Notice is hereby given pursuant to the Nebraska Department of Environment and Energy (NDEE) Title 119, Rules and Regulations Pertaining to the Issuance of Permits Under the National Pollutant Discharge Elimination System, Ch. 23 006.07, Public Notice of Hearing, the Nebraska Department of Environment and Energy, NPDES and State Permits Section will be conducting a Public Hearing on November 12, 2021 beginning at 9:00 A.M. Central Time (CT) at 245 Fallbrook Blvd., Lincoln, Nebraska.

The Nebraska Voluntary Cleanup Program (VCP) is a streamlined, results-based approach to environmental cleanup at contaminated sites in Nebraska. Any person or organization wanting to initiate voluntary environmental cleanup activities may participate in the VCP. Through this program, property that may otherwise be considered a liability may lead to beneficial reuse and economic redevelopment.

Background

The National Pollutant Discharge Elimination System (NPDES) general permit NER160000 for storm water discharges from construction sites, or “CSW general permit”, has been extended beyond the expiration date of October 31, 2021, according to Title 119-Rules and Regulations Pertaining to the Issuance of Permits Under the National Pollutant Discharge Elimination System, Chapter 24.

Learn more in the attached document.

The state has issued health alerts for Harmful Algal Blooms (HAB), also known as toxic blue-green algae, at Willow Creek Reservoir in Pierce County and Kirkman’s Cove Lake in Richardson County.

Samples taken earlier this week at these lakes measured above the threshold of 8 parts per billion (ppb) of total microcystin, which is a toxin released by certain strains of blue-green algae.

The 2021 Power Summit, sponsored by NDEE and NPPD, was held in Lincoln on Oct.19, 2021. The Power Summit provides those in the power generating industry and those responsible for the implementation of the associated environmental regulations with an opportunity to exchange information related to power production, environmental policies, programs, and issues in Nebraska.

A primary objective of the Summit is to enhance the dialogue that has been established between the power industry and the associated regulatory agencies.

Farmers can see benefits to their agricultural land by land applying livestock waste at agronomic rates. However, there are conditions producers need to meet before land application begins.

The Nebraska Department of Environment and Energy will hold an initial public outreach event on the Proposed Changes to Title 119 Nebraska Rules and Regulations Pertaining to The Issuance of Permits under The National Pollutant Discharge Elimination System.

The Nebraska Department of Environment and Energy recommends private drinking water well owners sample their wells annually to ensure their water is safe to drink.

While NDEE does not have regulatory authority to monitor and test private drinking water wells, annual sampling can give well owners a clear picture of their drinking water and allow them to make informed decisions about their water sources. NDEE recommends sampling wells in the spring and to avoid sampling in the summer. Sampling should be conducted around the same time each year.

The Nebraska Department of Environment and Energy will present its Understanding Air Permitting Thresholds webinar on Wednesday, Jan. 19, 2022, at 9:30 a.m. This webinar is intended for individuals who are seeking a better understanding of the different air permits needed and required on the basis of emissions or operational controls.

WHAT: Understanding Air Permitting Thresholds webinar.
WHEN: Wednesday, Jan. 19, 2022, at 9:30 a.m.
WHO: Pati West, Air Construction Permit section supervisor, and David Christensen, Air Operating Permit section supervisor.

The Nebraska Department of Environment and Energy’s Dollar and Energy Saving Loans (DESL) program works with the state’s lending institutions to provide low-interest loans to Nebraskans who want to make energy efficiency improvements in their homes or buildings.