05/03/2010 - WASHINGTON - It just got harder for a TV to earn the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency’s Energy Star. Starting May 1, 2010, TVs that carry the government’s Energy Star label are, on average, 40 percent more efficient than conventional models. Available in stores nationwide, the new TVs will help consumers save even more energy and money, reduce greenhouse gas emissions, and still deliver all the features and performance quality they expect.
The new requirements represent EPA’s most stringent Energy Star TV specification to date and are in keeping with the agency’s commitment to making Energy Star the most effective way for customers to identify products that save the most energy. Qualifying TVs now must use less energy when turned on, but still ensure a satisfactory level of brightness, and they must curb power associated with downloading program guide data.
With more than 19 million TVs with screens larger than 40 inches expected to ship to American homes in 2010, the new specifications also offer important savings in larger size TVs. For example, the new requirements for 46 and 50 inch TV models will deliver almost 50 percent savings over conventional models of the same size.
All this translates to big savings for consumers and the environment. If all televisions sold in the United States met the new Energy Star requirements, Americans would save $2.5 billion annually in energy costs while reducing annual greenhouse gas emissions equivalent to the emissions of about 3 million cars.
Tuesday, May 4, 2010
Puerto Rico Aqueduct and Sewer Authority to Spend More Than $195 Million on Improvements to 126 Drinking Water Plants
Will Pay $1 Million Civil Penalty and Undertake $2.5 Million Water Quality Project
May 4, 2010 - SAN JUAN—The Puerto Rico Aqueduct and Sewer Authority (PRASA) has agreed to implement major capital improvements and upgrades to resolve alleged longstanding violations of the Clean Water Act at 126 drinking water plants across the island and violations of the Safe Drinking Water Act at three others, the Justice Department and U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) announced today. Most of the communities served by the drinking water treatment plants that will be upgraded under the agreement are in low income communities.
The agreement, filed in federal court in the District of Puerto Rico, requires PRASA to implement measures to properly handle harmful pollution from 126 drinking water treatment plants that discharge into Puerto Rico’s lakes, rivers and streams, some of which are sources of drinking water. The work required by the agreement, when fully implemented by PRASA, is estimated to cost more than $195 million.
The announcement was made today by John Cruden, Deputy Assistant Attorney General for the Environment and Natural Resources Division of the U.S. Department of Justice, Rosa Rodriguez-Velez, U.S. Attorney for the District of Puerto Rico and Judith Enck, EPA Regional Administrator for Region 2.
PRASA will also pay a $1.02 million civil penalty and spend more than $2.5 million to improve the water quality of either Lake Toa Vaca or both Lake Toa Vaca and Lake Cidra. The consent decree filed today replaces two prior agreements between PRASA and the federal government, one from 1995 and one from 2001. It provides for a comprehensive and integrated set of measures aimed at ending PRASA’s cycle of past violations.
“Today’s settlement agreement sets the Puerto Rico Aqueduct and Sewer Authority on a clear path to improve the infrastructure of their facilities, reduce the amount of harmful pollutants entering the environment and ultimately provide safer drinking water to the people of Puerto Rico,” said Assistant Attorney General Ignacia S. Moreno.
“The long-overdue improvements that will result from this agreement will enhance water quality across Puerto Rico, especially in low income communities,” said EPA Regional Administrator Judith Enck. “Millions of pounds of potentially harmful pollutants will be kept out of Puerto Rico's lakes, rivers and streams, which means a healthier environment and improved public health.”
EPA estimates that the agreement will reduce by 15 million pounds annually the amount of suspended solids discharged into Puerto Rico’s lakes, rivers and streams, some of which are sources of drinking water. Suspended solids are small particles that can carry pathogens potentially harmful to human health and the environment, and can harm water quality by consuming oxygen.
EPA also estimates that discharges of residual chlorine will be reduced by 600,000 pounds per year and discharges of total phosphorous will be reduced by 250,000 pounds per year. Chlorine is used in the treatment process as a disinfectant and phosphorus is in the source water. Phosphorus comes from a number of sources, including fertilizers and detergents. Excess phosphorus in water can lead to significant water quality problems including harmful algal blooms, low oxygen levels, and declines in wildlife and wildlife habitat. Too much chlorine in drinking water can cause eye and nose irritation and stomach discomfort.
Under the consent decree, PRASA will implement multiple capital improvement projects and other upgrades at 126 drinking water treatment plants and related systems over the next 15 years. PRASA will complete 291 short-, mid-, and long-term capital improvement projects, which will include the construction of 34 treatment systems at facilities that currently are discharging untreated sludge into local waterways, installation of flow meters and high-level indicators at all PRASA facilities, improvements to sampling locations, capacity evaluations at over 50 facilities, implementation of an island-wide preventive maintenance program and facility operator training.
PRASA’s efforts to improve the water quality of either Lake Toa Vaca or both Lake Toa Vaca and Lake Cidra will address the growing amount of nutrients in the lakes, both of which are drinking water sources for portions of Puerto Rico. Increased levels of nutrients in water bodies can severely impact ecosystems and human health. As a supplemental environmental project, PRASA will set aside $2.2 million to design and construct an aeration system that will increase oxygen levels in the lakes and an additional $324,000 to operate and maintain the system. This project, when implemented, will enhance the condition of the aquatic ecosystem and restore the water quality of the lakes. A supplemental environmental project is an environmentally-beneficial project that a violator voluntarily agrees to undertake in a settlement and one the violator would not otherwise be required to perform
May 4, 2010 - SAN JUAN—The Puerto Rico Aqueduct and Sewer Authority (PRASA) has agreed to implement major capital improvements and upgrades to resolve alleged longstanding violations of the Clean Water Act at 126 drinking water plants across the island and violations of the Safe Drinking Water Act at three others, the Justice Department and U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) announced today. Most of the communities served by the drinking water treatment plants that will be upgraded under the agreement are in low income communities.
The agreement, filed in federal court in the District of Puerto Rico, requires PRASA to implement measures to properly handle harmful pollution from 126 drinking water treatment plants that discharge into Puerto Rico’s lakes, rivers and streams, some of which are sources of drinking water. The work required by the agreement, when fully implemented by PRASA, is estimated to cost more than $195 million.
The announcement was made today by John Cruden, Deputy Assistant Attorney General for the Environment and Natural Resources Division of the U.S. Department of Justice, Rosa Rodriguez-Velez, U.S. Attorney for the District of Puerto Rico and Judith Enck, EPA Regional Administrator for Region 2.
PRASA will also pay a $1.02 million civil penalty and spend more than $2.5 million to improve the water quality of either Lake Toa Vaca or both Lake Toa Vaca and Lake Cidra. The consent decree filed today replaces two prior agreements between PRASA and the federal government, one from 1995 and one from 2001. It provides for a comprehensive and integrated set of measures aimed at ending PRASA’s cycle of past violations.
“Today’s settlement agreement sets the Puerto Rico Aqueduct and Sewer Authority on a clear path to improve the infrastructure of their facilities, reduce the amount of harmful pollutants entering the environment and ultimately provide safer drinking water to the people of Puerto Rico,” said Assistant Attorney General Ignacia S. Moreno.
“The long-overdue improvements that will result from this agreement will enhance water quality across Puerto Rico, especially in low income communities,” said EPA Regional Administrator Judith Enck. “Millions of pounds of potentially harmful pollutants will be kept out of Puerto Rico's lakes, rivers and streams, which means a healthier environment and improved public health.”
EPA estimates that the agreement will reduce by 15 million pounds annually the amount of suspended solids discharged into Puerto Rico’s lakes, rivers and streams, some of which are sources of drinking water. Suspended solids are small particles that can carry pathogens potentially harmful to human health and the environment, and can harm water quality by consuming oxygen.
EPA also estimates that discharges of residual chlorine will be reduced by 600,000 pounds per year and discharges of total phosphorous will be reduced by 250,000 pounds per year. Chlorine is used in the treatment process as a disinfectant and phosphorus is in the source water. Phosphorus comes from a number of sources, including fertilizers and detergents. Excess phosphorus in water can lead to significant water quality problems including harmful algal blooms, low oxygen levels, and declines in wildlife and wildlife habitat. Too much chlorine in drinking water can cause eye and nose irritation and stomach discomfort.
Under the consent decree, PRASA will implement multiple capital improvement projects and other upgrades at 126 drinking water treatment plants and related systems over the next 15 years. PRASA will complete 291 short-, mid-, and long-term capital improvement projects, which will include the construction of 34 treatment systems at facilities that currently are discharging untreated sludge into local waterways, installation of flow meters and high-level indicators at all PRASA facilities, improvements to sampling locations, capacity evaluations at over 50 facilities, implementation of an island-wide preventive maintenance program and facility operator training.
PRASA’s efforts to improve the water quality of either Lake Toa Vaca or both Lake Toa Vaca and Lake Cidra will address the growing amount of nutrients in the lakes, both of which are drinking water sources for portions of Puerto Rico. Increased levels of nutrients in water bodies can severely impact ecosystems and human health. As a supplemental environmental project, PRASA will set aside $2.2 million to design and construct an aeration system that will increase oxygen levels in the lakes and an additional $324,000 to operate and maintain the system. This project, when implemented, will enhance the condition of the aquatic ecosystem and restore the water quality of the lakes. A supplemental environmental project is an environmentally-beneficial project that a violator voluntarily agrees to undertake in a settlement and one the violator would not otherwise be required to perform
Monday, May 3, 2010
NAS Pensacola Personnel Training for Oil Cleanup
By Airman Brinn Hefron, Naval Air Station Pensacola
May 3, 2010 - NAS PENSACOLA, Fla. (NNS) -- Sailors and Marines -- both officers and enlisted -- from Naval Air Station Pensacola have come together to prepare to clean up the aftermath of the Deepwater Horizon oil spill in the Gulf of Mexico April 20.
What was strictly a British Petroleum, its subcontractors and U.S. Coast Guard endeavor has now developed to include NASP-based military members if oil makes landfall on the base's shores.
"Fifty military personnel every two days are being trained to clean up beaches; that's going to be an ongoing process until we have enough people. We are not sure how many we will need, so we're training as many as we can," said Burt Fenters, emergency manager on board NASP.
The maximum class size has been established as 50 students, who began training Monday. These 50 students will finish the training May 5 at which point another class of 50 students will begin the training. These students are comprised of military personnel from various tenant school commands on NASP who are waiting to begin rate training.
"We're preparing to train a pool of people that can potentially perform or assist in beach cleanup," said Lt. Michael Frost, port operations officer on board NASP.
As of Monday, the oil spill was located between 50 and 100 miles southwest of the Pensacola, although with currents and winds the distance may change daily.
The class was taught by Amy Lee, an environmental trainer from Navy Facilities Southeast at NAS Jacksonville. In addition to that, the public works environmental department on board NAS Pensacola is trying to help and start another class, said Fenters.
The environmental department is removing other debris from the beaches on NASP. "The public works department is now cleaning the beaches on our entire 17 miles of shoreline," said Mark Gibson, Navy natural resources manager on board NASP. "This is important so that if we do have to clean up oil damage, at least we won't have lots of other contaminated debris."
May 3, 2010 - NAS PENSACOLA, Fla. (NNS) -- Sailors and Marines -- both officers and enlisted -- from Naval Air Station Pensacola have come together to prepare to clean up the aftermath of the Deepwater Horizon oil spill in the Gulf of Mexico April 20.
What was strictly a British Petroleum, its subcontractors and U.S. Coast Guard endeavor has now developed to include NASP-based military members if oil makes landfall on the base's shores.
"Fifty military personnel every two days are being trained to clean up beaches; that's going to be an ongoing process until we have enough people. We are not sure how many we will need, so we're training as many as we can," said Burt Fenters, emergency manager on board NASP.
The maximum class size has been established as 50 students, who began training Monday. These 50 students will finish the training May 5 at which point another class of 50 students will begin the training. These students are comprised of military personnel from various tenant school commands on NASP who are waiting to begin rate training.
"We're preparing to train a pool of people that can potentially perform or assist in beach cleanup," said Lt. Michael Frost, port operations officer on board NASP.
As of Monday, the oil spill was located between 50 and 100 miles southwest of the Pensacola, although with currents and winds the distance may change daily.
The class was taught by Amy Lee, an environmental trainer from Navy Facilities Southeast at NAS Jacksonville. In addition to that, the public works environmental department on board NAS Pensacola is trying to help and start another class, said Fenters.
The environmental department is removing other debris from the beaches on NASP. "The public works department is now cleaning the beaches on our entire 17 miles of shoreline," said Mark Gibson, Navy natural resources manager on board NASP. "This is important so that if we do have to clean up oil damage, at least we won't have lots of other contaminated debris."
State of the art equipment bridges the gap
3rd Wing Public Affairs
5/3/2010 - ELMENDORF AIR FORCE BASE, Alaska (AFNS) -- Army Corps of Engineers members along with members of the 84th Engineer Support Company, 6th Engineer Battalion, tested a new bridging system April 28, 2010, at Fort Richardson, Alaska, to help the military travel across a wide variety of terrain quickly.
Testing of the Lightweight Modular Causeway System took place over two days during Arctic Edge 2010, making it the first time this system has been used in this fashion.
"This bridge has been in development for almost six years," said Donald Resio, a senior scientist and technical manager for the development team. "The terrain, the unit and the exercise scenario are perfect to test the capabilities of this system."
The LMCS is a hybrid fixed bridging system and floating causeway system. It consists of 10 by 20 foot modular sections with inflatable pontoons attached that are pieced together to form the bridge.
84th ESC members were tasked with putting this system to use during a simulated 8.5 magnitude earthquake recovery effort, testing its ability to be flown by helicopter and its ability to sustain traffic on a fast flowing river for the first time.
"It's great to be the first unit to test this technology," said 2nd Lt. Alex Veiga, the 84th ESC crossing site manager. "Before it is over we hope to have every unit in our brigade pass over the bridge."
Helicopter sling-load testing of inflated and uninflected bridge sections took place on the first day. Two sections were pieced together and attached to the bottom of a CH-47 Chinook helicopter.
The engineers needed to confirm that pieces could be flown into an area where a bridge was needed.
"The sling-load test with the helicopters went very well," Mr. Resio said. "What this shows us is whether used for military applications or natural disaster, we can get the system in place and functioning quickly."
The second day of testing consisted of bridge assembly and use. The exercise scenario pitted approximately 20 Soldiers against Eagle River.
"The Bravo Bridge was damaged during the 'earthquake' and we need to be able to get people and supplies across the river before the end of the day," Lieutenant Veiga said.
The Army Corps of Engineers development team watched as each section of bridge was dropped into place. The team made sure everything was done in accordance to the specifications of the bridge; however, they did not help with the construction.
"It seems to be a great system," said Lieutenant Veiga. "It goes together quickly, and it is very easy to learn."
Lieutenant Veiga said the biggest challenge during construction was the muddy terrain the forklifts encountered near the river.
To cross the river, the Soldiers positioned and pieced together seven modules, spanning a gap of 70 feet. The bridge was secured with mooring lines attached to anchor points on land.
Safety during the testing was paramount. Only one vehicle was allowed on the bridge at a time and there was a 20-ton limit.
"The bridge is designed to distribute the weight of the vehicles over many flotation devices, not just in one section," Mr. Resio said. "The load capacity of this system is over 70-tons."
Although 70-tons was not tested here, the bridge went up quickly and without incident.
"The system was originally designed for vessel-to-shore bridging applications, however, as development progressed, we saw more and more potential and possibilities," Mr. Resio said. "Really, the main limitation for this system is our imagination of use."
The LMCS has a few more tests before it can go into full operation, but Mr. Resio was confident based on the performance of the prototype.
"Most of us want to make a difference in the world, but never get the opportunity," he said. "To be able to develop this bridge and see all the uses and potential it has is really important and hopefully it will make a difference."
Top Administration Officials Discuss Ongoing Oil Spill Response with BP Leadership
May 3, 2010 - WASHINGTON—Department of Homeland Security (DHS) Secretary Janet Napolitano, Secretary of the Interior (DOI) Ken Salazar, Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) Administrator Lisa Jackson and Department of Energy Secretary Stephen Chu today met with BP CEO Tony Hayward and BP American Chairman and President Lamar McKay to discuss ongoing, coordinated response efforts and receive an update on BP’s spill mitigation plans for potentially affected Gulf Coast states.
Secretary Napolitano, Secretary Salazar, Secretary Chu and Administrator Jackson and other senior Administration officials requested an update on how BP plans to ensure an effective response in all potentially affected Gulf Coast states, including Louisiana, Mississippi, Alabama and Florida.
The administration—including the DHS, DOI, the Departments of Defense and Commerce, and the Environmental Protection Agency—has launched and coordinated an all-hands-on-deck, relentless response to this crisis from day one in order to mitigate the spill’s impact on public health, the environment and the economy.
As President Obama has made clear, BP will be held accountable for the costs associated with this tragic event.
Today’s meeting was the most recent in a series of ongoing coordination and communication activities between top administration officials and BP leadership.
BP is now accepting claims for the Gulf Coast oil spill. Please call BP’s helpline at 1-800-440-0858. A BP fact sheet with additional information is available here. For those who have already pursued the BP claims process and are not satisfied with BP’s resolution, can call the Coast Guard at 1-800-280-7118. More information about what types of damages are eligible for compensation under the Oil Pollution Act as well as guidance on procedures to seek that compensation can be found here.
Obama Administration Participants in today’s meeting representing included:
•Secretary Napolitano
•Secretary Salazar
•Administrator Jackson
•Secretary Chu
•Larry Summers, Director, National Economic Council
•Carol Browner, Assistant to the President for Energy and Climate Change Policy
•Cecilia Rouse, Member, Council of Economic Advisers
•Peter Orszag, Director, Office of Management and Budget
•Melody Barnes, Assistant to the President for Domestic Policy
•John Holdren, Advisor to the President for Science and Technology, Director of the White House Office of Science and Technology Policy, and Co-Chair of the President’s Council of Advisors on Science and Technology
•Nancy Sutley, Chair, White House Council on Environmental Quality
BP Participants
•Lamar McKay, BP America Chairman and President
•Tony Hayward, BP CEO
•David Nagel, Executive Vice President, BP
Secretary Napolitano, Secretary Salazar, Secretary Chu and Administrator Jackson and other senior Administration officials requested an update on how BP plans to ensure an effective response in all potentially affected Gulf Coast states, including Louisiana, Mississippi, Alabama and Florida.
The administration—including the DHS, DOI, the Departments of Defense and Commerce, and the Environmental Protection Agency—has launched and coordinated an all-hands-on-deck, relentless response to this crisis from day one in order to mitigate the spill’s impact on public health, the environment and the economy.
As President Obama has made clear, BP will be held accountable for the costs associated with this tragic event.
Today’s meeting was the most recent in a series of ongoing coordination and communication activities between top administration officials and BP leadership.
BP is now accepting claims for the Gulf Coast oil spill. Please call BP’s helpline at 1-800-440-0858. A BP fact sheet with additional information is available here. For those who have already pursued the BP claims process and are not satisfied with BP’s resolution, can call the Coast Guard at 1-800-280-7118. More information about what types of damages are eligible for compensation under the Oil Pollution Act as well as guidance on procedures to seek that compensation can be found here.
Obama Administration Participants in today’s meeting representing included:
•Secretary Napolitano
•Secretary Salazar
•Administrator Jackson
•Secretary Chu
•Larry Summers, Director, National Economic Council
•Carol Browner, Assistant to the President for Energy and Climate Change Policy
•Cecilia Rouse, Member, Council of Economic Advisers
•Peter Orszag, Director, Office of Management and Budget
•Melody Barnes, Assistant to the President for Domestic Policy
•John Holdren, Advisor to the President for Science and Technology, Director of the White House Office of Science and Technology Policy, and Co-Chair of the President’s Council of Advisors on Science and Technology
•Nancy Sutley, Chair, White House Council on Environmental Quality
BP Participants
•Lamar McKay, BP America Chairman and President
•Tony Hayward, BP CEO
•David Nagel, Executive Vice President, BP
Social media sites add dimension to sharing information
by April Rowden
Air Force Personnel Center Public Affairs Office
May 3, 2010 - A new Facebook fan page is giving the Air Force community an interactive platform for exchanging news, information and feedback about programs that affect their personal and professional lives.
US Air Force Life and Career debuted earlier this year and has captured topics fresh on the minds of Air Force members and their families, such as transition assistance programs, Warrior Games, and the National Security Personnel System conversion.
Facebook allows account holders to share text-like micro blogs, photos and videos through the free networking site.
Twitter, a social media site that is most popular with 18- to 34-year-olds, is a free micro blogging site that allows users to post messages, called tweets, in 140 characters or less, from a computer or mobile device.
On Twitter, AFCareers and USAF_Services connect users with information about subjects that are shaping the manpower, personnel and services of the Air Force.
AFCareers provides readers with links to federal job vacancies, the most recent retiree news, and changes in Air Force policies.
USAF_Services keeps up on Year of the Air Force Family programs, shares wounded warrior news, and informs family members of programs designed to improve their lives.
Internet users do not have to establish Twitter accounts in order to view AFCareers or USAF_Services.
While these sites offer a new way of reaching Airmen and their families, the most dynamic feature of these tools is that they allow users to respond back with their thoughts and opinions. This capability gives leadership insight into the programs and services being offered to the Air Force family.
For a list of official Air Force social media sites, visit www.af.mil/socialmedia.asp.
Air Force Personnel Center Public Affairs Office
May 3, 2010 - A new Facebook fan page is giving the Air Force community an interactive platform for exchanging news, information and feedback about programs that affect their personal and professional lives.
US Air Force Life and Career debuted earlier this year and has captured topics fresh on the minds of Air Force members and their families, such as transition assistance programs, Warrior Games, and the National Security Personnel System conversion.
Facebook allows account holders to share text-like micro blogs, photos and videos through the free networking site.
Twitter, a social media site that is most popular with 18- to 34-year-olds, is a free micro blogging site that allows users to post messages, called tweets, in 140 characters or less, from a computer or mobile device.
On Twitter, AFCareers and USAF_Services connect users with information about subjects that are shaping the manpower, personnel and services of the Air Force.
AFCareers provides readers with links to federal job vacancies, the most recent retiree news, and changes in Air Force policies.
USAF_Services keeps up on Year of the Air Force Family programs, shares wounded warrior news, and informs family members of programs designed to improve their lives.
Internet users do not have to establish Twitter accounts in order to view AFCareers or USAF_Services.
While these sites offer a new way of reaching Airmen and their families, the most dynamic feature of these tools is that they allow users to respond back with their thoughts and opinions. This capability gives leadership insight into the programs and services being offered to the Air Force family.
For a list of official Air Force social media sites, visit www.af.mil/socialmedia.asp.
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