The Division of Water in the Kentucky Energy and Environment Cabinet is working with the U.S. Department of Homeland Security’s Flood Awareness Apex program and Charlotte-Mecklenburg Storm Water Services to install 75 low-cost flood sensors at 25 locations as part of a scalable network to track and monitor water conditions. The low-cost devices will give…
News and Updates
Oregon Improves Air Quality Index Tool
Oregon DEQ recently announced its upgraded Air Quality Index (AQI) mapping tool, which allows users to view the current status of air quality across the state. The original tool was launched in 2008 and allows users to quickly assess air quality data from more than 37 monitors. The new version of the AQI features meteorological…
Iowa Livestock Master Matrix Adopted in 89 Counties
In January, 89 of 99 Iowa counties notified the Department of Natural Resources (DNR) that they plan to evaluate construction permit applications and proposed locations for animal confinements by using the department’s master matrix over the coming year. Counties that adopt the master matrix can provide more input to producers on site selection, proposed structures,…
Georgia Ambient Monitoring Program Launches New Website
The Ambient Monitoring Program of the Georgia Environmental Protection Division’s (EPD’s) Air Protection Branch announces the release of a newly designed and reconfigured website devoted to Georgia’s air quality called AirGeorgia.org. The site is intuitive, colorful, and full of information, allowing all Georgia citizens to learn more about air quality in their state. “Accessing air…
Iowa Mussel Survey and Watershed Work Help Remove Impaired Waters Designation
Canary in the coal mine? In Iowa, there is mussel in the stream. Iowa’s freshwater mussels depend on good water quality and proper habitat, as well as waters that support healthy fish to carry baby mussels (glochidia) to their future homes. So the number and types of mussels in an area – or the lack…
Top Ten LEED States Recognized by National Council
On January 31, the U.S. Green Building Council (USGBC) released its annual list of the Top 10 States for LEED (Leadership in Energy and Environmental Design), the world’s most widely used green building rating system. The list ranks states in terms of certified square feet per resident in 2017. The full ranking from first to…
Colorado Unveils Environmental Health Reporting Dashboard
On January 23, the Colorado Department of Public Health and Environment (CDPHE) released its Local Environmental Health Reporting Tool. This web-based resource is semi-customizable at the county (local) level while also providing a high-level snapshot of state level regulatory environmental activities, particularly in the areas of food, air, waste, and water. While this tool is…
New Mexico Introduces Air Quality Booklet for Kids
The New Mexico Environment Department (NMED) Air Quality Bureau has introduced an outreach booklet for kids on ozone issues in New Mexico. Whispurr and Muttley, Air Detectives features two furry friends who together explore ozone issues and simple steps the public can take to reduce ozone pollution. In addition to the booklet, NMED’s Just for Kids…
New Mexico Develops Streamlined Oil and Gas Air Emissions Application
The New Mexico Environment Department (NMED) has developed a new, streamlined Notice of Intent (NOI) Oil and Gas Quick Application. The application, which has been customized for the oil and gas industry, reduces from four to two the number of documents that applicants must download. By focusing only on the information needed to make NOI…
Michigan Establishes PFAS Action Response Team
On November 13, Michigan Governor Snyder issued Executive Directive 2017-4, which establishes the Michigan PFAS Action Response Team (MPART). Perfluoroalkyl and polyfluoroalkyl substances (PFAS) are emerging contaminants widely used in industrial applications and on military bases, and are a growing problem nationwide. The MPART is tasked with ensuring timely and cohesive statewide action to the…
