The U.S. Environmental Protection Agency has determined that the air quality in Nebraska meets revised federal ground-level ozone standards.

Historically, all of Nebraska has been listed as either in attainment or unclassifiable for ground-level ozone, which means that Nebraska businesses and communities are not subject to more stringent air requirements that are set in place when an area is considered “non-attainment.” Non-attainment areas typically occur in more highly-populated areas, due to higher volumes of vehicle and business emissions.

January 16, 2015 -- The Nebraska Department of Environmental Quality intends to propose regulation changes later this year to Title 132 – Integrated Solid Waste Management Regulations. The proposed amendments to Title 132 clarify existing provisions and create new provisions to streamline permitting functions and continue to protect the environment.

February 17, 2015 – The Nebraska Department of Environmental Quality has scheduled the annual Environmental Update to be held in two locations in Nebraska this April:

April 14 – Lincoln, at the Country Inn and Suites, Beacon Hill – 5353 N. 27th Street

April 16 – North Platte, at the West Central Research and Extension Center – 402 West State Farm Road

Representatives from businesses and industries are invited to attend, ask questions, pick up new information, and provide feedback.

The Nebraska Department of Environmental Quality joins the National Groundwater Association in commemorating National Groundwater Awareness Week, March 8-14, 2015.

Below are some links from the National Groundwater Association regarding Groundwater Awareness Week:

National Groundwater Awareness Week website

For Immediate Release: March 2, 2015
Contact: Taylor Gage, 402-471-1970

GOV. RICKETTS NAMES DEPARTMENT
OF ENVIRONMENTAL QUALITY DIRECTOR

Photograph attached
 

The Nebraska Department of Environmental Quality has released a draft of the updated Nebraska Nonpoint Source Management Plan. This document will serve as guidance for the State’s Section 319 Nonpoint Source Pollution Program from 2015-2030, with updates being required by EPA every five years.

The plan is subject to approval by EPA Region 7. It can be viewed at NDEQ’s web site at https://dee.nebraska.gov/forms/publications-grants-forms/15-007.

The Nebraska Department of Environmental Quality (NDEQ) is announcing that the first of two outreach meetings concerning the Program Priority System for the Waste Reduction and Recycling Incentive Grants Program will be held in Lincoln on May 6.

The Program Priority System provides a numerical ranking on each grant application and is used by grant reviewers and NDEQ’s Director to make final award decisions. NDEQ proposes to update this system and would like stakeholder input on an eventual proposal.

The May 6 meeting will focus on:

April 17, 2015 – The Nebraska Department of Environmental Quality held the annual Environmental Update in two locations in Nebraska:

April 14 – Lincoln, at the Country Inn and Suites, Beacon Hill – 5353 N. 27th Street

April 16 – North Platte, at the West Central Research and Extension Center – 402 West State Farm Road

Presentations
Below are PDF vesions of the presentations that were made at the Environmental Updates, listed in order of presentations at the Lincoln workshop.

April 29, 2015 -- The Environmental Quality Council (EQC) will meet June 4, 2015 at the Embassy Suites in La Vista. Hearings will be conducted on the proposed 2016 State Revolving Fund Intended Use Plan, amendments to Title 129 -- Nebraska Air Regulations and amendments to Title 195 -- Chemigation Regulations.

Below is a link to the June 4 agenda and a link to the items that will be heard before the EQC. Copies of the proposed amendments, the draft 2016 Intended Use Plan and related documents can be found on the Proposed Rules and Regulations web page.
 

The Nebraska Department of Environmental Quality (NDEQ) proposes issuance of a new General Permit under the National Pollutant Discharge Elimination System for Concentrated Animal Feeding Operations (CAFOs) to prevent discharges to surface waters. CAFOs within the State of Nebraska that confine only cattle, either in open lots or under roof, are eligible for coverage.

The Public Notice period will run from May 27, 2015 through June 26, 2015