October 19, 2011 -- The Nebraska Department of Environmental Quality has drafted proposed revisions to the rules that apply to septic systems and private lagoons, and is currently seeking comment from the public. After receiving input, NDEQ intends to prepare final draft proposed amendments to Title 124 – “Rules and Regulations for the Design, Operation and Maintenance of On-site Wastewater Systems,” which will then be placed on public notice for additional review and public comment.

October 25, 2011 -- The Nebraska Department of Environmental Quality has scheduled public input meetings in four Nebraska communties to present a short summary of draft changes being considered and to receive comments regarding Title 124 – Rules and Regulations for the Design, Operation and Maintenance of Onsite Wastewater Treatment Systems.

A new general permit for pesticides, which was recently finalized by the Nebraska Department of Environmental Quality and became effective November 1, 2011, provides coverage for specific types of applications of pesticides to, over or near waters of the state.

The Nebraska Department of Environmental Quality is inviting applications to the Nebraska Clean Diesel Rebate Program, which provides assistance to trucking companies and independent diesel owner-operators to purchase equipment to reduce engine idling, which reduces air pollution and fuel costs. Over $189,000 in grant funds are available, and applications will be accepted if received at the NDEQ Lincoln office by December 19, 2011.

Nov. 17, 2011 -- The Nebraska Department of Environmental Quality is considering revisions to Title 122 – Rules and Regulations for Underground Injection and Mineral Production Wells. The Department is hosting an associated Title 122 Stakeholder meeting on December 15, 2011 beginning at 9:30 AM at the Department’s Van Dorn Annex located at 2717 S 8th Street, Suite #4 in Lincoln to discuss these possible changes.

 Outside Consultant Selected to Assist Agency

The petroleum product spill from the ruptured Magellan pipeline near Nemaha NE has been mostly contained and the contractors on site are transitioning into the long-term cleanup phase of operation.

The Nebraska Department of Environmental Quality today announced the areas that it considers to be Nebraska Sandhills, based on an analysis of a variety of existing data. This information will be conveyed to TransCanada for their reference as the company develops a proposed new route for the Nebraska portion of the Keystone XL pipeline.

NDEQ Director Mike Linder said this was an important step resulting from legislation which was passed in November relating to the development of an alternative route that avoids the Nebraska Sandhills.

Submissions Accepted Until March 31, 2012

Feb. 2, 2012 -- The Nebraska Department of Environmental Quality is announcing the availability of the draft 2012 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.