The Nebraska Department of Environmental Quality will conduct an information session and public hearing in Gering on July 12, 2012. The purpose of the hearing will be to accept public testimony regarding a proposed permit request to modify the design and liner system for previously permitted Cell 6 of the landfill.

The City of Gering is proposing to construct a flexible membrane liner underlain by a two-foot thick compacted clay liner. (For more information, see the public notice below.)

June 22, 2012 -- NDEQ is proposing to issue new General Permits under the National Pollutant Discharge Elimination System for concentrated animal feeding operations (CAFOs) to prevent discharges to waters of the state. CAFOs within the State of Nebraska that confine only cattle, either in open lots or under roof, are eligible for coverage. The public comment period for the draft permits runs through July 20, 2012.

The state has issued health alerts for toxic blue-green algae at Maskenthine Lake in Staton County. This is the only health alert currently in effect.

July 5, 2012 -- The Nebraska Department of Environmental Quality will be hosting four Air Program Update Workshops in late August. The workshops will provide attendees with updates on current air quality regulations and issues. NDEQ encourages anyone working with air quality regulations to attend. Times and locations include:

 

The Nebraska Department of Environmental Quality (NDEQ) has provided an initial feedback report to TransCanada regarding the state’s evaluation of the rerouted portion of the proposed Keystone XL Pipeline project.

July 25, 2012 – The Nebraska Department of Environmental Quality has announced further reductions in the interest rates available through the Nebraska Clean Water State Revolving Loan Fund, which provides communities low-interest loans for wastewater treatment projects.

July 25, 2012 – Eastern Nebraska has been experiencing unusually high readings of pollutants (particularly ozone) in recent days, due in part to high temperatures. An excellent source of information regarding regional air quality and forecasts can be found at the AirNow web site, located at http://www.airnow.gov/.
For tips on how to reduce your impact, go to: www.littlestepsbigimpact.com
 

The state has issued health alerts for toxic blue-green algae at Kirkman’s Cove in Richardson County. This is the only health alert currently in effect.

The state has issued a health alert for toxic blue-green algae at Swan Creek Lake #5A (Willard L. Meyer Recreation Area) in Saline County. A health alert also continues to be in effect at Kirkman’s Cove in Richardson County.

The artwork of 13 Nebraska students will be featured in the 2013 “Nebraska: Don’t Waste It!” environmental calendar. The statewide contest is sponsored by the Nebraska Department of Environmental Quality (NDEQ) and focuses on the importance of waste reduction, recycling and litter cleanup.