tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-37495584194145389042024-02-20T16:13:41.640-08:00The "Real World" of Environmental ConsultingI am an Environmental Consultant..an Environmental Scientist if you will. When I tell people this they automatically think that I am a vegan and belong to Greenpeace. In reality, I like a good medium steak, I stay away from groups such as Greenpeace or the Sierra Club, and work in a world that is more steeped in science and research than anything else. This blog is about the "Real World" of Environmental Consulting....Texas Style.Who am I?http://www.blogger.com/profile/15460120754752076675noreply@blogger.comBlogger27125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3749558419414538904.post-77588847418675022712012-03-15T08:56:00.003-07:002012-03-15T08:56:55.585-07:00UPDATESSorry I have been away! But I am back:<br />
<br />
Meetings: NTAEP is meeting Next Wednesday at the Spring Creek BBQ in Irving, Texas. Speaker and topic:<br />
<br />
<div class="MsoPlainText" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;">
<span style="font-family: Calibri;">Barbara Koerble, AICP, CFM<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span><o:p></o:p></span></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoPlainText" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;">
<span style="font-family: Calibri;"><strong><em>North Texas: A Green Future?<o:p></o:p></em></strong></span></div>
<o:p><span style="font-family: Calibri;"> </span></o:p><br />
<span style="font-family: Calibri;">Vision North Texas is an award winning partnership of
private, public, and academic organizations that has held stakeholder workshops
throughout the 16-county North Texas region to find out what people think about
our region's future. Through Vision North Texas, leaders and experts around the
region have worked together to imagine a future that is better than ‘business
as usual’. North Texas 2050 is a major new ‘gamebook’ for our region that was
released at the Regional Summit 2010.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>In
addition, North Texas 2050<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>has been
shaped by research and the experience of experts in transportation, land use
and development, housing, the environment, health and all the other issues that
will determine how livable and successful North Texas will be in the coming
decades.<o:p></o:p></span><br />
<br />
<div class="MsoPlainText" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;">
<o:p><span style="font-family: Calibri;"> </span></o:p><span style="font-family: Calibri;">How can we ensure that North Texas retains its green
spaces, clean air and water amidst expanding development and a rapidly growing
population? Retaining and managing natural areas is one of the five major
policy areas in North Texas 2050. "Greenprinting" is one strategy for
identifying high-priority natural areas for preservation, so they can serve as
prototypes for an emerging Regional Ecosystem Framework.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Low Impact Development (LID)is another
strategy that will be featured in an upcoming North Texas competition. The
presentation will address other area initiatives to protect north Texas
watersheds, tree canopies and ecosystems. <o:p></o:p></span></div>Who am I?http://www.blogger.com/profile/15460120754752076675noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3749558419414538904.post-71416409573484359642012-01-13T12:09:00.001-08:002012-01-13T12:09:10.173-08:00Another Meeting Annoucement!The Fort Worth Chapter of STEP will be meeting January 27th!<br />
<br />
Topic: The Texas Drought - How Much Longer and What to do?<br />
Speaker: Ms. Rebecca Miller, Chief meteorologist Channel 33 News<br />
<br />
Date: January 27th<br />
Time: 11:30 am - 1pm<br />
Cost: Members: $17, nonmembers: $23, Students- $15<br />
<br />
Location: Joe T Garcia's Mexican Restaurant, 2201 North Commerce Street, Fort Worth, Texas. The La Puertita Building across the street from the main restaurant.Who am I?http://www.blogger.com/profile/15460120754752076675noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3749558419414538904.post-39495737675992497282012-01-10T06:54:00.001-08:002012-01-10T07:02:35.073-08:00Another Meeting Announcement & MoreThe Gulf Coast Environmental Affairs Group (GCEAC) will have their quarterly meeting on:<br />
<br />
January 12, 2012 (Thursday) at the Double Tree Hotel-Downtown in Houston, Texas<br />
<br />
RSVP is required. Check out their page!<br />
<br />
<a href="http://gceag.org/">http://gceag.org</a><br />
<br />ALSO:<br />
<br />
The deadline for the EPA proposals for Urban Waters Small Grants are due on January 23, 2012. The EPA is expected to award between $1.8 to $3.8 million in funding to help restore urban waters by improving water quality and support community revitalization.<br />
<br />
The Environmental Regulatory Compliance Conference (Hosted by the Louisiana Municipal Association, Louisiana Department of Environmental Quality, Department of Health and Hospitals, and Departments of Agriculture and Forestry) will be January 25-26 at the Alexandra Riverfront Conference Center.<br />
<br />
<a href="http://www.cityofalexandriala.com/erccla">http://www.cityofalexandriala.com/erccla</a><br />
<br />
check it out...Who am I?http://www.blogger.com/profile/15460120754752076675noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3749558419414538904.post-57368127790601877502012-01-10T06:32:00.000-08:002012-01-10T06:32:21.663-08:00Meetings and suchDon't forget that today is the:<br />
<br />
DALLAS STEP Meeting!<br />
Holiday Inn Express<br />
Richardson, Texas<br />
<br />
11:30 am til 1 pm<br />
<br />
Speaker is Cindy Bishop<br />
Topic is : Hydraulic Fracturing - Myths and Maneuvers<br />
<br />
<br />
ALSO, don't forget that NTAEP is next week on Wednesday January 18, 2012<br />
<br />
Spring Creek BBQ<br />
Beltline and 183 in Irving, Texas<br />
<br />
11:30 am til 1 pm<br />
<br />
Speaker is Nina Hutton from XTO/Exxon Mobil<br />
Check out there new webpage too! <a href="http://www.ntaep.org/">www.ntaep.org</a><br />
I like it. They also have a facebook page and a linkedin group now too. It seems that they finally realized that they need to be more technology savvy. Kudos NTAEP.<br />
<br />
Also WE (Women in the Environment) has a meeting coming up as well.<br />
Tuesday January 17<br />
11am til 1 pm<br />
Facility Tour & Lunch at the Lighting Resources Texas.<br />
<br />
Check them out. <a href="http://womenintheenvironment.org/">http://womenintheenvironment.org</a><br />Who am I?http://www.blogger.com/profile/15460120754752076675noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3749558419414538904.post-50153409248943489902012-01-06T07:15:00.000-08:002012-01-06T07:15:03.076-08:00I'm BACK with more meeting notifications!I am back after a bit of a break. Sorry for those of you who missed me! Lets get down to business!<br />
<br />
<strong>Dallas STEP Meeting Tuesday January 10th.</strong><br />
Speaker: Ms. Cindy Bishop, Environmental Attorney, C Bishop Law PC<br />
Topic: Hydraulic Fracturing - Myths and Maneuvers<br />
Location: Holiday Inn - Richardson, 1655 North Central Expressway, Richardson Texas 75080<br />
Time: 11:30 am<br />
Cost: $21 for members, $26 for nonmembers<br />
<br />
RSVP to Nicole Callahan at <a href="mailto:nichole.callahan@tradebe.com">nichole.callahan@tradebe.com</a><br />
<br />
<strong>NTAEP Meeting Wednesday January 18th!</strong><br />
Speaker: Exxon Mobil (actual speaker name TBA)<br />
Topic: TBA (but since it is Exxon Mobil I am going to assume oil and gas related)<br />
Location: Spring Creek BBQ in Irving Texas (Beltline and Hwy 183)<br />
Time: 11:30 am<br />
Cost: $15 for members, $20 for nonmembers<br />
ADDITIONALLY: 2012 Memberships are due!!! AND checkout their new website! <a href="http://www.ntaep.org/">www.ntaep.org</a><br />
<br />
JOB LISTINGS:<br />
<br />
EPA has two job listings in the DALLAS FORT WORTH AREA! check it out on <a href="http://www.usajobs.com/">www.usajobs.com</a><br />
<br />
<br />Who am I?http://www.blogger.com/profile/15460120754752076675noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3749558419414538904.post-46428217943362784922011-11-18T08:21:00.001-08:002011-11-18T08:22:52.018-08:00GHG Permit Issued to a Texas CompanyI don't know if you know about the issues regarding the GHG permitting issues in Texas. Well it seems that the EPA has issued the very first Texas GHG Permit fo rthe Lower Colorado River Authority Thomas C Ferguson Power Plant in Llano County, Texas. LCRA is in the process of modernizing and expanding its plant. It is replacing its older units with new more efficient ones and a natural gas powered unit as well. <br />
<br />
It took about 8 months to get.<br />
<br />
EPA is currently reviewing 10 other GHG permits for Texas.<br />
<br />
Is this a sign of some resolve on the whole who permits what issues for Texas?Who am I?http://www.blogger.com/profile/15460120754752076675noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3749558419414538904.post-88044954716496745462011-10-17T09:43:00.000-07:002011-10-17T09:43:03.184-07:00Rick Perry is an @$$<a href="http://news.yahoo.com/perry-slashed-environmental-enforcement-texas-080755432.html">http://news.yahoo.com/perry-slashed-environmental-enforcement-texas-080755432.html</a><br />
<br />
Here is the source of my vent.<br />
<br />
According to Yahoo - Perry has made the State of Texas one of the most industry friendly states in teh nation environmentally. Why? Well, let's make a list:<br />
<br />
- Cut funding for clean air programs<br />
- sued EPA to avoid enforcing clean air laws<br />
- Cut TCEQ budget from 833.3 million to 565.5 million over the next two years<br />
<br />
He targets everyone who supports or puts in place stricter environmental standards. He thinks that Obama's plans are a radical agenda and Perry plans on "killing" the EPA if he becomes president.<br />
<br />
Rick Perry is quoted as saying "<em>Our nation does not need costly new federal restrictions, espcially during our present economic crisis</em>". Well, the EPA isn't the only one's putting out new federal restrictions. What is his next plan? Targeting OSHA? Maybe he'll be part of that movement that believes that Chysotile Asbestos isn't harmful..that it is all the OTHER types of asbestos that is.<br />
<br />
Perry is using the EPA as his soapbox for his presidential campaign. Even though I am a Texan, I can no longer support this man in any way, shape or form. <br />
<br />
Perry blames enviornmental regulations for the lack and loss of jobs but there is little to no real evidence that the job market is any worse today than it has been historically because of the environmental regulations. Most economist believe that companies are not hiring because there isn't enough consumer demand for the product.<br />
<br />
Oh and then there is this:<br />
<br />
<em>"Another new measure made tightening air quality permits on the oil and gas industry more difficult. That law, which Perry signed in June, requires the Texas environmental agency to analyze the effect of new regulation on the economy — including how it might hurt a company — before implementation. The economic impact could override the environmental benefit of the new regulation."</em><br />
<br />
and this:<br />
<br />
<em>"..... the EPA became so frustrated with how Texas was enforcing air quality laws that it took away the commission's authority to grant air pollution permits to some refineries. The state has filed suit to go back to the old rules."</em><br />
<br />
So you want to blame someone for the EPA coming down on Texas? Blame Perry.<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />Who am I?http://www.blogger.com/profile/15460120754752076675noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3749558419414538904.post-28625848006308574752011-10-14T06:44:00.000-07:002011-10-14T06:44:58.452-07:00Rick Perry - Energy Plan to Creat 1.2 Million JobsThis isn't really environmental but it plays into it very nicely.....<br />
<br />
Rick Perry will propose a sweeping energy plan today, which will expand oil and gas exploration while also spurring an economic boom that he believes will create 1.2 million jobs. (he actually says American jobs but we'll see).<br />
<br />
His plan is to make "<em>what Americans buy. Buy what Americans make</em>". I actually agree with this. I usually try to buy American but I don't always have that option.<br />
<br />
There is supposedly two phases to this:<br />
<br />
1. The Energizing American Jobs & Security Plan<br />
2. Taxes and federal spending<br />
<br />
Perry wants to expand energy exploration and production on federal lands in areas like Alaska and the Mountain West, as well as, permitting more offshore drilling in the Gulf and Atlantic. However, he would still uphold the ban on drilling in the Florida Everglades (how nice of him...)<br />
<br />
He plans to strip the EPA mandates and regulations currently impairing the energy sector (as he calls it) and limit the ability of environmental activists to use the courts to interfere in the movement of key energy projects.<br />
<br />
Wonder why Rick Perry is blaming everything on the EPA?Who am I?http://www.blogger.com/profile/15460120754752076675noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3749558419414538904.post-68523030462810461442011-10-13T06:53:00.000-07:002011-10-13T06:53:50.187-07:00Clean Air Through Energy Efficiency ConferenceThere will be a Clean Air Through Energy Efficiency Conference on November 809, 2011 in Dallas, Texas at the Sheraton Dallas North Hotel.<br />
<br />
<a href="http://catee.tamu.edu/home">http://catee.tamu.edu/home</a><br />
<br />
Dr. Armendariz will be speaking the first day about the legislative outcomes from the 82nd Texas Legislature.<br />
<br />Who am I?http://www.blogger.com/profile/15460120754752076675noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3749558419414538904.post-50639518155696670992011-10-13T06:49:00.000-07:002011-10-13T06:49:13.931-07:00Drinking Water Advisory Work GroupThe DWAWG will be meeting on October 25, 2011 from 9am until 12pm at the TCEQ Campus.<br />
<br />
They will be discussing updates on rules and initiatives for Public Drinking Water programs. This includes revisions to concepts for harvesting rainwater, interconnection of the harvesting system with the public water supply, backflow prevention, and other conditions for using that rainwater as a supply of potable water.<br />
<br />
Contact Elston Johnson (512) 239-4691 for more information.Who am I?http://www.blogger.com/profile/15460120754752076675noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3749558419414538904.post-83243048766694262352011-10-11T07:17:00.000-07:002011-10-11T07:18:46.318-07:00TODAYSociety of Texas Environmental Professionals (STEP) meeting today. 11:30am. Holiday Inn off of 75 in Richardson, Texas. Speaker: Mr. Ed Ireland, executive director of Barnett Shale energy Education Council. Topic: Update on the Barnett Shale.<br />
<br />
I'll be there. Will you?<br />
<br />
<br />
Also, just tried to get onto the TCEQ website and am getting the Service Temporarily Unavailable message. Is anyone else getting this message?Who am I?http://www.blogger.com/profile/15460120754752076675noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3749558419414538904.post-53697248469367825762011-10-07T08:16:00.000-07:002011-10-07T08:16:54.020-07:00Events in TexasToday there is an El Paso Environmental Summit Meeting (Commissioner Shaw will be there).<br />
October 20, there will be a Laredo Summit Meeting.<br />
<br />
These summit meetings purpose is to bring together the public, political leaders, neighborhood associations, nonprofits, businesses, and students to identify environmental issues, identify solutions, and implement those solutions. You have to register to attend these events. Be aware and attend any in your area!<br />
<br />
October 25 - Drinking Water Advisory Work Group is meeting!<br />
<br />
October 26-27 - Advanced Air Permitting seminar and Oil and Gas facilities Workshop is happening! Cost $100 if you register early.<br />
<br />
October 28 - Valley Environmental Summit MeetingWho am I?http://www.blogger.com/profile/15460120754752076675noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3749558419414538904.post-8250293377337119602011-10-07T08:10:00.000-07:002011-10-07T08:10:50.551-07:00Bad Science?The TCEQ, more specifically Dr. Bryan Shaw (TCEQ Chairman), says that bad science is to blame for Texas's latest challenge to the EPA. What are we talking about here again? the CSAPR (Cross-State Air Pollution Rule). Dr. Shaw states that the last-minute inclusion of the state in the sulfur dioxide portion of the rule is based on modeling that says that an Illinois monitor, located adjacent to a steel mill, shows a "theoretical reading" that is slightly above attainment. Data from 2009 shows that this monitor is meeting the federal air quality standards today.<br />
<br />
Technically, the EPA CSAPR doesn't go into effect until march 2013. However, Dr. Shaw says that fines and criminal penalties for noncompliance will be based on operations starting in January of 2012.<br />
<br />
I plan to pull the actually publications about this because I am on the fence. Is the EPA targeting Texas because of past legal issues and ...uh hmmm.. comments and threats from Perry? or is there an actual issues that needs to be address. If you have an opinion. Let me know!Who am I?http://www.blogger.com/profile/15460120754752076675noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3749558419414538904.post-24132584241438644582011-10-04T12:14:00.000-07:002011-10-04T12:14:29.467-07:00A day late and a dollar shortWell, if you are in the Dallas Fort Worth Area...today and tomorrow the TCEQ is putting on Workshops on Pollution Prevention (P2) Planning. These workshops help industries comply with the Waste Reduction Policy Act to save money by reducing or minimizing waste. There will also be one in Houston in December (December 6-7) to be exact. However, these are offered by UTA and will cost you (where as if the TCEQ puts something on it is free). Keep that in mind!Who am I?http://www.blogger.com/profile/15460120754752076675noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3749558419414538904.post-64886006614999732152011-09-19T07:06:00.000-07:002011-09-19T07:06:06.437-07:00Libby Montana settlement approved!A $43 million settlement has finally been approved by a Montana court. For what? For asbestos exposure from the former W.R. Grace Mine. <br />
<br />
Here is some history about the mine:<br />
<br />
The mine was located in Libby, Montana. It produced vermiculite, which was used as a popular home insulation. Approximately 0% of vermiculite used in the USE for the past eight decades came from Libby and ALL of it was contaminated by asbestos.<br />
<br />
Supposedly 1,300 people will receive payouts from this settlement (which was approved on Friday).<br />
<br />
The majority of the people who were impacted by this are over the age of 65 and a large portion of them suffer from asbestosis. Asbestosis and other asbestos related diseases have extremely long latency periods so even now, people continue to be diagnosed decades after the mine has closed.<br />
<br />
This is the shining examples of asbestos and how in can impact a community. In almost all asbestos training classes Libby Montana is mentioned. <br />
<br />
Is this justice for those people? In a small way, sure. But what about those people's families? The wives and children who were exposed by a parent or a spouse who worked at the mine? Or the families exposed because they insulated their home with vermiculite?Who am I?http://www.blogger.com/profile/15460120754752076675noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3749558419414538904.post-84475951350548532222011-09-19T06:52:00.000-07:002011-09-19T06:52:33.489-07:00Superfund in TexasOn September 15, 2011, EPA added a new site to the National Priorities List, the Falcon Refinery in San Patricio County, Texas, they also proposed <span style="background-color: white;">the US Oil Recovery Site</span> in Pasadena, Texas to the NPL. <br />
<br />
The Falcon Refinery, which was also known as the National Oil Recovery Corporation site, consists of a refinery that has operated intermittently since the 1980's but is currently listed as inactive. The facility, when in operation, the capacity was 40,000 barrels per day and had primary products that consisted of naptha, jet fuel, kerosene, diesel and fuel oil. Wetlands that are located nearby have been impacted as well the Redfish Bay fishery and some other areas of potential habitat for the state and federal T&E. Fluoranthene, pyrene, chrysene, perylene, barium, manganese, and mercury were identified as released. <br />
<br />
The US Oil Recovery Site is listed as an inactive use oil processor and wastewater treatment facility on two parcels that are located in Pasadena, Texas. On site remaining hazardous waste consists of volatile organics, metals, and Mercury. Documented impacted to both the surface water and the sediment within Vince Bayou consisted of arsenic, barium, cobalt, manganese, mercury, silver, and vanadium.Who am I?http://www.blogger.com/profile/15460120754752076675noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3749558419414538904.post-75407747162219631232011-09-19T06:44:00.000-07:002011-09-19T06:44:34.815-07:00TCEQ responds to EPA and EPA responds as well...I told you that the fight was on......<br />
<br />
Today, EPA made several statements. EPA stated that "<em>Texas was treated no differently from any other state, claiming that Texas had the same opportunity to provide comments on the rule proposed as other (Group 2) states that must comply in 2012.</em>"<br />
<br />
TCEQ response:<br />
<br />
"<em><strong>The facts</strong>: The information provided to Texas and its regulated sources amounted to a general request for comments on Texas' possible inclusion. Every other state with the same compliance obligations was provided an emisison budget and a detailed rationale for its inclusion - Texas was not. EPA identified in these proposals the specifics of what monitor(s) were affected by these other states and by how much, as well as what quantity of emissions reductions would be necessary to comply with this regulation. Texas did not receive this information at proposal.</em>"<br />
<br />
The TCEQ also points out that the EPA wrongly stted that Texas' SO2 emissions have been reduced by 0.1 percent, when, in fact, from 1999 to 2009, SO2 emissions in the state of Texas have decreased by 44 percent and if you only look at electric generating units covered by the CSPAR, the total decrease was 32 percent from 1999 to 2009.<br />
<br />
The EPA's justification for including Texas in this rule, according ot the TCEQ, is a single (that is one people) linkage to a monitor in Granite City, Ill. (that was in attainment in 2009 and will aain be in attainment in 2014 without any additional reductions).<br />
<br />
The fight is on people. Who am I?http://www.blogger.com/profile/15460120754752076675noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3749558419414538904.post-67388202345608728152011-09-15T09:24:00.000-07:002011-09-15T09:24:46.472-07:00A Response from the EPA to Luminant!The EPA responded to Luminant's issued press release on September 11, 2011. In response the EPA stated that:<br />
<br />
"<em>The Cross State Air Pollution Rule (CSAPR) will prevent tens of thousands of premature deaths and thousands of asthma attacks by ensuring Americans do not have to breathe pollution emitted by facilities in other states.</em>"<br />
<br />
EPA stated that prior to announcing this rule, the EPA did extensive outreach to industry to ensure that there were several compliance options and that they were for weeks, working specifically with Luminant to make sure that they had options to meet these standards. EPA stated that they offered to share additional information that would show the potential for a no-shut down, no-layoff solution for statewide compliance. EPA is saying that Luminant leadership is rushing to a decision that needlessly puts their workers' jobs at risk.<br />
<br />
A copy of a letter to Mr. David Campbell (CEO of Luminant) from the EPA is located here:<br />
<br />
<a href="http://www.epa.gov/region6/6xa/pdf/david_campbell_letter_091111.pdf">http://www.epa.gov/region6/6xa/pdf/david_campbell_letter_091111.pdf</a><br />
<br />
<br />
Let's talk about this Cross-State Air Pollution Rule.<br />
<br />
First and foremost, this rule replaces the 2005 Clean Air Interstate Rule. CSAPR was was finalized on July 6, 2011. A brief overview of this is, CSAPR requires 27 states to significantly improve air quality by reducing power plant emissions that contribute to ozone and/or fine particle pollution in other states. (Come on Texas...you knew that this was going to apply to you....)<br />
<br />
This rule requires significant reductions in sulfur dioxide (SO2) and nitrogen oxide (NOx) emissions that cross state lines. Emission reduction take effect January 1, 2012 for SO2 and annual NOx reductions and May 1, 2012 for ozone season NOx reductions. By 2014, the CSAPR will reduce power plant SO2 emission by 73% and NOx emission by 54% from 2005 levels in CSAPR regions.<br />
<br />
While the EPA did more fast (in EPA standards) on this, it seems that no one was really caught unaware. <br />
<br />
Here is a link to the Federal Register:<br />
<br />
<a href="http://www.gpo.gov/fdsys/pkg/FR-2011-08-08/pdf/2011-17600.pdf">http://www.gpo.gov/fdsys/pkg/FR-2011-08-08/pdf/2011-17600.pdf</a><br />
<br />
and here a link with a little more history of this rule. EPA has a nice powerpoint presentation about it:<br />
<br />
<a href="http://www.epa.gov/crossstaterule/actions.html">http://www.epa.gov/crossstaterule/actions.html</a><br />
<br />
Back to Luminant now:<br />
<br />
Luminant filed suit against the EPA based on reading their press release:<br />
<br />
<a href="http://www.luminant.com/news/newsrel/detail.aspx?prid=1218">http://www.luminant.com/news/newsrel/detail.aspx?prid=1218</a><br />
<br />
Luminant's suit seeks to invalidate the CSAPR as to Texas. They have also presented an Operational Response plan. The CSAPR will cause Lumiant to alter/idle the operations at the Monticello Power Plan and supporting Thermo and Winfield mines in northeast Texas and at Big Brown Power Plant and its supporting mine in Freestone County, Texas. Check out the link for details.<br />
<br />
What do you think about this?<br />
<br />
Loren Steffy, Houston Chronicle stated in an article located at the below link:( <a href="http://www.chron.com/business/steffy/article/Steffy-Don-t-blame-EPA-over-Luminant-woes-2169208.php">http://www.chron.com/business/steffy/article/Steffy-Don-t-blame-EPA-over-Luminant-woes-2169208.php</a>) <br />
<br />
"<em>They are pawns in the ongoing charade of Texas' deregulated electricity market, which already has left generators financially weakened and consumers worrying about blackouts</em>"<br />
<br />
Steffy also calls the TCEQ "<em>loving lapdog of polluters</em>". Loren, that might have been a bit over kill. Obviously Mr. Steffy doesn't care for the TCEQ.<br />
<br />
Other columnist have also commented on this, such as Puneet Kollipara (<a href="http://www.mysanantonio.com/living_green_sa/article/Grid-official-Texas-electric-utilities-not-ready-2171465.php">http://www.mysanantonio.com/living_green_sa/article/Grid-official-Texas-electric-utilities-not-ready-2171465.php</a>)<br />
<br />
and Glenn Evans (<a href="http://www.mysanantonio.com/living_green_sa/article/Grid-official-Texas-electric-utilities-not-ready-2171465.php">http://www.mysanantonio.com/living_green_sa/article/Grid-official-Texas-electric-utilities-not-ready-2171465.php</a>).<br />
<br />
And Gov. Rick Perry: <br />
<a href="http://governor.state.tx.us/news/press-release/16589/">http://governor.state.tx.us/news/press-release/16589/</a><br />
<br />
except Perry blames the Obama Administration overall.<br />
<br />
It's going to be one hell of a fight. I'm not sure where I stand on this yet. Do you? What do you think?<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
Who am I?http://www.blogger.com/profile/15460120754752076675noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3749558419414538904.post-35656888616638480092011-09-15T07:12:00.001-07:002011-09-15T07:31:25.056-07:00EPA'S Rule cost 500 Texas Jobs?This was actually announced on September 12th but I've been a little busy.<br />
<br />
Here is the link:<br />
<a href="http://www.tceq.texas.gov/news/releases/091211luminantreact">http://www.tceq.texas.gov/news/releases/091211luminantreact</a><br />
<br />
Luminant stated that they will cut 500 jobs in Texas because of the EPA's new Cross-State Air Pollution Rules. Based on the announcement, these rules were imposed on Texas without appropriate notification and without the adequate scientific justification. Supposedly this offers very little to no positive environmental effects as well. I plan to look at this as well because I don't know if TCEQ is just mad at EPA or if EPA is mad at TCEQ....could be both.Who am I?http://www.blogger.com/profile/15460120754752076675noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3749558419414538904.post-57883467444842506062011-09-12T09:38:00.000-07:002011-09-12T09:38:43.928-07:00Texas ObserverThis is a little behind on the scoop but I just read an article written in the Texas Observer by Mr. Forrest Wilder.<br />
<br />
You can find the entire article here:<br />
<br />
<a href="http://www.texasobserver.org/forrestforthetrees/examining-rick-perrys-environmental-record">http://www.texasobserver.org/forrestforthetrees/examining-rick-perrys-environmental-record</a><br />
<br />
It is about Rick Perry's Environmental Record. He starts out with talking about Ken Kramer, the long-time head of the Lone Star Chapter of the Sierra Club. (oh and Observer..the pop up asking for donations is really really annoying as I jump from page to page making sure that what I write is correctly reference...just an FYI, good luck though with the fundraising..) Like I stated before, I stay away from the Sierra Club and Greenpeace and any other organization..we'll say for political reasons. Regardless, the article was interesting. I was more interested in the <em>"...defining environmental moments in Perry's gubernational career</em>". The Coal Candidate. I remember this vividly because Dallas's former Mayor Miller was such a vocal force against the TXU coal plants. The second was about the radioactive waste. What radioactive waste you ask? Those that were turned over to Waste Control Specialist, owned by Harold Simmons. Truthfully, I don't really have a lot of knowledge about the going ons with this, as I do not really deal with radioactive waste...at all. So I'm just stated what was in the article. I will be doing some more in depth reading about this to see what this is all about.<br />
<br />
The BIG last things was PERRY vs. EPA. This is a knock down drag out dirty fight. I've heard about it from both sides (having colleagues and friends for work for the TCEQ, EPA, and for the state of Texas). I have concerns on both sides of this case actually. In the last two years the NTAEP has tried to get both Gov. Perry and Dr. Armendariz to speak about this topic. NTAEP was told by the EPA that they would try to schedule NTAEP in. That was nearly two years ago, they never heard from the media guy again..... Gov. Perry's people responded once and tentatively scheduled a date only to never confirm or respond again. Odd yes? Like I said, I've got issues with both sides of this case.<br />
<br />
Do you think Perry, if he becomes President, will be more helpful or harmful to the EPA and to the Environmental Industry as a whole? <br />
<br />
I also have a challenge for both Gov. Perry and Dr. Armendariz. You should both try TALKING at these Environmental Professional Organizations that invite you... People just want answers and the more you dance around it, the more it hurts your image. Personally, I say the boot to both of them and let's start over with a clean slate. I can't get a straight answer from either one...Who am I?http://www.blogger.com/profile/15460120754752076675noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3749558419414538904.post-23032486491113292762011-09-09T07:08:00.000-07:002011-09-09T07:08:00.413-07:00National Registry of Environmental Professionals (NREP)It is that time of year again! NREP/OIP is having their annual conference and workshops! This year they will be in Las Vegas. (a pretty loud city for a bunch of scientist...) It will be at teh Riviera Hotel and Casion from October 3 til October 5, 2011. I went last year when they were in Dallas, Texas. (Plus if you attend the conference you get one licsence renewal for free!) I haven't really gone into detail in their conference speaker program yet, the way things are looking I doubt I will be attending this year. But generally, they seem to do a decent job with speakers and technical breakout sessions. Give it a look see.<br />
<br />
<a href="http://conference.nrep.org/">http://conference.nrep.org/</a><br />
Who am I?http://www.blogger.com/profile/15460120754752076675noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3749558419414538904.post-17590332880045607272011-09-09T07:03:00.000-07:002011-09-09T07:03:30.007-07:00Are you looking for a job?If you are looking for a job in the Environmental Industry and live in Dallas, Texas here is some news for you.<br />
<br />
Steven "Sam" Peacock, Environmental Manager for the City of Dallas Aviation Department out at Love Field Airport, will be retiring as of September 20, 2011. His position and a Noise Officer's position are going to be opening up. Keep an eye out for those to open up on the City of Dallas website.Who am I?http://www.blogger.com/profile/15460120754752076675noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3749558419414538904.post-67510040734860412452011-09-08T07:03:00.000-07:002011-09-08T07:03:05.834-07:00EPA Public Hearing on Proposed Rule to Reduce Air Pollution from the Oil and Natural Gas IndustryWhen: September 29, 2011<br />
Time: 9:00am until 8:00pm (all day and into the night - it is probably going to get very heated or it is going to be very quiet...)<br />
Location: 101 West Abram Street, Arlington, Texas<br />
<br />
<a href="http://www.regulations.gov/#!documentDetail;D=EPA-HQ-OAR-2010-0505-0002">Federal Register</a> Click the link to see the publication in the Federal Register. (Volume 76, Number 163, Tuesday August 23, 2011)<br />
<br />
Who am I?http://www.blogger.com/profile/15460120754752076675noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3749558419414538904.post-4100106610995093392011-09-08T06:56:00.000-07:002011-09-08T06:56:18.908-07:00Proposed Changes to Air Quality Permits Announced!This is a little behind the curve but better late than never. On Tuesday August 30, 2011 the TCEQ announced that it is publishing a proposed revision to permitting in the Texas Register amending the current non-rule standard permit for the construction and/or modification of oil and gas production facility. This non-rule came into effect on April 1, 2011. They were sure quick to make some changes. The commission is proposing a correction to the standard permit that would amend subsection (m), table 8 to remove unnecessary, repetivite languarge under the heading Control Devices, Control with process combustion or heating devices, and make other administrative, non-substantive corrections to number and references.<br />
<br />
You would think that they would have checked their grammer prior to finalizing this? It was a bit mind numbing to read. Have you read it? What do you think? <br />
<br />
Regardless, a public meeting wil be held on October 3, 2011 at 2pm at TCEQ Building E, Room 201S in Austin.Who am I?http://www.blogger.com/profile/15460120754752076675noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3749558419414538904.post-48502869224856177662011-09-08T06:51:00.000-07:002011-09-08T06:51:39.556-07:00TCEQ gets a Green LightI don't think the TCEQ gets enough credit for what ALL they have to do. Sure, they are, at times, a pain in the butt when dealing with VCP or APAR, but hey! that is their job. The TCEQ will get to continue onward for another 12 years, however, there was a $388 million dollar cut in the budget and full time employees were cut to 235. Several other actions were thrown into the pot as well:<br />
<br />
Texas Emissions Reduction Plan (TERP for all of you consultants out there) was potentially reduced by 50 percent. So around about $114 million BUT it also established three new grant programs to facilitate natural gas vehicles and infrastructure and a new air monitoring program in the Dallas-Fort Worth and the Abilene regions.<br />
<br />
Enforcement Policy - TCEQ is gonna have to adopt a general enforcement policy by rule.<br />
<br />
Penalties, TCEQ is going to have to increase the max penalty from $10,000 to $25,000 for most of the agency's areas of jurisdiction and is going to have to include a deterrent to prevent economic benefit from noncompliance. <br />
<br />
PSTs were appropriated $43.9 million (ever wonder why they didn't make it just a full $44 million? wouldn't that make for easier accounting?)<br />
<br />
<strong>CONTESTED CASE HEARING</strong> - this is a biggie (though not many people have voiced any concerns publicly) <em>"Other state agencies may NOT contest the issuance of a PERMIT or LICENSE by the commission, they they will continue to be allowed to provide comments."</em> OK, so WE can issuance a permit or a license and no one else can contest it....what it they write a rule that says WE can issue a permit or a license but THEY don't have to acknowledge it? Just saying... But this works in favor of Texas...<br />
<br />
Dam Regulations - (Damn those regulations...) - goal is to focus on the most hazardous dams in the state.<br />
<br />
MACT Permits - review process for permit-amendment applications submitted by electric generating facilities to solely comply with FEDERAL CAA MACT requirements...includes time lines<br />
<br />
Low-Level Radioactive Waste Disposal Compact Commission - sets annual limits on importation of waste from outside the compact states.<br />
<br />
Drought, Water Rights and Water masters - requires water-right holders to provide monthly water-rights report upon request during drought or emergency water shortages (I'm sure they'll love that). ALLOWS TCEQ to temporarily SUSPEND a water right and adjust the diversion of water during droughts or emergency water shortages (Sure they love that as well)...<br />
<br />
Groundwater-Protection Program - Transfers the authority for making groundwater-protection recommendations regarding oil and gas activities to the RRC.<br />
<br />
Oil and Gas Permitting Requirements - PROHIBITS the TCEQ from promulgating new or amend existing authorizations for the oil and gas industry without performing a regulatory impact analysis, extensive monitoring, and correlated monitoring.<br />
<br />
TV Recycling - creates a TV recycling program separate from and more extensive than the existing computer recycling program...Who am I?http://www.blogger.com/profile/15460120754752076675noreply@blogger.com0