County, $1,086

·         City of East Peoria, $522,179

·         Village of Diamond, $433,590

·         City of Fairfield, $3,281

·         Village of Garrett, $750

·         Village of Gifford, $750,996

·         Grundy County Sheriff, $7,944

·         Kerr Township, $1,700

·         Massac County, $23,549

·         Metamora Township, $5,581

·         City of Minonk, $12,339

·         Murdock Township, $425

·         Newman Township Road District, $757

·         City of Pekin, $100,688

·         Tazewell County, $33,511

·         Village of Tilton, $1,202

·         Tuscola Township, $1,348

·         Tuscola Township Highway Department, $780

·         Vermilion County, $2,085

·         City of Washington: $13,440,177

·         Washington Community High School, $5,077

·         Washington Park District, $15,658

·         Washington Township Road District, $8,676

·         Woodford County, $26,757

·         Woodford County Highway Department, $6,712

TOTAL:  $19,504,334

Shortly after the deadly storms on November 17, 2013, Governor Quinn surveyed the damaged areas and activated the State Emergency Operations Center to coordinate the deployment of state resources and personnel in support of local response and recovery efforts. He ordered state agencies to step in when federal disaster assistance for local governments was denied. However, the Governor was successful in getting federal disaster assistance for families and businesses in 15 Illinois counties which has topped $23.5 million.

###
28 Oct 2014

USDA Launches Site to Provide Climate Information to Producers

By USDA Office of Communications

The USDA Climate Hubs web site was launched. The new site provides a portal for farmers, ranchers, forest landowners, and others to find useful, practical information to help cope with the challenges and stressors caused by a changing climate. The site provides resources related to drought, fire risks, pests and diseases, climate variability, and heat stress, and links users to the network of USDA conservation programs and resources that provide producers with technical and financial assistance to manage risks.

Each region also has its own site. For more information, see the "USDA Climate Hubs Website: Connecting Stakeholders to the Hubs" blog.

20 Oct 2014

Branstad, Reynolds, Northey and state officials submit comments on federal "Waters of the United States" proposed rule

By Grassley Press

Proposed federal rule will impose barriers to the advancement of innovative, state- and local-driven conservation practices that would advance our common goal of water quality

(DES MOINES) - Gov. Terry E. Branstad, Lt. Gov. Kim Reynolds and Secretary Bill Northey, along with relevant state leaders, today sent a letter and submitted comments to United States Environmental Protection Agency Administrator Gina McCarthy and Army for Civil Works Assistant Secretary Jo-Ellen Darcy on the proposed "Waters of the United States" federal rule under the Clean Water Act (CWA).

"The overriding concern of a diverse group of impacted stakeholders, including state leaders, is that the proposed rule will impose significant barriers to the advancement of innovative, state- and local-driven conservation and environmental practices that would actually advance our common goal of water quality," the letter reads. "Because the proposed rule is fatally flawed, we request that it be withdrawn and that future rulemaking be appropriately coordinated with States and relevant stakeholders. We agree that clean water requires good, clear, well-designed regulations - unfortunately, the ones currently being proposed are not."

The letter outlines four key concerns from relevant stakeholders:

Disregard for states' lead role under the CWA to protect and promote water quality

Section 101(b) of the CWA clearly states that, "it is the policy of the Congress to recognize, preserve, and protect the primary responsibilities and rights of States to prevent, reduce, and eliminate pollution, to plan the development and use (including restoration, preservation and enhancement) of land and water resources..."

The proposed rule confuses Federal control with environmental protection. The State of Iowa believes that environmental protection is best driven locally.

A disconnect between content and intent

The Federal government's proposed approach, and the content of the proposed rule, would seriously impair advancements in water quality in the State of Iowa. As an example, too many Iowa farmers would be forced to gain Federal permits to advance water quality infrastructure projects, which would discourage agricultural producers from undertaking the very projects that would improve water quality throughout the State.

Increased uncertainty from the proposed federal rule

The proposed rule increases, rather than decreases uncertainty for various stakeholders. The proposed rule is more ambiguous than current law and promises to be tied up in litigation for years to come, creating uncertainty within conservation interests, industries and communities across the state.

Underestimation of costs of the burdensome proposed federal rule

Permitting compliance costs will siphon finite resources that would better be used to advance conservation best practices and infrastructure in Iowa's countryside. Permitting delays would also increase the costs of conservation and economic development projects.  Additional costs would impact public transportation projects, renewable energy projects, electricity distribution, disaster recovery projects, mitigation projects, and so on. Every day those projects are delayed has real costs that are currently unaccounted for by the Federal government. There would also be additional enforcement costs that current staffing levels at both the Federal and State levels are not positioned to meet. The rule as proposed would essentially be an unfunded mandate on State agencies tasked with CWA enforcement.

The letter concludes, "The Federal government's proposed rule seems to be more concerned with asserting Federal control over local water bodies than actually improving local water quality. Thus, we were encouraged recently by the bipartisan support in the United States House of Representatives to block the advancement of this flawed rule. Those concerns were similarly echoed in a bipartisan fashion by the National Association of State Departments of Agriculture members who unanimously called on the Federal government to withdraw the rule. We strongly urge you to listen to the consensus concerns of the States, including Iowa, and withdraw this rule."

The Director of Iowa Department of Natural Resources Chuck Gipp, Director of the Iowa Economic Development Authority Debi Durham, Director of Iowa Department of Transportation Paul Trombino III, Chair of the Iowa Utilities Board Libby Jacobs and Director of Iowa Homeland Security and Emergency Management Mark Schouten joined Branstad, Reynolds and Northey in signing the letter.

State of Iowa leaders care deeply about water quality.  Since 2011, new General Fund appropriations for water quality related initiatives have increased by 26%.  In just the last two years (FY 14 and FY 15), over $50 million dollars were allocated to support water quality related state initiatives. This historic level of investment does not even include the cost-share dollars spent by farmers, landowners and communities on these efforts.

The full letter can be read here. The enclosures from the letter can be read here.

###

14 Oct 2014

Be Prepared for Colder Weather

By Jason Lee

Aire Serv® has cold weather tips for HVAC systems

WACO, Texas (Oct. 14, 2014) - October is here and that means cold weather is not far off. Before the cold days come to stay, it's important to make sure furnaces are up the task of working all fall and winter and air conditioners are properly maintained and stored so they are ready for spring and summer. These tips from Aire Serv will help ensure both the furnace and air conditioner will be ready for the colder days ahead.

The furnace

Make sure the pilot light is working properly. Older style units usually have a pilot light that remains on the entire time. Newer style units tend to have pilot lights that only turn on when the furnace is running. With either type unit, make sure the area is cleaned and there is no debris near the pilot light that can potentially be a fire hazard.

Heat pumps

Coils of heat pumps that are blocked by ice will not run efficiently. The ice build up will block proper heat transfer between refrigerant and the outside air causing the system to not run at peak performance. Make sure to keep the heat pump clear of snow and ice.

Air conditioning units

Remove snow and other debris such as leaves away from the unit. This includes keeping the underneath side of the unit free of leaves and snow as well as the back of the unit that faces the house. Never remove snow or debris using sharp objects. Objects with sharp edges can easily damage unit fins and refrigerant coils.

Check the guttering above the unit to ensure it drains properly and does not drip on the unit. Guttering that drops water on the unit needs to be replaced or repaired so that it drains properly.

Check the unit to make sure it is level. A unit that is not level will not run properly. A unit may settle over time. If the ground has caused the unit to sink, contact a service professional so it can be properly leveled.

Window units

The best thing to do with window units is to remove them once the cooler weather starts. Once removed, properly store the window unit in a covered area like a garage. If it is not possible to remove the window unit, place a protective cover over the unit and make sure the area surrounding the window unit is properly sealed for the fall and winter months.

About Aire Serv®:

Established in 1992, Aire Serv is a global franchise organization providing installation, maintenance and repair of heating, ventilation, air conditioning and indoor air quality systems. Recognized by Entrepreneur magazine among its "Franchise 500," Aire Serv franchisees provide services to both residential and commercial customers from more than 180 locations worldwide. Aire Serv is a subsidiary of The Dwyer Group, Inc., family of service franchises. For more information or to find the location nearest you, visit AireServ.com.

- ### -

03 Oct 2014

Iowa City VA Issues Statement on Water Safety

By Jon Pruett
Status on water systems at the Iowa City VA Medical Center

"The Iowa City VA Medical Center takes water safety very seriously, and maintains a higher standard of safety than most medical facilities - with more frequent testing and aggressive action taken to prevent contaminants from entering the medical center's water system.

The water system at the Iowa City VA Medical Center is safe. The main water supply has never been compromised with Legionella and there have been no cases of Legionnaire's Disease reported at the Iowa City VA Medical Center.

In May 2014, monthly testing found positive results for Legionella bacteria in small amounts and in isolated locations within the facility, not in its main water supply.

Citing routine testing and mitigation steps, infectious disease experts at the Iowa City VA Health Care System found there was virtually no risk to patients, visitors, or employees. On the contrary, test findings validated that the VA water safety plan is working, and mitigates threats before there is a problem. Positive findings are a routine part of the water testing process."

A fact sheet on Iowa City VA HCS water system and general information about Legionella can be found online at: http://www.iowacity.va.gov/documents/IowaCityVA_LegionellaFacts.pdf

For more information, call Jon Pruett at (319) 383-2738, or e-mail to: jonathan.pruett@va.gov

-30-
30 Sep 2014

FALL ECOLOGY DAY - Wapsi River EE Center

By Dave Murcia

Saturday October 4th, 9 A.M. - 5 P.M.

Wapsi River EE Center

31555 52nd Ave. , Dixon, IA 52745

This year's theme is WOODLAND WONDERS! Events and programs suit all ages. Family fun for everyone. Please call to sign your family up for this fun filled day (563-328-3286).

9:00 A.M. to Noon ~ Woodland Wickiups ~ By using poles, lashings and Cattails, come help us build and learn how our Native Americans created these amazing living structures. Duties will suit all ages including pounding holes, string cutting, lashing poles, covering and decorating.

12:00 - 1:00 ~ L U N C H ~ Lunch will be provided by the Friends of the Wapsi Center, Inc. Please bring a dish to share. Donations are welcome.

1:00 - 2:00 ~ EAB, Coming to an Ash tree near you! ~ Do you have an ash tree? If so, you may want to learn the ABC's of this invasive insect now known to be in several Iowa counties! The presentation will cover history, identification, biology, and current efforts to stop the spread.

2:00 - 3:00 ~ Paper Making ~ Come learn how to recycle and make your own paper, and then decorate your creation with natural objects.

3:00 - 4:00 ~ Woodland Tree Hike ~ Explore the Wapsi River woodlands with naturalist Mike Granger to learn about our native trees and how to identify them from leaves, buds and seeds.

4:00 - 5:00 ~ Woodland Creatures ~ Come explore the world of woodland creatures found at the Wapsi River Center. The woods provide all of these animals with food and shelter, and learn how they live and thrive in a woodland ecosystem.

25 Sep 2014

Green Roofs are Growing on the WIU-QC Riverfront Campus

By Ronna Walker-Johnson

Moline, IL  September 29, 2014 -Western Illinois University - Quad Cities (WIU-QC) 3300 River Drive, Moline is the site of the newest green roof in the Quad Cities area.

In addition to providing many environmental benefits, the green roof will give building occupants a gorgeous view. It features a unique sedum base mixture with a variety of accent plants to add seasonal blooms and interest.  The green roof uses the LiveRoof® Hybrid Standard System with 4.25 inches of soil and totals 9,720 square feet.  The pre-vegetated modules were grown by Roof Top Sedums at their location in Davenport, Iowa and then shipped to the building site and installed by LiveRoof® Certified Installer Heritage Landscape Design, Inc.

Like Building One on the WIU-QC Riverfront campus, Phase II buildings are sustainably constructed and operated.  Green amenities include geothermal heating and cooling, emphasis on the use of daylight, native landscaping, green roof treatments, and an emphasis on energy efficiency.  WIU-QC will pursue LEED (Leadership in Energy and Environmental Design) Gold certification, which builds on the LEED Silver certification received for Phase 1.

Bill Brewer, WIU Assistant Director of the Physical Plant says, "The green roof system not only assists us in acquiring LEED accreditation for this project, it serves as an ongoing demonstration to our students studying environmental sciences of the importance of storm water management and its effect on our waterways.   We are even planning on coupling an educational kiosk with one of the visible locations of the vegetative roof installation.  Lastly, the green roofs fit very well with the natural beauty of the site and surrounding landscape."

Roxanne Nagel, co-owner of Roof Top Sedums says, "The campus buildings are situated near the Mississippi River and the green roof will act as a sponge to capture and filter the rainwater.  The green roof will help reduce and slow down the storm water runoff from the site.  We are excited to see the sustainable efforts by WIU as well as having another great example of a green roof in the Quad City area."

To learn more about the LiveRoof® Hybrid Green Roof System, visit our website at www.liveroof.com or members of the press may schedule an appointment by calling or emailing Natalie Linville-Mass at (309) 786-5142 or Natalie@medialinkinc.com.

About Western Illinois University: Located along the banks of the historic Mississippi river in Moline Illinois; Western Illinois University- Quad Cities offers commitment to traditional core values and expansive teaching opportunities. Western Illinois University- Quad Cities continues to grow and expand; offering facilities and academics focusing on critical thinking, engaged learning, research, and creativity. In 2003, a donation from Deere & Company of 20 acres of land on the Moline riverfront provided the stimulus for an expanded WIU- Quad Cities. In the spring of 2010 the university began Phase I of a well anticipated renovation and expansion to the 60,000-square-foot building, formerly housing the John Deere Tech Center. On September 3rd of this year, Western Illinois formally celebrated the completion of Phase II.  The 94,800 square foot complex now houses academic programs in the colleges of Arts and Sciences, Education, Human Services, Fine Arts and Communication, as well as the US Bank Writing Center, a testing center, academic advising and student services.  In addition, Western Illinois has transferred and now houses programs and services from the current WIU 60th Street campus; including the library and classes offered through the Quad Cities Graduate Study Center.

 

About Roof Top Sedums: Roof Top Sedums was established in 2007 and is a Regional LiveRoof® Licensed Grower servicing Iowa, Western Illinois, Eastern Nebraska, Eastern Kansas, and most of Missouri.  The business is 100% women-owned and certified nationally as a Women's Business Enterprise, as well as an Iowa Targeted Small Business.  Other projects in the Quad City area include Genesis Medical Center at East Rusholme Street in Davenport, IA, Black Hawk College Sustainable Technologies Building in Moline, IL, and VanderVeer Park Sustainable Demonstration Garden in Davenport, IA.  For more information on projects previously grown by Roof Top Sedums or information about the LiveRoof® System, visit www.rooftopsedums.com.

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