Accomplishments:
- NDEE hosted an award ceremony at the Capitol building for winners of the “Nebraska: Don’t Waste It!” 2022 student calendar contest. Free calendar copies are now available to the public.
- As of Aug. 16, Nebraska is in attainment with all six National Ambient Air Quality Standards, after Lancaster County was reclassified from “unclassifiable” to “in attainment” for the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA)’s Sulfur Dioxide (SO₂) National Ambient Air Quality Standard. The EPA had designated the county as “unclassifiable” in 2016 because the agency did not have enough data to see if it met the standard. NDEE worked with the Lincoln-Lancaster County Health Department to install an air monitor in Hallam to gather enough data showing the county met the standard.
Emerging Risks/Issues:
- NDEE has granted the AltEn Facility Response Group (AFRG) an extension on its deadline to submit its Remedial Action Plan (RAP). The RAP was originally due at the end of September and is now due no later than Nov. 1, 2021. NDEE granted the extension based on the AFRG’s prioritization of interim emergency response measures and activities to stabilize the site for winter.
Miscellaneous:
- All Nebraska schools and childcare facilities are now eligible for free lead testing of their drinking water through an NDEE program funded by the EPA Water Infrastructure Improvements for the Nation (WIIN) Act grants.
- The grants section closed its 2022 Waste, Litter, and Scrap Tire grant applications period on August 25. There are 204 applications submitted this year: 60 litter, 114 scrap tire and 30 waste business fee or disposal fee.
- The Environmental Quality Council (EQC) has six new appointees and four reappointments. An orientation for new members will be on Nov. 15, with the next EQC meeting on Nov. 16.
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