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News Ames, Iowa, Adds Solar Trash Compacters At Iowa State UniversityThursday, September 02, 2010-- The Ames (IA) Tribune (8/31, Pusey) reported that eleven BigBelly solar compactors were installed throughout Iowa State University this week, "in areas where traditional trash receptacles used to need to be emptied multiple times a day, said ISU Director of Sustainability Merry Rankin." These devices are "cutting trash collection costs due to their built-in solar-powered trash compactors. They store up solar energy throughout the day, then when the container fills to a certain point, the compactor crushes the trash." "Compared to the trash can we had before, we cut our collection costs by 90 percent," Rankin said, noting "the compactors hold five times more trash than a typical 25-gallon trash container." Each compactor costs approximately $5000, but ranking said despite the "large price tag," the "cost-savings data from the pilot compactor indicated the machines should pay for themselves in around five years." -- (full text) [Ames (IA) Tribune ] Austin, Texas, Plans To Become Zero Waste City By 2040 Thursday, September 02, 2010-- Austin leaders want Austin to "become a zero waste city. The goal is to recycle or re-use all trash in the next 50 years. The article notes "The Integrated Solid Waste Management Plan is what the city will use to reduce the dependence on landfills. The plan challenges cities and towns to expand recycling, urges consumers to shop smarter and encourages manufacturers to use smart packaging." Bob Gedert with Austin Solid Waste Services said, "So what we're looking at is changing the waste concept from a waste-to-landfill, to a zero waste concept of resource recovery through recycling and composting." The city "plans to have a single stream recycling center up and running this month. The city wants to be zero waste by 2040 -- (full text) [News 8 Austin] New Model Available for Evaluating the Performance of LFG Energy Technologies Tuesday, August 31, 2010-- LFGcost-Web is a model developed in Microsoft® Excel for evaluating the cost and economic performance of several (LFG) energy technologies. -- (full text) [EPA] US Infrastructure Held Together With "Spit And Glue." Monday, August 30, 2010-- The New York Times (8/29, Grynbaum) reports a slideshow on "America's infrastructure, a Colossus often held together by spit and glue." While "the causes may be small...the consequences can be grand: national commerce, essential utilities, and the homes of thousands can be threatened if these antiquated systems suddenly give out." The article then provides short profiles on a half-dozen recent or ongoing infrastructure issues, such as rotting tree stumps and rusting pipes in levees around California's Central Valley, "a tiny electrical fire" that started in "a single 1920s-era signaling machine" and crippled the Long Island Rail Road last week, and the aging water systems in Alaska and Washington State, some of which "depend on wood pipes dating back to pioneer days." The latter example, however, has an upside. "What we've found, kind of unbelievably, is that the wooden water mains wrapped in that wire actually perform better than ductile iron," a state official said. -- (full text) [New York Times] Wind Energy Agreement To Help Fund Schools, Government In Union City, Indiana Monday, August 30, 2010-- The AP (8/29) reported from Union City, Indiana, "A wind energy project that started as a high school science lesson could bring in $3 million for an eastern Indiana school district and city over the next 25 years." Union City is "the first Indiana community with commercial-sized turbines owned by the local government and school system." The idea for the two, 1-megawatt turbines originated with science teacher John Zakelj, who approached local officials "about the possibilities of using community wind power on a broader scale" after installing solar panels and a turbine at the local high school. "Indianapolis-based Performance Services financed and built each of the $2.3 million turbines" on city land, and both the school system and the city "will receive monthly checks from Indiana Michigan Power Co. for the sale of electricity the turbines contribute to the regional power grid." -- (full text) [AP] Rural Health Network Development Program: Funding Opportunity Friday, August 27, 2010-- The purpose of the Rural Health Network Development Grant Program is to expand access to, coordinate and improve the quality of essential health care services, and enhance the delivery of health care in rural areas. These grants support rural providers who work in formal networks, alliances, coalitions or partnerships to integrate administrative, clinical, technological, and financial functions. Funds provided through this program are not used for direct delivery of services. -- (full text) [HRSA] Sacramento Considering Raising Fees To Remove Ammonia In Sewage Friday, August 27, 2010-- The Sacramento Bee (8/26) reported, "Removing ammonia from Sacramento's treated sewage could cost every household in the region an extra $10 a month, according to a new study by economists at University of the Pacific. Sewage from the region's 1.4 million residents is treated by the Sacramento Regional County Sanitation District and discharged into the Sacramento River near Freeport." The article notes, "Ammonia remaining in that wastewater, a byproduct of human urine and feces, is suspected of disrupting the food chain in the Sacramento-San Joaquin Delta. Sacramento's treated sewage is the largest single source of ammonia in the Delta." Furthermore, "A number of agencies that draw water from the Delta believe the plant needs to be upgraded to protect the environment, or alternatively, that ammonia should be eliminated from the wastewater stream." -- (full text) [Sacramento Bee ] Blaine, Washington, Passes Sustainability Ordinance Friday, August 27, 2010-- The Blaine Northern Light (8/26, Nelson) reported, "The city of Blaine is one more step closer to being green after passing an ordinance that will require all future projects and policies to be in line with energy conscious design and conservation." The city council members "approved the ordinance 6-1 with council member John Liebert dissenting." "What it amounts to is an ordinance that mandates sustainability guidelines that we are presently meeting or exceeding but it has to be a formality to get state grants," Liebert said. However, council member Charlie Hawkins called the ordinance a "no-brainer." The policy will require "the city to establish programs and practices that would encourage the sustainability of natural resources in the community such as conservation, reduction of greenhouse gasses, energy conscious design and public education and outreach. This applies to transportation, public utilities and municipal buildings and facilities." -- (full text) [Blaine Northern Light ] Waste-to-Energy e-Session Series Thursday, August 26, 2010-- SWANAs September 2010 Waste-to-Energy (WTE) e-Session series brings cutting edge information on the WTE sector directly to your office. This series features a look at WTE facilities constructed in urban environments, focusing on how these facilities are integrated into their communities. The series continues with a discussion of the planning process undertaken by the Regional Municipality of Durham, Ontario, in their efforts to build the first new WTE facility in Ontario, Canada since 1992. The last session in this series examines the evolution of integrated waste management systems and the synergies that can be realized by co-locating waste management and WTE facilities with other public works facilities. Integration of an Energy-from-Waste Facility into an Urban Environment September 8, 2010 | 1:45 pm ET Planning a New Waste-to-Energy Facility in Durham, ON September 15, 2010 | 1:45 pm ET The Changing Public Perception of Waste-to-Energy September 22, 2010 | 1:45 pm ET -- (full text) [SWANA] Newsweek Magazine 2010 "Green Rankings" Issue Thursday, August 26, 2010-- As part of our ongoing Partner recognition, we would like you to be aware of an opportunity to be part of an EPA-branded paid advertising section in Newsweek Magazine's second annual "Green Rankings" issue that hits newsstands October 25, 2010. The special "Green Pioneers" advertising section will contain an article on EPA's Green Power Partnership and Climate Leaders programs and will highlight EPA Partner achievements. With a commitment to advertising space, Green Power Partners will receive an accompanying article that will be placed next to the lead story about the two EPA partnership programs. If you are interested in participating or would like more information on this opportunity, please contact Allison Dennis, Green Power Partnership Communications, (202) 343-9526, dennis.allison@epa.gov. -- (full text) [EPA] Reminder: Plan EJ 2014 - Comments Requested Wednesday, August 25, 2010-- Expanding the Conversation on Environmentalism and Working for Environmental Justice is one of Administrator Lisa P. Jacksons top priorities for EPA. Plan EJ 2014, named in recognition of the 20th anniversary of the issuance of Executive Order 12898, Federal Actions to Address Environmental Justice in Minority Populations and Low-Income Populations PDF (6 pp, 122K), is EPAs overarching strategy for carrying out the Administrators priority. Over the next four years, EPA will implement and seek to strengthen efforts under the five Cross-Agency Focus Areas outlined in the plan: 1. Rulemaking; 2. Permitting; 3. Compliance; 4. Community-Based Action; and 5. Administration-Wide Action on Environmental Justice. EPA is requesting that all comments be received no later than October 1, 2010. -- (full text) [EPA] ICLEI Case Studies Available Online Wednesday, August 25, 2010-- The ICLEI Case Studies series is now available online. The Series dates back to the late 1990s and chronicls locally-based projects that support sustainability. Each study documents: the local context of the project the anatomy of the project results lessons learned the project's replication potential budgeting and financial -- (full text) [ICLEI] Permeable Pavement Design, Installation, and Maintenance webcast closes on August 27 Wednesday, August 25, 2010-- The objectives of this webcast are to: 1. Summarize research findings on performance and how they relate to design features. 2. Review important installation and maintenance factors. 3. Address common myths surrounding these practices. The speakers for the webcast will be: David Smith, Technical Director of Interlocking Concrete Pavement Institute Chuck Taylor, Ecological Paver Systems (Advanced Pavement Design) Kelly Collins, Center for Watershed Protection -- (full text) [Center for Watershed Protection] Report Released Showing Recovery Act Energy Impact Wednesday, August 25, 2010-- Vice President Joe Biden on August 24 unveiled a new analysis showing that the American Recovery and Reinvestment Act's $100 billion investment in innovation is helping accelerate significant advances in science and technology. -- (full text) [DOE] EERE Launches New Energy Basics Web Site Wednesday, August 25, 2010-- For those who want to know what something is in the field of energy efficiency and renewable energy technologies or how things such as a wind turbine or solar panel work, DOE's Office of Energy Efficiency and Renewal Energy (EERE) has launched the new Energy Basics Web site. -- (full text) [DOE] Water Quality Standards Regulation Consultation Wednesday, August 25, 2010-- The U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) is in the early stages of developing proposed revisions to the Water Quality Standards Regulations. By making these revisions, EPA intends to improve the effectiveness in restoring and maintaining the chemical, physical, and biological integrity of the Nations waters. The proposed revisions are expected to be published in the Federal Register in summer 2011. -- (full text) [EPA] Twin Cities Ahead of Curve in Managing Congestion Wednesday, August 25, 2010-- Maybe a thriving metropolis can't build its way out of traffic congestion, but there's growing evidence that it can manage its way out. And the Twin Cities are becoming a national model for how to do it. In a coordinated multi-agency effort stretching from park-and-ride lots in the distant suburbs to reconfigured bus routes in downtown Minneapolis with lots of innovation in between, Minnesotans are showing there's more than one way to speed up glacial rush-hour commutes. -- (full text) [DOT] DOE Creates New Energy Hub for Energy-Efficient Building Design Wednesday, August 25, 2010-- DOE announced on August 24 the creation of the Energy-Efficient Building Systems Design Energy Innovation Hub to develop technologies that make buildings more energy efficient. -- (full text) [DOE] EPA Releases Draft Strategy for Clean Water Monday, August 23, 2010-- The U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) is inviting the public to comment on the agencys draft strategy to protect and restore our nations lakes, streams and coastal waters. The strategy, Coming Together for Clean Water: EPAs Strategy for Achieving Clean Water, is designed to chart EPAs path in furthering EPA Administrator Lisa P. Jacksons key priority of protecting Americas waters. -- (full text) [EPA] DOE Municipal LED Street Light Consortium to Host First Annual Meeting and Regional Workshop Friday, August 20, 2010-- The U.S. Department of Energy (DOE) announced today that the Municipal Solid-State Street Lighting Consortium will host its first Annual Meeting on September 29, 2010 in Huntington Beach, California. The meeting will immediately follow the IES Street and Area Lighting Conference to enable attendees to extend their stay and learn more about Consortium committee efforts related to developing model guidelines, launching regional education workshops, initiating the first Consortium demonstrations, and establishing interchange between related efforts and organizations. -- (full text) [DOE] Finland Planning World's First "Green Highway." Friday, August 20, 2010-- Finland's plans to build "the world's first 'green highway.'" Under the plans, the country would develop "an 81-mile stretch of pavement dotted with electric charge stations and pumps pouring locally made biofuel that will hopefully stimulate the adoption of next-gen auto technologies." The project plans also call "for increased local ethanol production from waste and other resources found along the way, as well as clean electricity to power both the cars and infrastructure along the way." Further, Finland is "toying with the idea of installing geothermal heat pumps, providing information to cars on their emission levels, and installing smart lighting systems along the way that adjust illumination levels depending on the weather and other factors." -- (full text) [Popular Science] DOE Announces Nearly $120 Million to Advance Innovative Weatherization Projects, Highlights Progress in the Program Nationally Thursday, August 19, 2010-- U.S. Energy Secretary Steven Chu announced today award selections for approximately 120 organizations across the country that will receive nearly $120 million to drive innovation under the Department of Energy's (DOE's) Weatherization Assistance Program. -- (full text) [DOE] California's Ivanpah, a Major Solar Project, Moves Forward Wednesday, August 18, 2010-- The California Public Utilities Commission (CPUC) on August 12 approved a power purchase agreement for the utility-scale Ivanpah Solar Electric Generating System. CPUC granted a 20-year contract between Southern California Edison Company and Ivanpah operator BrightSource Energy, Inc. for 117 megawatts (MW) of planned production from the three-tower, concentrating solar power (CSP) complex in the Mojave -- (full text) [DOE] Upcoming ENERGY STAR Webinar: Ideas for Energy Awareness Month: Employee Brown-Bags, Competitions, and More! Wednesday, August 18, 2010-- This timely session will show your communications and public affairs staff how to make the most of Energy Awareness Month (October) by engaging your customers, employees, tenants, community, and other stakeholders. 75% of Americans recognize the ENERGY STAR brand, which, as an ENERGY STAR partner, you are a part of! Start taking advantage of that partnership! Attend this webinar to learn about: " 25 ideas for organizations of all sizes to celebrate Energy Awareness Month " The newest addition to our communications resources: the HR Toolkit. It's everything a non-expert needs to deliver a brown-bag presentation to other non-experts! " New tools on in our suite Bring Your Green to Work resources all the better to help you find more fun ways to engage employees " Free publications to help you spread the word " EPA awards and how your organization can apply & and win " How other organizations celebrate Energy Awareness Month Visit https://energystar.webex.com/energystar and click on the September 1 session titled Ideas for Energy Awareness Month: Employee Brown-Bags, Competitions, and More! -- (full text) [EPA] New York, New Jersey Authorities Plan For Wind Turbines. Tuesday, August 17, 2010-- Within three years, the Port Authority of New York and New Jersey hopes to have five wind towers, each more than 280 feet tall, operating on the west side of New York Harbor. Nearby, the City of Bayonne, N.J., plans to install an equally large turbine to power a sewage-pumping station." The Department of Veterans Affairs is also "considering placing wind turbines on or near its hospitals in Manhattan and Brooklyn." -- (full text) [New York Times ] August 2010: Upcoming Climate and Energy Webcasts for State and Local Governments Tuesday, August 17, 2010-- This message provides details about seven upcoming webcasts being offered by the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) and the Department of Energy (DOE). All webcasts are offered free of charge, but space may be limited. ENERGY STAR Webcast Opportunities " ENERGY STAR and Green Building Rating Programs, August 25 " K-12 Benchmarking 101, August 31 " Financing Energy Efficient Upgrades with ENERGY STAR, September 1 " Benchmarking in Portfolio Manager for State and Local Governments, September 9 " Purchasing and Procuring Efficient Equipment, September 15 " Benchmarking Water/Wastewater Plants in Portfolio Manager, September 23 Additional Webcast Opportunities " DOE Technical Assistance Project (TAP): Lessons Learned from Energy Efficient Lighting Programs, August 25 -- (full text) [EPA] Pittsburg, Kansas, Approves "Bag It" Program For Trash And Recyclables Monday, August 16, 2010-- Customers who use the Southeast Kansas Recycling Center also will be able to save a little on trash service in coming months. The City Commission last week approved a request for a conditional-use permit for the site. Its the first step toward starting a bag it program that will allow members of the center to purchase specially marked trash bags or stickers for trash bags and drop off their household trash when dropping off recyclables. -- (full text) [Joplin (MO) Globe ]
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