Today's challenge: learn something new. Did you know that Woodhouse's toads, like this one seen along the North Kaibab Trail, will sometimes eat scorpions? -ecd (NPS photo Girard)
Saturday, January 31, 2015
Woodhouse's Toad
From Grand Canyon National Park:
Today's challenge: learn something new. Did you know that Woodhouse's toads, like this one seen along the North Kaibab Trail, will sometimes eat scorpions? -ecd (NPS photo Girard)
Today's challenge: learn something new. Did you know that Woodhouse's toads, like this one seen along the North Kaibab Trail, will sometimes eat scorpions? -ecd (NPS photo Girard)
Friday, January 30, 2015
Rock python might hold clues in Florida about invasive snakes | The Miami Herald The Miami Herald
Edward Mercer stood on a dirt road at the edge of the Florida Everglades on Thursday, reached into a white sack, pulled out another sack and then, like a magician reaching into his bag of tricks, produced a 10-foot long Northern African python for a bank of television cameras.
A sister species to the Burmese, the Northern African or rock python has gotten a toe-hold in a six-square mile area west of Miami. Unlike the Burmese, rock pythons have so far stayed put since first appearing in 2001.
Rock python might hold clues in Florida about invasive snakes | The Miami Herald The Miami Herald
Helmet Crab
From the U.S. Geological Survey (USGS):
Helmet Crab — This is a face only a mother could love. This photo of a Helmet Crab (Telmessus cheiragonus) was captured in a beach seine during a 2012 Bainbridge Island larval forage fish survey. This survey focused on the abundance, habitat use, and food habits of larval forage fish (surf smelt and sand lance) and was conducted by scientists from the USGS Western Fisheries Research Center. Photo Credit: David Ayers, USGS.
#USGS #biology #crab
Helmet Crab — This is a face only a mother could love. This photo of a Helmet Crab (Telmessus cheiragonus) was captured in a beach seine during a 2012 Bainbridge Island larval forage fish survey. This survey focused on the abundance, habitat use, and food habits of larval forage fish (surf smelt and sand lance) and was conducted by scientists from the USGS Western Fisheries Research Center. Photo Credit: David Ayers, USGS.
#USGS #biology #crab
Thursday, January 29, 2015
EPA Recognizes NHL’s Nashville Predators as an Outstanding Food Recovery Challenge Participant
From EPA:
Food Recovery Challenge Participants Alone Diverted 370,000 Tons of Wasted Food from Landfills
Contact: Jason McDonald, 404-562-9203, mcdonald.jason@epa.gov
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
January 29, 2015
January 29, 2015
EPA Recognizes NHL’s Nashville Predators as an Outstanding Food Recovery Challenge Participant
Food Recovery Challenge Participants Alone Diverted 370,000 Tons of Wasted Food from Landfills
Contact: Jason McDonald, 404-562-9203, mcdonald.jason@epa.gov
ATLANTA — On Wednesday, the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) recognizes the accomplishments of the Nashville Predators of the National Hockey League (NHL) as well as other organizations and businesses that participated in EPA's Food Recovery Challenge. Participants in the program were successful in reducing their climate footprint, improving efficiency, helping communities and achieving cost savings through waste reduction. The program saves money, protects the environment and feeds the hungry.
“In 2013, EPA's Food Recovery Challenge participants diverted more than 370,000 tons of wasted food from entering landfills or incinerators. Of this total, more than 36,000 tons of food was donated to feed people in need, which equates to nearly 56 million meals,” said Mathy Stanislaus, assistant administrator for EPA's Office of Solid Waste and Emergency Response. “I commend the efforts of our award winners and encourage others to follow their lead by joining the Food Recovery Challenge. These leaders demonstrate that protecting the environment, saving money and feeding the hungry can go hand in hand.”
The U.S. Department of Agriculture estimates that wasted food costs America more than $165 billion annually and that the average family of four throws away $1,600 of food each year. The Food Recovery Challenge participants and endorsers, through innovation and hard work, have greatly reduced wasted food. Food pantries, food rescue programs, local food banks, soup kitchens and shelters are benefitting from donations of wholesome and nutritious food — helping feed people, not landfills.
EPA presented 23 awards to Food Recovery Challenge participants and endorsers in two categories: data-driven and narrative. The Predators, who play their home contests at the Bridgestone Arena, were the Facility Winner in the Sports Venue category. The data-driven award recipients achieved the highest percentage of wasted food diversion and prevention. The narrative award winners excelled in areas of source reduction, leadership, innovation, education and outreach, and endorsement.
Food Recovery Challenge participants include groups such as grocers, educational institutions, sports and entertainment venues, and hospitality businesses. Participants are not only benefitting their bottom line, they are reducing hunger through innovative community partnerships.
For more information about the Food Recovery Challenge, visit: http://www.epa.gov/foodrecoverychallenge/
Nomination Period Extended for EPA’s Annual New England Environmental Merit Awards
From EPA:
Nomination Period Extended for EPA’s Annual New England Environmental Merit Awards
New Deadline is February 6, 2015
News Release
U.S. Environmental Protection Agency
New England Regional Office
January 29, 2015
U.S. Environmental Protection Agency
New England Regional Office
January 29, 2015
Contact: David Deegan, (617) 918-1017
Nomination Period Extended for EPA’s Annual New England Environmental Merit Awards
New Deadline is February 6, 2015
Boston – Due to this week’s blizzard, EPA is extending the nomination period for the 2015 Environmental Merit Awards by one week. Nominations will now be accepted until Feb. 6, 2015.
EPA’s annual New England Environmental Merit Awards recognize environmental achievements during the past year by individuals, businesses, governmental entities and other organizations. Awards are also given under a lifetime achievement category. These regional awards have been given out annually since EPA was created in 1970.
An independent EPA panel will select the winners based on the following criteria: long-term effects on the environment; ability to address an environmental problem or need; collaboration with others; ability of the program or accomplishments to be widely shared; clarity and effectiveness of the presentation; and promotion of innovative ideas or techniques.
Awards winners will be invited to a ceremony on Earth Day in Boston.
Nominations are only accepted online.
More information on Award categories, evaluation criteria and how to submit nominations is available athttp://www.epa.gov/ne/ra/ema/ .
# # #
EPA Announces Voluntary Cancellation of Certain Methomyl Uses
From EPA:
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
January 29, 2015
EPA Announces Voluntary Cancellation of Certain Methomyl Uses
Limiting use will reduce risks to drinking water
WASHINGTON—The U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) and the manufacturers of the insecticide methomyl have agreed to cancel some uses and limit use on certain crops to reduce risks to drinking water. From 1995 to 2013, exposure from food to carbamates, which includes methomyl, has fallen by approximately 70 percent. Today’s action is a continuation of EPA’s efforts to reduce carbamate use, thereby protecting people’s health, especially the health of children who may be more sensitive to pesticides.
EPA found drinking water risks during the periodic evaluation of methomyl and negotiated with the manufacturers to voluntarily cancel certain uses. Voluntary cancellation is the quickest way to eliminate risk.
While Florida and California were the areas of greatest concern for risks from methomyl in drinking water, the following measures will be implemented nationwide:
- canceling the use on barley, oats and rye;
- limiting its use on wheat to Idaho, Oregon, and Washington;
- reducing the number of applications to corn, celery, and head and leaf lettuce; and,
- reducing the number of applications and the seasonal maximum application rate for peppers.
These measures are currently being phased in, ensuring timely implementation of the changes for several crops.
EPA and the manufacturers reached agreement to stop making and selling some fly bait products and to add information to the label that clarifies the approved uses. EPA believes that these changes will reduce the illegal use of methomyl fly bait products which can kill wildlife, an issue that was reported to EPA by a number of states.
First registered 1968 and then reregistered in 1998, methomyl is restricted and must only be used by certified and trained applicators and has no residential uses. The only non-agriculture use of methomyl is in fly bait.
EPA will continue the registration review process for methomyl. The next step in that process is the release of the methomyl draft risk assessment in 2016. In Nov. 2014, EPA asked for public comments on the requests to voluntarily cancel the uses of methomyl on barley, oat and rye. No comments were received. The nationwide agricultural mitigation measures can be viewed in the risk mitigation decision document available at EPA-HQ-OPP-2010-0751 atwww.regulations.gov .
Learn more about methomyl: http://www2.epa.gov/ingredients-used-pesticide-products/methomyl
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EPA Recognizes Dallas Stars for Reducing Food Waste
From EPA:
DALLAS – (Jan. 29, 2015) The U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) recently recognized the Dallas Stars of the National Hockey League for the team’s achievements in reducing food waste. The Stars participated in EPA’s Food Recovery Challenge, which encourages organizations and businesses to save money, help communities, and protect the environment by preventing and reducing food waste.
EPA Recognizes Dallas Stars for Reducing Food Waste
DALLAS – (Jan. 29, 2015) The U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) recently recognized the Dallas Stars of the National Hockey League for the team’s achievements in reducing food waste. The Stars participated in EPA’s Food Recovery Challenge, which encourages organizations and businesses to save money, help communities, and protect the environment by preventing and reducing food waste.
“The Dallas Stars have created a winning scenario off the ice by turning excess food into an asset for the community,” said Regional Administrator Ron Curry. “Through their donations, the Stars are feeding those in need and reducing waste sent to landfills.”
During 2013, the Stars diverted over 2.9 tons of excess food to area food banks and shelters. In addition to providing food for people in need, the donations also meant the food was not sent to a landfill to decay and produce greenhouse gas emissions.
EPA officials will present a certificate of achievement to the Stars and representatives from the American Airlines Center at an upcoming Stars’ home game. EPA Region 6 has also recognized significant achievement in the Food Recovery Challenge by the University of Texas at Austin, the University of Texas at Arlington, and University of Arkansas-Fayetteville.
Nationwide, wasted food contributes a significant amount to landfills—more than 36 million tons in 2011 alone. As the food decomposes, it creates methane, a potent greenhouse gas with 21 times the global warming potential of carbon dioxide. By donating excess food instead, businesses, schools, and organizations can help the environment while providing safe and healthy meals to some of the 50 million Americans who do not have access to enough food.
Love of sports is something millions of Americans share. Across the country, teams and fans are channeling that enthusiasm into protecting our communities by greening sports — saving energy, cutting waste and cleaning up pollution. To learn more about how to show your commitment to the environment, a goal that has many benefits, visit:http://www2.epa.gov/green-sports
More about the Food Recovery Challenge, and how your organization can join:
Connect with EPA Region 6:
On Twitter: https://twitter.com/EPAregion6
# # #
Farm Bill Program Helps Improve Water Quality in the Delaware River Watershed
From USDA:
Deputy Under Secretary Ann Mills announces Farm Bill funding support to improve water quality in the Delaware River Basin. NRCS photo.
The Delaware River watershed is one of our nation’s most treasured resources. It is home to more than 7 million people and the water supply for more than 15 million in New York, Pennsylvania, New Jersey and Delaware. An historic new Farm Bill program at USDA’s Natural Resources Conservation Service (NRCS) will help farmers and local leaders make investments to keep the watershed healthy and vibrant for years to come.
Secretary Vilsack recently announced the recipients of the 2014 Regional Conservation Partnership Program (RCPP) awards. This new program will invest $1.2 billion over five years in innovative, partner-driven strategies to protect air and water quality, make more efficient use of water resources, restore habitat and protect open spaces. This year’s RCPP awards nation-wide total more than $370 million dollars. Counting the dollar-for-dollar partner match, almost three quarters of a billion dollars will be invested in private land conservation through the RCPP.
The first year of RCPP was extremely competitive with more than 600 initial proposals submitted. Three Delaware River watershed proposals were among the 115 awardees, which is a testament to the strength of their partnerships and strategies. They will receive a total of $15.2 million to install conservation practices and acquire easements in northeastern Pennsylvania, New Jersey and New York. The results will include cleaner water, healthier habitat for fish and wildlife, and preservation of working agricultural and forest lands.
I had the pleasure of traveling to Pennsylvania to deliver the good news to the three winners: the Delaware River Watershed Working Lands Conservation and Protection Partnership ($13 million); Productive Farms and Clean Streams for Berks and Chester Counties ($1.5 million); and the Delaware Bay Soil and Water Quality Protection Initiative ($700,000). These dollars will provide grants and easements and in-kind services such as outreach and technical assistance to producers for the installation of conservation and restoration practices that include filter strips, conservation buffers and cover crops. These efforts will reduce soil erosion and runoff of nutrients, improve forest health and control invasive species.
Their work will make a real difference to communities up and down a watershed that spans 330 miles from the Catskills to the Atlantic. Its forested, agricultural and urban landscapes provide recreation, fisheries, wildlife, energy, industry and navigation. Roughly 1,000 community water systems rely on the watershed for drinking water.
By leveraging public and private investments, RCPP is changing the approach to conservation all across the country. These partnerships empower communities to set priorities and lead the way on conservation efforts important for their region.
RCPP is a great example of government working to support local priorities.
USDA’s Natural Resources Conservation Service administers RCPP, which directs funding to state-level and multi-state projects as well as projects in critical conservation areas.
Another round of funding will be announced later in the year. To learn more about the Regional Conservation Partnership Program and to see a list of this year’s projects, visit www.nrcs.usda.gov.
Rare Sierra Red Fox
From the U.S. Department of the Interior:
Big news: The rare Sierra Nevada red fox was recently spotted in Yosemite National Park in California. The confirmed sighting, which was captured with a remote motion-sensitive camera, is the first time this species of fox has been seen in Yosemite National Park in nearly 100 years. The Sierra Nevada red fox of California is one of the rarest mammals in North America, likely consisting of fewer than 50 individuals. National Park Service photo. — at Yosemite National Park.
Big news: The rare Sierra Nevada red fox was recently spotted in Yosemite National Park in California. The confirmed sighting, which was captured with a remote motion-sensitive camera, is the first time this species of fox has been seen in Yosemite National Park in nearly 100 years. The Sierra Nevada red fox of California is one of the rarest mammals in North America, likely consisting of fewer than 50 individuals. National Park Service photo. — at Yosemite National Park.
Wednesday, January 28, 2015
EPA and DOE to Resolve Hanford Hazardous Waste Violations
From EPA:
EPA and DOE to Resolve Hanford Hazardous Waste Violations
Contact: Mark MacIntyre/EPA-Seattle 206-553-7302/macintyre.mark@epa.gov
(Seattle, WA – January 28, 2015) The U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) and the U.S. Department of Energy (US DOE) have resolved alleged violations of hazardous waste requirements at the Hanford Site near Richland, Washington.
By ensuring that hazardous waste management is conducted in accordance with all applicable requirements, EPA helps protect cleanup workers, first responders and the public from unnecessary exposure to hazardous chemicals. This action also protects the environment by ensuring proper cleanup and closure of hazardous waste storage sites.
The Consent Agreement and Final Order, signed by EPA and US DOE today, addresses two independent Resource Conservation and Recovery Act violations, which occurred in 2013.
In the first case, EPA alleged that US DOE moved 136 fifty-five gallon drums of hazardous waste from a permitted area to an unpermitted area, without seeking or obtaining the required permit authorization.
In the second case, US DOE submitted a closure plan (in October, 2013) for eight storage units that lacked all the required information as required under an earlier settlement. The plan did not detail how and when any remaining waste and contamination would be removed and disposed of as the project was completed. US DOE is now working with the Washington Department of Ecology to amend the plan to include the needed closure information.
As part of this agreement, US DOE will pay a $44,722 penalty.
For more about EPA’s RCRA & TSCA enforcement role at the Hanford Reservation: http://go.usa.gov/eXDF
For more about EPA’s Superfund cleanup role at the Hanford Reservation:http://yosemite.epa.gov/r10/cleanup.nsf/sites/Hanford
Odebrecht USA, in Coral Gables, Fla. Among 14 WasteWise Participants Recognized for Reducing Waste
From EPA:
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
January 28, 2015
Odebrecht USA, in Coral Gables, Fla. Among 14 WasteWise Participants Recognized for Reducing Waste
Contact Information: Dawn Harris Young, EPA, (404) 562-8421 (Direct), (404) 562-8400 (Main), harris-young.dawn@epa.gov
January 28, 2015
Odebrecht USA, in Coral Gables, Fla. Among 14 WasteWise Participants Recognized for Reducing Waste
Contact Information: Dawn Harris Young, EPA, (404) 562-8421 (Direct), (404) 562-8400 (Main), harris-young.dawn@epa.gov
ATLANTA — Today, the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) recognized Odebrecht USA, in Coral Gables, Fla. as the WaterWise “Small Business Partner of the Year.” Nationally, 14 WasteWise participants, that include research institutes, retailers and local governments, were recognized. The WasteWise program helps organizations and businesses apply sustainable materials management practices to reduce municipal and industrial wastes.
WasteWise participants reported preventing and diverting a total of nearly 7.6 million tons of waste from being disposed in landfills or incinerators in 2013. This amount of waste diversion represents a reduction in greenhouse gases equivalent to taking more than 2.3 million passenger vehicles off the road for one year.
Organizations can join WasteWise as a partner, endorser, or both. Partners demonstrate how they reduce waste, practice environmental stewardship, and incorporate sustainable materials management into their waste-handling processes. Endorsers promote enrollment in WasteWise as part of a comprehensive approach to help their stakeholders realize the economic benefits to reducing waste.
Launched in 1994, WasteWise has become a mainstay in environmental stewardship and continues to evolve to address tomorrow’s environmental needs. For more information about the WasteWise Program, visit:http://www.epa.gov/waste/conserve/smm/wastewise/
Connect with EPA Region 4 on Facebook: www.facebook.com/eparegion4
And on Twitter: @USEPASoutheast
###
EPA Recognizes Outstanding Food Recovery Challenge and WasteWise Program Participants
From EPA:
Release Date: 01/28/2015
EPA Recognizes Outstanding Food Recovery Challenge and WasteWise Program Participants
Food Recovery Challenge Participants Alone Diverted 370,000 Tons of Wasted Food from Landfills
WASHINGTON — Today, the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) recognizes the accomplishments of organizations and businesses participating in EPA's Food Recovery Challenge and WasteWise program for reducing their climate footprint, improving efficiency, helping communities and achieving cost savings through waste reduction. These programs save money, protect the environment and feed the hungry.
“In 2013, EPA's Food Recovery Challenge participants diverted more than 370,000 tons of wasted food from entering landfills or incinerators. Of this total, more than 36,000 tons of food was donated to feed people in need, which equates to nearly 56 million meals,” said Mathy Stanislaus, assistant administrator for EPA's Office of Solid Waste and Emergency Response. “I commend the efforts of our award winners and encourage others to follow their lead by joining the Food Recovery Challenge. These leaders demonstrate that protecting the environment, saving money and feeding the hungry can go hand in hand.”
The U.S. Department of Agriculture estimates that wasted food costs America more than $165 billion annually and that the average family of four throws away $1,600 of food each year. The Food Recovery Challenge participants and endorsers, through innovation and hard work, have greatly reduced wasted food. Food pantries, food rescue programs, local food banks, soup kitchens and shelters are benefitting from donations of wholesome and nutritious food — helping feed people, not landfills.
EPA presented 23 awards to Food Recovery Challenge participants and endorsers in two categories: data-driven and narrative. The data-driven award recipients achieved the highest percentage of wasted food diversion and prevention. The narrative award winners excelled in areas of source reduction, leadership, innovation, education and outreach, and endorsement.
Food Recovery Challenge participants include groups such as grocers, educational institutions, sports and entertainment venues, and hospitality businesses. Participants are not only benefitting their bottom line, they are reducing hunger through innovative community partnerships.
Today, EPA also recognized 14 WasteWise participants, which include research institutes, retailers and local governments. The WasteWise program helps organizations and businesses apply sustainable materials management practices to reduce municipal and industrial wastes.
WasteWise participants reported preventing and diverting a total of nearly 7.6 million tons of waste from being disposed in landfills or incinerators in 2013. This amount of waste diversion represents a reduction in greenhouse gases equivalent to taking more than 2.3 million passenger vehicles off the road for one year.
2014 Food Recovery Challenge Awardees:
California
- Theme Park, Facility Winner, Disneyland Resort
- Source Reduction, Winner, University of California, Irvine
Illinois
- Convention Center, Facility Winner, Savor McCormick Place West
- Other Sector, Facility Winner, MB Financial Park at Rosemont/Village of Rosemont
- Leadership, Honorable Mention, Savor…Chicago at McCormick Place
- Education and Outreach, Honorable Mention, Savor…Chicago at McCormick Place
Massachusetts
- College and University, Winner, Worcester State University
- College and University, Honorable Mention, Wellesley College
New Hampshire
- Other Sector, Facility Honorable Mention, Parkland Medical Center
New Jersey
- Grocer, Corporate Winner, Supermarkets of Cherry Hill, ShopRite
- Grocer, Facility Winner, Supermarkets of Cherry Hill, ShopRite: Marlton Supermarkets, Inc.
- Grocer, Facility Honorable Mention, Supermarkets of Cherry Hill, ShopRite: Union Mill Road, Mt. Laurel
New York
- Sports and Entertainment Venues, Corporate Winner, National Hockey League
- Hotel, Resort & Lodging, Facility Winner, Intercontinental New York Barclay
Nevada
- Hotel, Resort & Lodging, Corporate Winner, MGM Resorts International: Las Vegas
- Hotel, Resort & Lodging, Facility Honorable Mention, MGM Resorts International: MGM Grand, Las Vegas
Ohio
- Source Reduction, Honorable Mention, Kroger’s
- Leadership, Winner, Kroger’s
- Innovation, Winner, Kroger’s
- Education and Outreach, Winner, Kroger’s
Oregon
- Endorser, Honorable Mention, LeanPath
Pennsylvania
- Endorser, Winner, Pennsylvania Environmental Resource Consortium
Tennessee
- Sports Venue, Facility Winner, National Hockey League: Nashville Predators; Bridgestone Arena
2014 WasteWise Program Awardees:
California
- Small Business, Honorable Mention: Command Packaging
- Federal Government, Partner of the Year: Presidio Trust
Connecticut
- Non-Profit Organization, Honorable Mention: Norwalk Hospital
Florida:
- Small Business, Partner of the Year: Odebrecht USA
Illinois
- Large Business, Partner of the Year: Commonwealth Edison Company
- Local Government, Partner of the Year: City of Urbana
Indiana
- Mid-Size Business, Honorable Mention: Madison Precision Products
Maine
- College/University, Partner of the Year: University of Southern Maine
Massachusetts
- Non-Profit Organization, Partner of the Year: Dana-Farber Cancer Institute
New York
- College/University, Honorable Mention: University of Rochester
- Endorser of the Year, Narrative Award: Exel Lockport
Texas
- Mid-Size Business, Partner of the Year: FRITO-LAY
Virginia
- Local Government, Honorable Mention: City of Chesapeake Garage
Wisconsin
- Very Large Business, Partner of the Year: Kohl’s Department Stores
For more information about the Food Recovery Challenge, visit: http://www.epa.gov/foodrecoverychallenge/
For more information about the WasteWise Program, visit: http://www.epa.gov/waste/conserve/smm/wastewise/
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EPA and CEQ Open Application Period for National Environmental Educator Award
From EPA:
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
January 28, 2015
EPA and CEQ Open Application Period for National Environmental Educator Award
WASHINGTON- Today, the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA), in partnership with the White House Council on Environmental Quality (CEQ), will announce the opening of the application period for 2014-2015 Presidential Innovation Award for Environmental Educators (PIAEE). EPA and CEQ administer this award to honor, support and encourage educators who incorporate environmental education in their classrooms and teaching methods. Applications will be accepted through March 13, 2015.
This award recognizes outstanding kindergarten through grade 12 teachers who employ innovative approaches to environmental education and use the environment as a context for student learning. Up to two teachers from each of EPA's 10 regions, from different states, will be selected to receive this award.
Winning teachers will receive an award of up to $2,500 to further the recipient's professional development in environmental education. The teacher's local education agency will also receive an award of up to $2,500 to fund environmental educational activities and programs.
For more information and to apply, visit: http://www2.epa.gov/education/presidential-innovation-award-environmental-educators .
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