The U.S. Environmental Protection Agency, the District of Columbia, and D.C. Water have joined in a partnership agreement to use green techniques for wet weather pollution control in the District. The "Clean Rivers, Green District" agreement outlines the collaborative steps to support green infrastructure to achieve sustainable stormwater management, more livable communities, and other environmental improvements in the District.

EPA has released its Climate Change Indicators in the United States 2012 report. This report updates the Agency's initial climate-indicators report, which was published in 2010. It contains information about 26 key indicators that together show what climate change looks like in the United States. The report also highlights some of the public health and environmental impacts that are already happening today.

The Winter 2012-2013 issue of Natural Selections, the DoD Natural Resources Program quarterly newsletter, is attached. It focuses on key natural resource management issues related to oceans--marine mammals, coral reefs, seabirds, climate change impacts--and includes updates from various DoD programs, initiatives, and partnerships.

The U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) and the Department of Energy (DOE) have released the 2013 Fuel Economy Guide, giving consumers clear and easy-to-read information to help them choose the most fuel efficient and low greenhouse gas emitting vehicles that meet their needs. The 2013 models include efficient and low-emission vehicles in a variety of classes and sizes, but notable this year is the growing availability of hybrids and the increasing number of electric vehicles.

(WASHINGTON, Dec. 14, 2012) - In response to a court order, the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) today finalized an update to its national air quality standards for harmful fine particle pollution (PM2.5), including soot, setting the annual health standard at 12 micrograms per cubic meter. By 2020, ninety-nine percent of U.S. counties are projected to meet revised health standard without any additional actions. Today's announcement has no effect on the existing daily standard for fine particles or the existing daily standard for coarse particles (PM10), which includes dust from farms and other sources), both of which remain unchanged.

The Northern Review of Legislative & Regulatory Actions provides current information on government affairs, energy and environment relevant to Department of Defense interests in the 22 states and territories in Federal Regions 1, 2, 3 and 5. The Review is intended to be a tool useful to DoD and Army leaders, planners, and program managers in carrying out their responsibilities. The Northern Review of Legislative & Regulatory Actions monitors and targets proposed and final regulations and legislation that may affect Army or DoD operations. See attached.

GSA's Public Building Service has developed training designed to prepare professionals to obtain the Green Buildings Certification Institute's (GBCI) LEED Green Associate (GA) and LEED Accredited Professional (AP) credentials. The training is based on LEED 2009 criteria and will become obsolete once USGBC transitions to LEED v4. The training is designed to prepare participants to successfully gain the LEED GA, and, where candidates meet GBCI requirements, the LEED AP specialty credentials. Available on-demand for federal employees only.

Four cabinet-level departments joined the Advisory Council on Historic Preservation today in signing a Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) to improve the protection of Indian sacred sites. The MOU also calls for improving tribal access to the sites. It was signed by cabinet secretaries from the U.S. Departments of Agriculture, Defense, Energy and Interior. It was also signed by the chairman of the Advisory Council on Historic Preservation.

The Southern Review of Legislative & Regulatory Actions, published by the U.S. Army's Regional Environmental and Energy Office--Southern (REEO-S), is designed to provide current information to environmental decision makers, planners, and program managers regarding environmental actions and events throughout Federal EPA Region 4 (Alabama, Florida, Georgia, Kentucky, Mississippi, North Carolina, South Carolina, and Tennessee). Information listed may be relevant to the U.S. Army and other Military Services' activities and operations. See attached.

Webinar presentations given at EPA's "Industrial Stormwater Requirements at Federal Facilities: Ask the Inspector" workshop held November 14, 2012 are now available at http://www.fedcenter.gov/industrialstormwaterreqtswebinar.

The deadline for application to the White House Council on Environmental Quality's GreenGov Spotlight Community initiative has been extended to November 30, 2012. The Initiative highlights cross-agency projects that are helping you achieve the energy and sustainability goals and targets in Executive Order 13514 - Federal Leadership in Environmental, Energy and Economic Performance. Click here for more information.

Monthly environmental news for DoD facilities in EPA Regions 1, 2 & 3. See attached.

Check out this site for local events, recycling tips, and a toolbox for your own events.

The Northern Review of Legislative & Regulatory Actions provides current information on government affairs, energy and environment relevant to Department of Defense interests in the 22 states and territories in Federal Regions 1, 2, 3 and 5. The Review is intended to be a tool useful to DoD and Army leaders, planners, and program managers in carrying out their responsibilities. The Northern Review of Legislative & Regulatory Actions monitors and targets proposed and final regulations and legislation that may affect Army or DoD operations. See attached.

The Southern Review of Legislative & Regulatory Actions, published by the U.S. Army's Regional Environmental and Energy Office--Southern (REEO-S), is designed to provide current information to environmental decision makers, planners, and program managers regarding environmental actions and events throughout Federal EPA Region 4 (Alabama, Florida, Georgia, Kentucky, Mississippi, North Carolina, South Carolina, and Tennessee). Information listed may be relevant to the U.S. Army and other Military Services' activities and operations. See attached.

The U.S. Department of Defense (DOD) recently released its "Annual Energy Management Report" for Fiscal Year 2011. The 441-page document details DOD activities to promote energy security and leverage new energy technologies, focusing on energy at its fixed installations. This annual report discusses a variety of energy issues, including DOD efforts to manage its facility energy program and reduce energy consumption in part by increasing the supply of renewable energy.

The guide serves as a reference document for the preparation and response to a contamination event when rapid decision making is needed. It provides recommendations primarily to drinking water, wastewater and stormwater utilities following an all-hazard chemical, biological, and radiological (CBR) contamination event. Secondary users of the guide are decision makers involved with planning and disposal at the federal, state, local and tribal levels.

This report is the most recent in a series of GAO reports examining the nexus between energy and water. The report looks at the vast amounts of water used by the U.S. in energy production, from cooling thermoelectric power plants to the growth of feedstocks for biofuel production to oil and gas extraction. It also examines how water and energy are inextricably linked in the treatment of drinking water and wastewater. The GAO report noted several factors likely to affect future supply and demand for both energy and water, including climate change, population growth, and demographic shifts.

The NETI Bulletin announces upcoming EPA environmental enforcement training opportunities (e-Learning, Classroom, and Webinar courses) for federal, state, tribal and local government environmental enforcement professionals.

Monthly environmental news for DoD facilities in EPA Regions 1, 2 & 3. See attached.

(Boston, Mass. – Oct. 17, 2012) – EPA, in consultation with the Massachusetts Department of Environmental Protection (MassDEP) has completed its assessment and final cleanup decisions for the Former A Range, Former K Range and Gun and Mortar Positions located on the northern portion of the Massachusetts Military Reservation (MMR) on Cape Cod. The results of the site investigations concluded that limited actions are necessary at Former A Range including land use controls and site monitoring. EPA determined that no further actions were necessary at the Former K and Gun and Mortar Positions.

PHILADELPHIA (Oct. 23, 2012) -- The U.S. Navy has agreed to pay a $38,500 penalty to settle alleged hazardous waste violations at the Naval Air Station Patuxent River, located at 22268 Cedar Point Road in Patuxent River, Md. This settlement resolves alleged violations alleged by EPA of the Resource Conservation and Recovery Act (RCRA), the federal law governing the treatment, storage, and disposal of hazardous waste.

The Northern Review of Legislative & Regulatory Actions provides current information on government affairs, energy and environment relevant to Department of Defense interests in the 22 states and territories in Federal Regions 1, 2, 3 and 5. The Review is intended to be a tool useful to DoD and Army leaders, planners, and program managers in carrying out their responsibilities. The Northern Review of Legislative & Regulatory Actions monitors and targets proposed and final regulations and legislation that may affect Army or DoD operations. See attached.

In a consent agreement with the U.S. EPA, the Maryland Air National Guard (MDANG), 175th Wing, has agreed to pay a $75,000 penalty to settle alleged violations of hazardous waste regulations at its facility at 2701 Eastern Blvd., Baltimore, Md. EPA cited MDANG for violating the Resource Conservation and Recovery Act (RCRA), the federal law governing the treatment, storage, and disposal of hazardous waste. The consent agreement resolves alleged violations discovered in an April 2011 inspection of the facility.

The operator of the wastewater treatment plant at Paradise in Mount Rainier National Park pleaded guilty to violating the Clean Water Act in August 2011, when he allowed hundreds of thousands of gallons of sewage to run into the Nisqually River. Under the terms of the plea agreement, the employee is giving up his certification to operate a wastewater facility and is resigning from the Park Service. Sentencing is scheduled for 14 December 2012.

The Montreal Protocol on Substances that Deplete the Ozone Layer will celebrate its 25th anniversary on 16 September. The Protocol, which was ratified by 197 countries, has enabled reductions of over 98 per cent of all global production and consumption of controlled ozone-depleting substances.

The White House Council on Environmental Quality is looking to spotlight energy and sustainability projects that involve the collaboration of multiple federal agencies. GreenGov Spotlight Communities demonstrate how leveraging regional co-location and shared targets are helping agencies achieve the energy and sustainability goals and targets in Executive Order 13514 Federal Leadership in Environmental, Energy and Economic Performance. If your team is working with other federal agencies to reduce your environmental footprint through joint purchasing agreements, fleet sharing, or other Executive Order 13514 projects, you might be eligible to become a GreenGov Spotlight Community. More information, and the online application form, is available here. Applications must be submitted by November 16, 2012.

The Southern Review of Legislative & Regulatory Actions, published by the U.S. Army's Regional Environmental and Energy Office--Southern (REEO-S), is designed to provide current information to environmental decision makers, planners, and program managers regarding environmental actions and events throughout Federal EPA Region 4 (Alabama, Florida, Georgia, Kentucky, Mississippi, North Carolina, South Carolina, and Tennessee). Information listed may be relevant to the U.S. Army and other Military Services' activities and operations. See attached.

Fall 2012 edition of the DoD Chesapeake Bay Program Journal, published quarterly and sponsored by the DOD/Navy Chesapeake Bay Program Office. See attached.

Monthly environmental news for DoD facilities in EPA Regions 1, 2 & 3. See attached.

EPA has signed a Safe Drinking Water Act administrative consent order with the U.S. Navy, and Washington Suburban Sanitary Commission (WSSC) to take corrective action protecting the public water supply at Joint Base Anacostia-Bolling, a combined Navy-Air Force facility in Washington, D.C. The order requires the Navy and WSSC to submit and implement a plan to correct significant deficiencies identified in 2008 and 2011 surveys of the base's public water supply by EPA and its contractors. These deficiencies include management issues and the flooding of three vaults containing meters due to possible leaking pipes or high ground water. The water system also expanded its capacity without notifying EPA as required by Safe Drinking Water Act regulations.

The U.S. Air Force has agreed to pay a $12,823 penalty for Underground Storage Tank (UST) violations in three Nebraska counties. The violations occurred at Air Force facilities in western Nebraska. In addition to paying the civil penalty, the Air Force is required to conduct a tank tightness test to determine if one of the USTs is leaking. The Air Force is unable to account for 1,490 gallons of diesel fuel in that tank. According to an administrative consent agreement and final order filed by EPA Region 7 in Kansas City, Kan., routine inspections of the facilities discovered the violations, some of which were repeat violations. The violations included failure to provide overfill protection for an existing tank, failure to conduct annual inspections of the corrosion protection system, and failure to report a suspected release to the implementing agency. By agreeing to the settlement with EPA, the United States Air Force has certified that it is now in compliance with all requirements of the RCRA regulations.

Update: Winner photos added 10/09/2012.
(WASHINGTON, D.C., September 24, 2012) – The White House Council on Environmental Quality (CEQ) today announced the winners of the 2012 GreenGov Presidential Awards, honoring Federal agency teams and individuals who are taking innovative approaches to curbing waste, reducing energy use and saving taxpayer money in Federal agency operations. The GreenGov Presidential Awards celebrate extraordinary achievement in the pursuit of President Obama's Executive Order on Federal Leadership in Environmental, Energy and Economic Performance (Executive Order 13514). The awards highlight Federal civilian and military personnel, and agency teams, facilities, and programs that exemplify President Obama's charge to lead by example. The award winners were honored by senior Administration officials at a White House ceremony yesterday.

Consult this bulletin for the current NETI offerings.

Picerne Military Management, LLC, has agreed to pay a $24,900 civil penalty to settle alleged violations of the federal Clean Water Act at Fort Riley, Kansas. Picerne Military Management is a civilian development, construction, and property management company that owns and/or operates approximately 20,000 housing units on seven Army posts throughout the U.S., including Fort Riley. By agreeing to the settlement, Picerne Military Management has certified that it is in compliance with the Clean Water Act. The consent agreement is subject to a public comment period before it becomes final. The public notice and consent agreement can be found online.

EPA, in coordination with the US Navy and Connecticut Department of Energy and Environmental Protection announced approval of the thirteenth Record of Decision (ROD) at the Naval Submarine Base - New London Superfund site in Groton, Conn. In signing the ROD, the EPA has formally accepted the Navy s cleanup plan to address contamination at the submarine base. The signing of the ROD will enable the Navy to move forward on the remedial design and cleanup action in the area known as the Lower Submarine Base. The cleanup is expected to commence in November 2013.

The Fall 2012 issue of Natural Selections, the DoD Natural Resources Program quarterly newsletter, is attached. It focuses on policy and planning efforts under way and new resources and tools now available.

Two new features–Steppingstones and What's Hoppin' in DoD PARC–will serve as recurring corners for the DoD Partners in Flight (PIF) and Partners in Amphibian and Reptile Conservation (PARC) programs, respectively. With these additions, we hope to provide a more holistic voice for all natural resources topics of interest to our readers.

(Boston, Mass. – Sept. 6, 2012) – On Aug. 30, 2012, EPA issued a Consent Agreement and Final Order with the Massachusetts National Guard to resolve EPA allegations of violations of operations and maintenance requirements by the Guard in managing three firing ranges at Camp Edwards. Camp Edwards is located on the northern portion of the Massachusetts Military Reservation (MMR) a 22,000-acre property that has been used for military training activities since 1935. The base is located over an aquifer that is the sole source of drinking water for residents of Cape Cod.

These honorary awards recognize outstanding efforts towards achieving DHS sustainability goals in the areas of energy conservation, water and resource protection, greenhouse gas reduction, waste minimization, recycling and pollution prevention. Out of a total of eleven submittals, there was one winner from the Federal Law Enforcement Training Center (FLETC), two from the U.S. Coast Guard (USCG), and three from the U.S. Customs and Border Patrol (CBP).

Monthly environmental news for DoD facilities in EPA Regions 1, 2 & 3. See attached.

The U.S. Navy has agreed to pay a $32,800 civil penalty to settle alleged violations of hazardous waste regulations and underground storage tank (UST) regulations at the Joint Expeditionary Base Little Creek-Fort Story facility in Virginia Beach, Va. EPA cited the U.S. Navy for violating the Resource Conservation and Recovery Act (RCRA), the federal law governing the treatment, storage, and disposal of hazardous waste.

Monthly environmental news for DoD facilities in EPA Regions 1, 2 & 3. See attached.

The NETI Training Bulletin announces upcoming EPA environmental enforcement training opportunities (e-Learning, Classroom, and Webinar courses) for federal, state, tribal and local government environmental enforcement professionals.

Spring 2012 edition of the DoD Chesapeake Bay Program Journal, published quarterly and sponsored by the DOD/Navy Chesapeake Bay Program Office. See attached.

Monthly environmental news for DoD facilities in EPA Regions 1, 2 & 3. See attached.

(WASHINGTON, 06/26/2012) – The U.S. Environmental Protection Agency released interim guidance for ship owners and operators clarifying how the U.S. government will implement fuel availability provisions when ships are unable to obtain fuel that meets standards protecting against sulfur pollution along the coast. Sulfur pollution has been linked to respiratory illnesses, particularly in at-risk populations including children, the elderly, and asthmatics. The International Maritime Organization (IMO) has officially designated waters off of the coast of North America, known as the North American Emission Control Area (North American ECA), as areas where stringent international pollution standards apply for ships, including fuel sulfur limits. The guidance provides background information on the North American ECA fuel sulfur standards, explains how owners and operators of vessels can establish compliance with these requirements, and describes how an owner or operator of a vessel who cannot obtain compliant fuel oil can make a fuel oil non-availability claim.

The U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) has issued a new framework to help local governments meet their Clean Water Act obligations. The Integrated Municipal Stormwater and Wastewater Planning Approach Framework assists EPA regional offices, states, and local governments to develop voluntary storm and wastewater management plans and implement effective integrated approaches that will protect public health by reducing overflows from wastewater systems and pollution from stormwater. In developing the framework, the EPA worked in close coordination with a variety of stakeholders, including publicly owned treatment works, state water permitting authorities, local governments, and nonprofit environmental groups. EPA's framework outlines new flexibility to pursue innovative, cost-saving solutions, like green infrastructure, and will help communities as they develop plans that prioritize their investments in storm and wastewater infrastructure.

Monthly environmental news for DoD facilities in EPA Regions 1, 2 & 3. See attached.

The Consumer Electronics Association (CEA) reports a sharp increase in the volume of electronics recycled through its eCycling Leadership Initiative in 2011. The eCycling Leadership Initiative, also known as the Billion Pound Challenge, represents a collaboration among consumer electronics manufacturers, retailers, collectors, recyclers, nongovernmental organizations and governments at all levels. The initiative has set the goals of increasing the amount of electronics recycled responsibly to 1 billion pounds annually by 2016, growing the number of collection opportunities available to consumers, improving consumer awareness of available eCycling collection sites and providing transparent metrics on eCycling efforts.

NOAA was fined for failure to comply with hazardous waste generator and universal waste requirements.

The U.S. General Services Administration has released its review of the Green Building Certification Systems. This initial report is the first step in an extensive review process -- including a public comment period – that evaluates tools that could help federal agencies meet their goals for maintaining and constructing more sustainable and efficient buildings. When completed, the use of updated building certification systems will help GSA's customer agencies meet federal requirements for green construction, save taxpayer dollars and meet the goals of President Obama's Executive Order on Federal Leadership in Environmental, Energy, and Economic Performance (EO 13514).

On April 26, 2012, the USEPA announced that the U.S. Navy has agreed to pay a $5,855 penalty to settle alleged underground storage tank (UST) violations at its Building NH94, located at 7918 Blandy St., Norfolk, Va.

The NETI Training Bulletin announces upcoming EPA environmental enforcement training opportunities (E-Learning, Classroom, and Webinar courses) for federal, state, tribal and local government environmental enforcement professionals.

Monthly environmental news for DoD facilities in EPA Regions 1, 2 & 3. See attached.

Monthly environmental news for DoD facilities in EPA Regions 1, 2 & 3. See attached.

Eielson Air Force Base near Fairbanks mismanaged hazardous waste at its facilities and failed to ensure that personnel handling hazardous waste had proper training, according to a settlement with the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency. The base agreed to pay a penalty for alleged violations of federal hazardous waste management laws, correct the violations and improve its waste management and training practices.

(WASHINGTON, DC, March 6, 2012) – The Council on Environmental Quality (CEQ) today released final guidance for Federal agencies on improving the efficiency of their environmental reviews under the National Environmental Policy Act (NEPA). The guidance, part of CEQ's broader effort to modernize and reinvigorate Federal agency implementation of NEPA, also supports the goals of President Obama's August 31, 2011 Memorandum on "Speeding Infrastructure Development through More Efficient and Effective Permitting and Environmental Review."

GSA Bulletin FMR B-34 provides guidance concerning the documentation of, and appropriate disposal of Federal Electronic Assets (FEA). Property items designated as FEA include: copiers; telephones, fax machines, and communication equipment; electronic equipment components; electrical and electronic properties measuring and testing instruments; digital cameras; desktop and laptop/portable computers, computer monitors, displays, printers, peripherals, and electronic components; televisions and other displays; and other items that clearly utilize solid-state electronics technology or vacuum tubes to perform. See attached news release.

On 30 January 2012, the Senior Executive Committee met and successfully resolved the formal dispute regarding the identification of TCE and uranium as principal threat wastes in the draft final feasibility study for the Burial Ground Operable Unit at the Paducah Gaseous Diffusion Plant. The terms of the agreement are set out in the Resolution Agreement signed by DOE, Kentucky and EPA. on 10 February 2012.

The 6 January 2012 letter from the EPA Assistant Administrator for Enforcement and Compliance Assurance transmitted the EPA Administrator's decision in a Federal Facility Agreement formal dispute initiated by the Alabama Department of Environmental Management (ADEM) that affirmed the EPA Position issued by the EPA Region 4 Regional Administrator and found the ARARs table developed by EPA and NASA for the OU-12 ROD at the Marshall Space Flight Center had the appropriate level of specificity, and was consistent with CERCLA, the NCP, and EPA guidance. The EPA Position rejected ADEM's assertions that the ROD's ARARs tables should cite broadly to various Alabama statutes and regulations, which would have included administrative provisions and others that were not related to the selected remedy.

The National Capital Planning Commission is accepting comments from Federal partners on the Federal Environmental Element for the National Capital Comprehensive Plan until March 15th, 2012. The Environment Element seeks to provide leadership in maximizing efficiency and increase sustainability by encouraging improved environmental design, development practices, and minimize the federal government's impact on the environment. The plan sets guidelines for facilities in the National Capitial region including the District of Columbia, and sections of Virginia and Maryland. Comments may be sent to Gene Keller eugene.keller@ncpc.gov.

WASHINGTON – The U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) is issuing a new permit, in accordance with the Clean Water Act, that will provide streamlined permitting to thousands of construction operators, while protecting our nation's waterways from discharges of polluted stormwater from construction sites. Stormwater discharges from construction sites can contain harmful pollutants, such as nutrients, that contaminate waters, increase drinking water treatment costs, and damage aquatic ecosystems. The new permit was shaped by important input from the public and stakeholders to ensure that it provides important protections for waterways, while also providing flexibility to operators.

Monthly environmental news for DoD facilities in EPA Regions 1, 2 & 3.

This bulletin details the courses being offered by NETI.

(Seattle--Jan. 17, 2012) Naval Base Kitsap Bangor failed to properly monitor pipes and underground fuel storage tanks for leaks on its property in Silverdale, Washington in violation of federal laws that protect groundwater, according to a settlement with the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency. The Navy will pay nearly $161,000 in fines.

Monthly environmental news for DoD facilities in EPA Regions 1, 2 & 3.

This is the third annual sustainability report. Dated September 2011, the report describes the continued integration of sustainability into operations at all organizational levels.

(WASHINGTON, December 21, 2011) – The U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) has issued the Mercury and Air Toxics Standards, the first national standards to protect American families from power plant emissions of mercury and toxic air pollution like arsenic, acid gas, nickel, selenium, and cyanide. The standards will slash emissions of these dangerous pollutants by relying on widely available, proven pollution controls that are already in use at more than half of the nation's coal-fired power plants.

(Boston, Mass. – Dec. 20, 2011) – This week the Rhode Island Army National Guard (RIARNG) has begun installation of a Corrosion Control Treatment System to comply with the requirements of the federal Lead and Copper Rule at its base located in Coventry, R.I. This past October the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency entered into an Administrative Order on Consent (AOC) with the RIARNG to resolve violations of the Safe Drinking Water Act at its Coventry facility. EPA entered into the AOC with the RIARNG due to the failure to install optimal corrosion control treatment and comply with the sampling requirements identified in the Lead and Copper Rule. The failure to install optimal corrosion control treatment has caused the facility to exceed the action levels established under the Safe Drinking Water Act for lead and copper.

The Department of Energy (DOE) Carlsbad Field Office (CBFO) was selected for top recognition for environmental stewardship and for reducing energy, water and paper usage at the DOE's Waste Isolation Pilot Plant (WIPP). The New Mexico Environment Department (NMED) recently selected CBFO for a Bronze Award under their Green Zia Environmental Leadership Program, which recognized New Mexico businesses or organizations for their commitment towards environmental stewardship by implementing pollution prevention practices and for excellence and long-term environmental and economic sustainability.

The Fall 2011 issue of Natural Selections, the DoD Natural Resources Program quarterly newsletter, is attached. With a focus on the operational benefits of natural resources management, the issue provides examples from the OSD, command, and installation level on efforts to sustain and enhance training and stewardship.

DOE has released the latest version of its building energy modeling software EnergyPlus, which calculates the energy required to heat, cool, ventilate, and light a building. EnergyPlus is used by architects and engineers to design more efficient buildings, by researchers to investigate new building and system designs, and by policymakers to develop energy codes and standards. The advanced physics calculations within EnergyPlus allows it to model a wide range of residential and commercial buildings and HVAC system types, including passive building designs and low-energy systems.

Monthly environmental news for DoD facilities in EPA Regions 1, 2 & 3.

EPA is requesting public nominations of scientific experts for appointment to EPA's Science Advisory Board (SAB) Chemical Assessment Advisory Committee. The primary purpose of this new committee is to review chemical assessments. The exact number for new committee members has not yet been determined. EPA will also consult with the committee on questions regarding the Integrated Risk Information System (IRIS) Program.

(WASHINGTON, November 16, 2011) – The U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) and the Department of Energy (DOE) are releasing the 2012 Fuel Economy Guide, providing consumers with information that can help them choose a more efficient new vehicle that saves them money and reduces greenhouse gas emissions. While fuel efficient vehicles come in a variety of fuel types, classes, and sizes, many new advanced technology vehicles debut on this year's annual list of top fuel economy performers. Fuel economy leaders within each vehicle category – from two-seaters to large SUVs – include widely available products such as conventional gasoline models and clean diesels.

EPA and 16 partner organizations have entered into a MOU to work collaboratively at the national level to improve decentralized performance and our nation's public health and water resources. EPA initiated this MOU partnership in 2005 through an MOU with eight public and private sector organizations; the MOU was then expanded in 2008 to 14 partners and again in November 2011 to 16 partners, with the addition of both the Centers of Disease Control and Prevention and NSF International. The 2011 MOU renews the commitment of EPA and its partner organizations to working together to encourage proper management of decentralized systems and increase collaboration among EPA, state and local governments, and decentralized system practitioners and providers.

Energy Star's Portfolio Manager, an online energy measurement and tracking tool, will now include the updated hospital methodology. The updated Energy Star national energy performance scale methodology for hospitals now includes data inputs for the number of MRI machines and personnel and adjustments to weather normalization to reflect the amount of energy used to cool the building. Additionally, the methodology's 5 million square foot size cap was removed, allowing larger hospitals to take advantage of the online tool.

University of Central Florida (UCF) is the winner of EPA's 2011 Energy Star National Building Competition: Battle of the Buildings. In its second year, the competition featured teams from 245 buildings across the country in a head-to-head battle to save energy, reduce costs, and protect people's health and the environment.

(WASHINGTON, November 4, 2011) – The U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) is announcing that it is reinstating Toxic Release Inventory (TRI) reporting requirements for hydrogen sulfide. This action is part of Administrator Lisa P. Jackson's ongoing efforts to provide Americans with helpful information on chemicals they may encounter in their daily lives.

EPA is proposing revisions to strengthen the 1988 federal underground storage tank (UST) regulations by increasing emphasis on properly operating and maintaining UST equipment.

The White House Council on Environmental Quality (CEQ) today announced Federal winners of the 2011 GreenGov Presidential Awards for exceptional efforts to promote sustainability in agency operations. The eight winners, in six award categories, represent Federal agency teams and individual employees from across the country. The GreenGov Presidential Awards celebrate extraordinary achievement in the pursuit of President Obama's Executive Order (EO) 13514 on Federal Leadership in Environmental, Energy and Economic Performance.

Monthly environmental news for DoD facilities in EPA Regions 1, 2 & 3.

(WASHINGTON, D.C., October 19, 2011) – The White House Council on Environmental Quality (CEQ) today announced the keynote speakers and plenary session panelists who will kickoff the 2011 GreenGov Symposium, to be held October 31 – November 2, at the Washington Hilton in Washington, D.C. Nancy Sutley, Chair of CEQ, will deliver welcoming remarks, and Jack Lew, Director of the Office of Management and Budget (OMB) will deliver the first keynote address of GreenGov 2011. The first day plenary session will feature clean energy and green leaders, including award-winning journalist and associate professor at the University of Kansas School of Journalism and Mass Communications, Simran Sethi, and renowned explorer, social entrepreneur, and environmental advocate Philippe Cousteau Jr. among others to discuss how they see the Federal Government can lead by example in sustainability.

Summer 2011 edition of the DoD Chesapeake Bay Program Journal, published quarterly and sponsored by the DOD/Navy Chesapeake Bay Program Office.

EPA has approved a plan and committed to clean up the Northeast Church Rock Mine, the largest and highest priority uranium mine on the Navajo Nation. The cleanup will include removal of approximately 1.4 million tons of radium and uranium contaminated soil and will employ the most stringent standards in the country. The cleanup will place the contaminated soil in a lined, capped facility. The multi-year cleanup will be conducted in several phases.

At a ceremony 30 September 2011, the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency, along with the California Department of Toxic Substances Control, the Regional Water Quality Control Board, the U.S. Air Force, Sacramento County and McClellan Business Park, highlighted the first time that a private party has completed a cleanup at a military Superfund site in the nation.

Contains information on October and November 2011 webinar and classroom training from the National Enforcement Training Institute (NETI).

U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) has announced the release of a new mapping feature in EPA's Enforcement and Compliance History Online (ECHO) database. As part of EPA's ongoing effort to improve transparency, the EPA and State Enforcement Actions Map will allow the public to access federal and state enforcement information in an interactive format and to compare enforcement action information by state. The map will be refreshed monthly to include up to date information about the enforcement actions taken to address violations of air, water, and waste laws.

Monthly environmental news for DoD facilities in EPA Regions 1, 2 & 3.

The U.S. EPA announced 21 Sep 2011 that it has signed an agreement with the DOD to remediate Joint Base Andrews (formerly Andrews Air Force Base) located in Clinton, Md. The federal facility agreement ensures that cleanup actions proceed with EPA oversight within an enforceable framework, in a manner that protects the community and the environment. The agreement will also give the EPA and the Air Force the framework for investigating new and evolving contamination at the base as it is discovered.

The Fort Wainwright Army base will pay over $79,000 for failing to shut down three banned motor vehicle disposal wells by the closure deadline, according to a settlement with the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency.