For the second consecutive week, no lakes are on the alert list for toxic blue-green algae in the state of Nebraska.

State-issued health alerts for toxic blue-green algae were removed two weeks ago for Merritt Reservoir (Cherry County), Bluestem Lake (Lancaster County), and Rockford Lake (Gage County). Lakes that are on health alert must have two consecutive weeks of readings below 20 ppb before the alert is removed.

Starting in late September, visitors to Lake Ogallala will see some big changes taking place, including channelization work which will improve trout and other fish habitat. During this renovation period, (through late November, and resuming in February and March) water levels at the lake will be significantly lower, and recreational opportunities may be temporarily affected.

The Nebraska Department of Environmental Quality today is announcing the recipients of over $1.1 million in American Recovery and Reinvestment Act (ARRA) grants. These grants are being allocated across the state for projects that reduce diesel emissions through a federal program called the Diesel Emissions Reduction Act (DERA).

Major renovation work to improve circulation at Lake Ogallala has been mostly completed, well ahead of the predicted completion schedule of next Spring.

The renovation is designed to improve circulation at the lake, which is one of the state’s premier trout fisheries. The only work remaining is the planting of wetland grasses and other plants, which will likely be completed in March, 2010.

Nebraska Department of Environmental Quality Director Mike Linder has announced the awarding of $1,890,250 in 67 grants for litter cleanup, recycling, and public education programs and activities. Funds for the Litter Reduction and Recycling Grant Program are generated from a fee charged to certain manufacturers, wholesalers, and retailers of products that commonly contribute to litter.

Feb. 4, 2010 -- The Nebraska Department of Environmental Quality is announcing the availability of the draft 2010 Water Quality Integrated Report and the opportunity for public comment. Copies of the draft report and methodology can be found below on this web page.

Nebraska Department of Environmental Quality Director Mike Linder announced today that the state is awarding $1 million to support 52 tire recycling and cleanup projects across the state.

"Nebraskans pay a $1 fee for every new tire they purchase," said Linder. "These grants put that money into use locally to help manage scrap tires. We like to see the highest possible beneficial use of these old tires, and these projects help us reach that goal."

The Department of Environmental Quality will be holding its annual Environmental Update, (formerly known as Consultants Day) on June 23, from 9:00 a.m. to 4:00 p.m. at the Lancaster County Extension Office, 444 Cherry Creek Road, Lincoln. Representatives from businesses and industries are invited to attend, ask questions, pick up new information, and provide feedback. If you plan on attending, please complete the registration form which is attached to the agenda below. There is a $10 registration fee.

(See attached file: 2010 Environmental Update Agenda.pdf)

Representatives from the Nebraska Department of Environmental Quality (NDEQ), Department of Health and Human Services (DHHS) and the City of Grand Island are planning an information session on June 23 to meet with the public and present information regarding groundwater issues in the east Grand Island area. The information session will be held at the Grand Island City Hall, 100 E. First Street.

The Nebraska Department of Environmental Quality (NDEQ) is inviting proposals for source water protection projects. Approximately $100,000 in grant funding is available to political subdivisions that operate a public water system serving a population of 10,000 or less.

Assistance has been available since 2003, when money set aside from the State Revolving Loan Fund became available to provide grants for source water protection projects. Most source water protection activities that address drinking water quality, quantity, security, and/or education are eligible for grant funding.