Nebraska Department of Environmental Quality Director Mike Linder has announced the awarding of $1,554,178 in 57 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.

The Nebraska Department of Environmental Quality announced a new rebate application opportunity through 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. Please note that a previous solicitation allowing additional types of units for certain trucks remains available until March 31, 2012.

The Nebraska Department of Environmental Quality will conduct a public information session in Milford on March 27, to provide members of the public the opportunity to discuss a permit renewal and modification proposal for a solid waste landfill operated by G & P Development, Inc.

The Nebraska Department of Environmental Quality announced that TransCanada has submitted a report to the agency that assesses alternative routing corridors for the Nebraska Keystone XL pipeline. NDEQ has posted this information on their web site, along with a summary of next steps in the review process, and related information. The web site also provides the public the ability to submit comments and view documents related to this state review.

The Nebraska Department of Environmental Quality will conduct a public hearing in Milford on May 15, to provide the public the opportunity to testify or submit written comments regarding a permit renewal and modification proposal for a solid waste landfill operated by G & P Development, Inc. The hearing will begin at 7 p.m. May 15 at the Webermeier Memorial Public Library, 617 2nd Street in Milford.

Locations include: O’Neill, Neligh, Albion and Central City

Nebraska Department of Environmental Quality Director Mike Linder announced today that the state is awarding $1.86 million to support 131 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."

Map books are now available in six libraries to provide the public with an additional method to view detailed information regarding the proposed route corridor in Nebraska that TransCanada has submitted for the Keystone XL pipeline. The map books are located in the public libraries in the towns of Springview, O’Neill, Neligh, Albion, Fullerton and Central City.

In addition, NDEQ has developed an “Online Meeting” that presents a web site version of the information that was discussed at four public information meetings in May.

Online Meeting

The Nebraska Department of Environmental Quality will conduct an information session and public hearing in Gering on July 12, 2012. The purpose of the hearing will be to accept public testimony regarding a proposed permit request to modify the design and liner system for previously permitted Cell 6 of the landfill.

The City of Gering is proposing to construct a flexible membrane liner underlain by a two-foot thick compacted clay liner. (For more information, see the public notice below.)

The Nebraska Department of Environmental Quality (NDEQ) has provided an initial feedback report to TransCanada regarding the state’s evaluation of the rerouted portion of the proposed Keystone XL Pipeline project.