Lincoln, Neb., Sept. 20, 2019 – Since 1997, Nebraska has worked through the Water Wastewater Advisory Committee (WWAC) to collaborate with Federal and State resource providers to address communities’ infrastructure needs. Considering the recent natural disasters and the disaster declarations, State Director Karl Elmshaeuser from the USDA Rural Development and Jim Macy, Director of the Nebraska Department of Environment and Energy, announced a joint effort to improve the process to maximize the funding available to Nebraska communities. The announcement was made Sept.

The state has issued a new health alert for harmful algal blooms, also known as toxic blue-green algae, at Rockford Lake in Gage County. Alerts continue at Wagon Train Lake in Lancaster County and Willow Creek Reservoir in Pierce County.

The Nebraska Department of Environment and Energy’s 2019 Clean Diesel Rebate Program is now accepting applications for two types of rebates – local diesel truck replacements and agricultural irrigation pump diesel engine replacements. Applications must be submitted to NDEE by January 17, 2020, to be considered.

NDEE established the Nebraska Clean Diesel Program in 2008 to distribute funding received from the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency for the purpose of reducing diesel emissions and improving air quality in the state.

Oct. 16, 2019 -- The Nebraska Department of Environment and Energy (NDEE) will present a Hazardous Waste Compliance Webinar on Tuesday, Oct. 22, 2019, at 11 a.m. This seminar is intended for facilities that are Small Quantity Generators (SQGs) of hazardous waste in the state of Nebraska, and will provide beneficial information for environmental professionals and others involved in hazardous waste management. The webinar will address the inspection process, waste determinations and online reporting. The weminar is also open to the general public.

The 2019 Power Summit, sponsored by NDEE and NPPD, was held in Lincoln on Oct.17, 2019. 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.

LINCOLN – On Thursday, the Office of the Governor issued an executive order to provide emergency relief on account of regional heating fuel (propane) shortages. The order suspends weight limits (up to 90,000 pounds gross weight) for motor carriers hauling critically needed heating fuels on all highways within Nebraska, excluding the interstate system. The executive order is effective immediately and will remain in place through December 15, 2019.

Comments Accepted Through January 17, 2020

Nov. 25, 2019 -- NDEE is conducting a periodic review and update of the standardized Conditions I and II used in air quality construction permits (CP) and air quality operating permits (OP). These changes are intended to unify permit conditions and streamline the CP and OP permitting processes. The draft restructured conditions language can be found at the bottom of this webpage.

The Nebraska Department of Environment and Energy will present a National Pollutant Elimination Discharge System (NPDES) laboratory and wastewater operator training webinar Tuesday, Dec. 17. This webinar is intended for facilities that have wastewater labs that need guidance on what to document. The webinar will cover some basic wastewater tests and reporting processes.

The Nebraska Department of Environment and Energy will present a webinar on the state’s Brownfields and Voluntary Cleanup Program. This seminar is for local governments, non-profits and any public body eligible for the grants and resources provided by the programs. The seminar is also open to members of the general public who want more information on the subject.

The Nebraska Department of Environment and Energy will present a Hazardous Waste Compliance Webinar on Tuesday, Feb. 4, 2020, at 11 a.m. This seminar is intended for facilities that are Large Quantity Generators (LQGs) of hazardous waste in the State of Nebraska, and will provide beneficial information for environmental professionals and others involved in hazardous waste issues regarding biennial reporting. The seminar is also open to the general public.

This is the second webinar of the 2020 series planned this year.