October 2015 Metrics Report
A Message from NDEQ Director Jim Macy:
In July 2015, NDEQ initiated a monthly metrics report. This information is provided to the Governor’s Office, is shared with NDEQ staff, and now is being presented to the public. The reason this report has been established is to measure what the agency has accomplished; to set annual and longer-term goals; and to examine these goals against accomplishments to ensure continuous process improvements.
The October report focuses on pending permit applications, permit decisions and facility records. This is followed by a summary of issues, accomplishments and other items of note for October, 2015.
Updated information will be posted monthly on this website.
With public records searches on the DEQ web page, staff resources to support have been reduced.
Following is a description of specific issues NDEQ has been addressing in October:
Emerging Risks / Issues:
On October 1, EPA announced a revision to the National Ambient Air Quality Standard for ozone. The revised standard is 70 ppb, a reduction from the previous standard of 75 ppb. All areas of Nebraska currently are in compliance with the revised standard. The latest monitoring levels are: Santee Sioux Reservation, 64 ppb; Omaha Metro area, 63 ppb; and Lincoln, 59 ppb. The Air Quality Division continues to monitor to ensure all areas of Nebraska maintain compliance.
At the request of the Public Service Commission, the Department has reviewed the new Keystone Pipeline application. Comments were submitted on October 30th.
Misc. Items of Note:
The Waste Management Division held a public meeting in Kimball on October 26 related to the five-year permit renewal for the Clean Harbors hazardous waste incinerator. This facility is one of 22 permitted facilities in the country.
The Department was a primary sponsor for the Groundwater Foundation’s 30th Anniversary Conference held in Lincoln October 20-22. The Groundwater Foundation was founded in Lincoln. Department staff has been active in supporting the Foundation since its inception.