Letters for Saturday, August 30, 2008 Aug 30, 2008
I agree with Rich Hoeppner 100 percent when he said I would totally welcome them (the Superferry) with open arms if they completed an independent Environmental Impact Statement ... Find out your environmental impact on our islands and then come back, but not before. (Lihue Garden Island, HA)
Sarah Palin Talks to Newsmax About McCain, Abortion Aug 30, 2008
And we can do this with minimum environmental impact. We have a very pro-development president in President Bush, and yet he failed to push for opening up parts of Alaska to drilling through Congress and a Republican-controlled Congress, I might add. (Newsmax)
* EPA OKs nuclear storage site Aug 28, 2008
The plant never had to go through an Environmental Impact Assessment because it began operations in 1978, before the Environmental Impact Assessment Act (vTk) was enacted, said Taipei County Environmental Protection Bureau EIA planning director Cheng Hui-fen (Gf). In 1995, Taipower proposed that a spent fuel pool be built for 2,470 sets of spent fuel rods K However, in 1998, the AEC, without any environmental impact difference analysis, gave the company the go ahead to alter the... (Taipei Times, Taiwan -- World)
Mary and Larry Hepburn: Athens-Clarke NBAF site poses numerous problems Aug 28, 2008
The Draft Environmental Impact Statement on the proposed facility admits high-velocity tests show "the proposed NBAF conceptual design is not expected to resist the effects of wind-blown missiles.". The draft goes on to note, "For all of the proposed sites, except Plum Island, N.Y., there was a potential for viral pathogens to be transported significant distances by the wind ... . It is considered likely that ... wildlife or livestock could act to spread disease over long distances. ... Common... (Athens Banner-Herald)
Garrett changes tune on uranium Aug 28, 2008
"It's actually causing greater environmental impact over a larger area." ... But Mr Garrett said the environmental impacts had been thoroughly considered. (Sydney Morning Herald -- Australia)
Green Meter nabs iLinc sustainability award Aug 28, 2008
Web conferencing software maker received the 2008 Frost and Sullivan Green Excellence Award for a development that tells users about the environmental impact they're making by not traveling. The company is the lone winner of the excellence award. (Phoenix Business Journal, AZ)
Exxon Valdez spill still a danger Aug 28, 2008
Fifteen years on, the environmental impact of the oil spill is still serious. Scientists in North America have concluded that the environmental impact of the Exxon Valdez spill was more serious than previously believed. (Yahoo News -- Oil Spills)
Public speaks out about General Plan Update Aug 27, 2008
The purpose of the meeting was to gather input on what should be focused on when a city consultant drafts the plan's Environmental Impact Report (EIR). Advertisement. (Lompoc Record, CA)
* EPA delays plant review in response to criticism Aug 27, 2008
The Environmental Protection Administration (EPA) yesterday came under fire from environmental groups that accused the agency of violating the Environmental Impact Assessment Act (vTk) in relation to a proposed power plant. At a meeting yesterday of the environmental impact assessment (EIA) committee tasked with reviewing the plans for the coal-fired Changpin Industrial Park (u~) power plant, environmental groups said the project could not be reconsidered as a new proposal... (Taipei Times, Taiwan -- World)
Intensity Of Human Environmental Impact May Lessen As Incomes Rise, Analysis Suggests Aug 27, 2008
For generations, people have lightened their environmental impact by multiplying their consumption less than their income, says Ausubel, director of the Program for the Human Environment. We have found encouraging evidence that this trend continues, particularly in places like China and India. (Science Daily)
Lillelund: These cars not blowing smoke on energy solution Aug 27, 2008
To me the most exciting quality of hydrogen, besides the fact that it burns clean with no emissions, is that it can be made from local renewable sources of energy with almost no environmental impact. Examples of this include cities using yard clippings to produce hydrogen and waste from waste-water treatment plants to produce hydrogen. (Wakefield Observer, MA)
Oil bonanza? Aug 27, 2008
" Boom? Northern Petroleum says that it will minimise the environmental impact and stresses the economic benefits of oil production. "It is our opinion that 100 million barrels of oil or even more is recoverable from the UK South of England alone, possibly more," the company says. "This would be advantageous to the country, not just for the creation of jobs in the haulage and service maintenance sector for example, but also. in adding a large amount to the chancellor's purse and reducing the... (BBC News -- Business)
Ferry critics mark 1 year since block Aug 26, 2008
Some surfers who took part in last year's demonstration said they will do it again if the Superferry tries to return without an environmental impact statement ... And a number of the people at the jam said they will be back in the water if the Alakai returns without a thorough environmental impact study ... "When they came here, they came here illegally," said Hoeppner, whose PPK group has sued the Superferry over the lack of an environmental impact statement. (Honolulu Star-Bulletin)
Sales tax will take bite out of Calhoun tax increase, county says Aug 26, 2008
The study will look at the environmental impact on nearby residents, many of whom are opposed to the project. The budget is $10,000, based on the firm s $125 hourly rate. (Orangeburg Times and Democrat, SC)
Air-purifying Church Windows Were Early Nanotechnology Aug 26, 2008
"In conventional chemical reactions, you heat up everything, which is a waste of energy. "Once this technology can be applied to produce specialty chemicals at ambient temperature, it heralds significant changes in the economy and environmental impact of the chemical production. " Adapted from materials provided by . Need to cite this story in your essay, paper, or report? Use one of the following formats: APA MLA Related Stories (May 14, 2007) The grime that accumulates on windows, buildings,... (Science Daily)
Why Wind Turbines Can Mean Death For Bats Aug 26, 2008
26, 2008) Power-generating wind turbines have long been recognized as a potentially life-threatening hazard for birds. But at most wind facilities, bats actually die in much greater numbers. (Science Daily)
Stockton citizens thwart utilities deal Aug 26, 2008
Judge Bob McNatt upheld his October 20 ruling that found an abuse of discrection in the Stockton City Council s decision to rush into a privatization contract without first conducting an environmental impact review required by California state law. The lawsuit was brought against the city council by a group of environmental and consumer rights organizations, which included the Sierra Club and the Concerned Citizens Coalition of Stockton. (Yahoo News -- Utility Industry Deregulation)
CN and City of Joliet approve agreement on CN acquisition Aug 26, 2008
As stated in STB's Draft Environmental Impact Statement, the Board has encouraged voluntary agreements between CN and communities. "We believe this will be the first of many agreements between CN and the communities along the EJ&E line that are impacted by this transaction," stated Gordon T. Trafton Senior Vice-President, Southern Region. (FOXBusiness)
Court appeal hangs over Superferry Aug 25, 2008
If they persuade the Hawaii Supreme Court to strike down the law, the groups contend the Superferry must again halt its operations until the state conducts a new environmental impact statement, a process that could take months ... The two state Constitution provisions cited by the Maui groups challenging the state law that allows the Superferry to operate before an environmental impact statement is completed ... Environmental Impact. (Honolulu Star-Bulletin)
Photosynth fans overload capacity Aug 25, 2008
In a recent survey, 63 percent of mainstream tech-product consumers said they were concerned about the environmental impact of electronic products, compared with 50 percent of early adopters. Source: The Diffusion Group. (Seattle Times)
Sabah wants NGO input in EIA report for coal-fired plant Aug 25, 2008
KOTA KINABALU: Non-governmental organisations (NGOs) are welcomed to give their input in the drafting of an environmental impact assessment (EIA) report on a controversial 300mW coal-fired plant in the Sabah east coast district of Sandakan. State Tourism, Culture and Environment Minister Datuk Masidi Manjum said this demonstrated the governments transparent approach to the project that had drawn opposition from various groups including the influential Sandakan Chinese Chamber of Commerce. (The Star Online, Malaysia -- News)
Java plant on track, contingencies readied Aug 25, 2008
In Sulawesi, the process is not a problem as we are building on the area of our existing plant, so there is no issue with the land acquisition process, even for the AMDAL (the analysis for environmental impact) permit; we have secured it. (But) for the plant in Java, there are still things that need to be sorted out, as you know it is not easy to acquire land in this kind of era, so we intentionally set a one-year time table just to finalize the land-acquisition process. (Jakarta Post, Indonesia -- Business)
Be Eco-Wise with LED Lights Aug 24, 2008
One of the easiest ways for homeowners to limit their environmental impact is to consider replacing the lighting inside their home ... Light Emitting Diode (LED) technology provides homes with beautiful illumination while reducing the negative environmental impact of traditional bulbs. (Canton Daily Ledger, IL)
Superferry taking steps for a Kauai return Aug 24, 2008
Now, a year later after a Maui judge halted service in October of 2007, and an October Special Session of the state Legislature allowed service to continue as an Environmental Assessment is conducted with Belt Collins, the company contracted to carry out the Environmental Impact Statement well into its work, is Kauai ready for a return of the Superferry. The survival of our island s residents has gone up a notch or two on the priority list over the last year. (Lihue Garden Island, HA)
Silicon Valley's next big thing: 'clean tech' Aug 24, 2008
Its new focus: so-called "clean technology" technology that uses natural resources more efficiently or not at all, thereby reducing the environmental impact of products and cutting costs. Most of Silicon Valley's current emphasis is on clean energy. (Yahoo News -- Alternative Energy)
Ameren outlines energy efficiency programs Aug 23, 2008
John Nicol, a presenter for Ameren, said the new energy efficiency programs will cause reductions in energy costs for businesses, reduce environmental impact of energy use and reduce future rate increases. Nicol said that the most effective way to reach these goals is for businesses to pool their efforts. (Pekin Times, IL)
WATER: Carlsbad desal plant gets final approval Aug 23, 2008
And earlier this week, the State Water Resources Control Board rejected a petition from Surfrider challenging the board's approval of a plan by Poseidon to minimize its environmental impact. Surfrider could take the matter to court, but its attorney, Deborah A. Sivas, said that hasn't been decided yet. (North County Times)
Brazil: U.S. should exploit offshore oil resources Aug 23, 2008
RIO DE JANEIRO, Brazil The president of Brazil's state-run oil company says the United States must exploit offshore resources while limiting environmental impact ... Petrobras is a world leader in deep-water drilling and the company claims to produce oil with minimal environmental impact. (San Diego Union-Tribune -- Business)
Burlington should exercise caution Aug 22, 2008
If this was deemed a project for public convenience such as the Cape Wind Farm, this level of economic development would fall under the purview of several federal and state agencies that would require a detailed licensing program and an Environmental Impact Statement that would automatically involve those agencies in an approval process that assures and protects the public interest in areas affected by the proposed projects ... One of the primary values of an Environmental Impact Statement, as... (Burlington Union, MA)
South Africa: Measuring the Carbon Footprint of Fruit And Wine Aug 22, 2008
In an effort to stay competitive in a global market where increasing demands are made by consumers for 'green' products, South African fruit and wine farmers have launched an initiative to determine the environmental impact of their industries ... "Supermarkets are powerful," Hugh Campbell, general manager of the DFPT, told IPS. "They forecast trends, but we have to do the research for the right reasons."We have to measure where we are (in terms of our environmental impact) and determine a way... (allAfrica.com)
Letter: Resident says no to natural gas tests Aug 22, 2008
The more wells you put on one pad the less environmental impact. It doesn t take an expensive environmental impact report for that to make sense. (Appeal Democrat, CA)
Loco for local: Group seeks to raise awareness about benefits of keeping shopping dollars in community Aug 22, 2008
Four learning stations on the handmade car feature facts designed to educate drivers about the ways they can get more miles for their money and lessen their environmental impact. Until I did research, I didn't know that (excess) weight in the back of the car, or tire pressure, can affect fuel performance, said Anderson, a University of Montana College of Technology professor who lectures on issues of sustainability. (Missoulian, MT)
Grass-fed beef rich in flavor Aug 22, 2008
I asked about the environmental impact of flying beef to the United States from South America, and he said the carbon footprint is minimal compared with that of domestic production of corn-fed beef. We re producing beef without using irrigation, he said. (Corvallis Gazette Times, OR)
LNG delays could trim global supply Aug 21, 2008
Even if it does, they question whether backers would choose to divert cargoes to international markets where they could fetch higher prices, leaving Oregon with the environmental impact of a new terminal and pipelines but none of the gas. Sempra Energy's newly opened LNG terminal in Baja Mexico has already been diverting cargoes to Korea. (OregonLive, OR -- Business)
Five-step check for nano safety Aug 21, 2008
NANOTECH'S FIVE CHALLENGES Develop instruments to assess exposure to engineered nanomaterials in air and water within next 3-10 years Create and test ways of evaluating the toxicity of nanomaterials in 5-15 years Generate models to predict their possible impact on the environment and human health over the next 10 years Develop ways to assess the health and environmental impact of nanomaterials over their entire lifetime, within the next five years Organise programmes to enable risk-focused... (Yahoo News -- Nanotechnology)
Nuke regulators see little environmental impact from Shearon Harris through 2046 Aug 21, 2008
Federal nuclear regulators say a new study shows that no significant environmental impacts would result from the Shearon Harris nuclear power plant staying online through 2046 ... On Wednesday, the Nuclear Regulatory Commission said it has completed its final environmental impact statement on Progress Energy s application ... Staffers have determined that the potential environmental impact of renewing the Shearon Harris license would be small, a statement says. (Raleigh Triangle Business Journal, NC)
Montgomery County Re-thinking Bike Path Plans Aug 21, 2008
The head of the Washington Area Bicyclist Association, Eric Gilliland, says he doesn't understand the reasoning behind altering the trail for environmental reasons when the highway itself will have a greater environmental impact. The Planning Board is scheduled to review the issue next month, then make recommendations to the County Council. (ABC 7 News, DC)
Sailboat washes up on Vilano Aug 20, 2008
"Our primary concern is the environmental impact," Bolick said. "We don't want fuel or debris going into the water.". (The St. Augustine Record)
REGION: SDG&E says it did not mislead state Aug 20, 2008
That option surfaced in January with the agency's release of a draft environmental impact report. That unveiling angered tribal officials because it showed wires crossing lands of the Campo Band of Kumeyaay Indians and La Posta Band of Mission Indians. (North County Times)
Commissioners OK School Land Buy Aug 20, 2008
Also during the meeting, the commissioners agreed to defer action on a resolution asking Progress Energy to provide an environmental impact statement before proceeding with the proposed route for a new, more powerful transmission line that traverses ecologically sensitive areas in the county. The nonprofit group known as Save Our Sandhills has requested the environmental impact statement ... Ruth Stolting, speaking on behalf of Save Our Sandhills, said that the power company has not been open... (The Pilot Newspaper)
Shrink the bottle, save the planet Aug 20, 2008
To mitigate the environmental impact and mounting financial burden of air freight, one exporter of Beaujolais Nouveau plans to cut out glass altogether. In an industry first, Boisset Family Estates, whose brands include Mommessin and Bouchard A. (Globe and Mail -- Business)
Oilsands sojourn sends message Aug 20, 2008
For all the talk on dealing with the environmental impact of the oilsands, the federal government has yet to put its money where its mouth is. Ads by Google. (Calgary Herald)
Thomas Rippy, Rockingham evangelist and educator, set up a display of his seashell collection in the lobby of Leath Memorial Library, Rockingham. One of the collection includes a spider conch from South Africa, he said, which he is holding. Shells and coral represent many from around the world. For information, contact Rippy at 557-5200. Photo by Tom MacCallum/Daily Journal Aug 19, 2008
Environmental Impact Resource Conservation and Development out of Aberdeen wants to resurrect this part of North Carolina environmental history ... After Barden s 1997 publication, Environmental Impact RCn working with the Piedmont Prairie Partnership to restore the Carolina prairies as part of the region s cultural heritage ... In 2003, Environmental Impact RCnered with the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service to purchase special equipment for planting grass prairies across the region. (Rockingham Daily Journal, NC)
Green groups quit oil sands forum Aug 19, 2008
Protest move made as Industry Minister in U.S. to address concerns about environmental impact ... That public relations campaign suffered a setback yesterday when three groups that have sought to work with the province on environmental impacts said the consultations had become a farce. (Globe and Mail)
Kenya: Govt to Invest in Geothermal Power Aug 18, 2008
The Nation learnt Sunday that an Environmental Impact Assessment (EIA) study financed by power generator KenGen was commissioned early this year ... According to the assessment report, all the expected environmental impacts arising from the implementation of Menengai geothermal drilling project can be mitigated. (allAfrica.com)
Ghana: Gov't Asked to Seal Possible Oil Revenue Leakage Aug 18, 2008
In addition, although government has given out contracts to multinational companies to operate in the communities there has not been any form of assessment as in Poverty Impact Assessment, Fishing Impact Assessment and Environmental Impact Assessment. Touching on rumours that the government has indicated that the oil sector would not be subjected to the Extractive Industries Transparency Initiative (EITI), he indicated that the government would lose the international recognition it is enjoying... (allAfrica.com)
Greystar Launches Feasibility Study Aug 18, 2008
The resource definition, mine design and planning, and also the supervision of third party studies that include the completion of the hydrology, hydrogeology and geotechnical, as well as baseline studies for the Environmental Impact Assessment, will be provided by Metalica Consultores S.A, () also a Santiago, Chile-based consulting group with recognized experience in the mining industry. Tenders have also gone out for the access road design. (CCNMatthews Press Releases)
Drilling for Oil Way, Way Offshore Aug 18, 2008
Just as important are the environmental impact assessments that can accurately gauge just how destructive a new oil or gas project might be, not just to the land that's being drilled, but also to adjacent areas in Peru, 20 development zones overlap with protected areas. An accident in one zone could easily contaminate neighboring land. (Time.com)
Wind farm lease in place for tribe Aug 17, 2008
The company also plans to finalize an agreement with a buyer for the power; get an agreement to move the power to where it will be used; conduct cultural, wetland and biological surveys; meet with people in the area to answer questions; finish a federal environmental impact statement; and get various other approvals. The North American division of Iberdrola Renewables is based in Portland, Ore. (Sioux City Journal, IO)
Road, river crossing causes stir Aug 17, 2008
He said an environmental impact statement could be done by next spring, with a final decision sometime in 2010. Hecox said hundreds of people and groups have submitted comments on the river crossing and road proposals. (Bismarck Tribune, ND)
Exxon Valdez spill still a danger Aug 17, 2008
Fifteen years on, the environmental impact of the oil spill is still serious. Scientists in North America have concluded that the environmental impact of the Exxon Valdez spill was more serious than previously believed. (Yahoo News -- Oil Spills)
Residents look to zoning as shield Aug 16, 2008
Among the permit s requirements: Oil and gas developers would have to conduct environmental impact studies, hold public hearings and enter agreements about hours of operation. Commissioners took no action Thursday. (Helena Independent Record, MT)
Blumenthal to fight Plum Island upgrade Aug 16, 2008
We have very serious concerns about the potentially huge environmental impact in an area that is densely populated, heavily used for recreational purposes as well as commercial navigation, and possibly a very vulnerable terrorist target, Blumenthal said ... The department recently released draft environmental impact statements for each of the locations, which residents can submit comments on until Aug. 25. (New Haven Register, CT)
No coal, lets have gas: Sabah businesses Aug 16, 2008
No coal, lets have gas: Sabah businesses. Web search enhanced by. (The Star Online, Malaysia -- News)
New plan wont impact most drilling Aug 15, 2008
The revision will require an environmental impact statement. The agency will begin the public comment part of that process sometime late this fall or early winter, he said. (Gillette News-Record, WY)
Bay Area Business Park achieves LEED pre-certification Aug 15, 2008
Bay Area Business Park, which is being built on 137 acres at the intersection of Red Bluff and Bay Area Boulevard, will be LEED certified as having sustainable buildings with less environmental impact than traditional facilities. Phase I with 1. (Houston Business Journal, TX)
Homeland Energy Provides an Update on Projects and Activities Aug 15, 2008
The South African equivalent of an environmental impact assessment was filed with the Department of Minerals and Energy in mid-July. It is Homeland's intention to launch directly into a bankable feasibility study immediately following the completion of the pre-feasibility study. (CCNMatthews Press Releases)
Green wave, fuel costs improve Eco-Edge fortunes Aug 15, 2008
Starting a company to distribute that combustion-catalyst system, made by Emissions Technology Inc., six years ago put Johnson on the road to Eco-Edge, a Chandler-based company that offers a growing array of products and services focused on helping companies with diesel fleets improve profits and reduce environmental impact. "As a CPA, I could see the value in saving companies money," said Johnson, the president of Eco-Edge. (AZCentral -- Business)
Northern Energy funds port interest Aug 15, 2008
The Wiggins Island development is an extension of the Port of Gladstone, which has already gained environmental impact statement sign-off from federal environment Minister Peter Garrett. The Wiggins Island proposal has entered into the final stages of a feasibility study. (Sydney Morning Herald -- Business)
Stockton citizens thwart utilities deal Aug 15, 2008
Judge Bob McNatt upheld his October 20 ruling that found an abuse of discrection in the Stockton City Council s decision to rush into a privatization contract without first conducting an environmental impact review required by California state law. The lawsuit was brought against the city council by a group of environmental and consumer rights organizations, which included the Sierra Club and the Concerned Citizens Coalition of Stockton. (Yahoo News -- Utility Industry Deregulation)
Power project advances in Canada with final approval Aug 15, 2008
Regulatory work in the United states includes an environmental impact statement being prepared by t h e Mo n t a n a De p a r tme n t o f Environmental Quality and the federal Department of Energy. The power line, first proposed in 2005, would extend from Alberta's Lethbridge area to a substation near the Montana city of Great Falls. (Havre Daily News, MT)
Power line plan clears hurdle Aug 15, 2008
The company said in early July it expected a joint final Environmental Impact Statement to be issued "in a few weeks" and the consequent records of decisions to follow 15 to 30 days later. But Tonbridge COO Robert van Beers said Wednesday the statement has not yet been issued. (Calgary Herald)
Prison Overseer: $8 Billion For Med Facilities Aug 14, 2008
His team has started working on the environmental impact report at proposed sites in Stockton and San Diego. Other potential sites include Folsom, Solano County near Vacaville, Whittier, Chino and Ventura County. (San Francisco Chronicle -- Crime)
Acorn Energy Completes Acquisition of Coreworx, Leading Energy Infrastructure Software Provider Aug 14, 2008
As energy producers drill deeper for oil, build larger mines and new, next generation power plants, bringing these facilities on-line on time and on budget is more critical than ever. They are finding their existing business process tools and their dwindling experienced workforce are inadequate to manage the increased project size and complexity and capitalize on the opportunity. (Canada Newswire)
CIC Energy Announces Increase in Mineral Resource Estimate for the Mmamabula Coal Field Aug 14, 2008
Factors that could cause actual results or events to differ materially from current expectations include, but are not limited to: the grade, quality and recovery of coal which is mined varying from estimates; delays or failures in obtaining regulatory permits and/or licences (and extensions and renewals thereof) respecting mining, the production of chemicals, including syngas and derivatives of syngas, power generation and/or power transmission lines and other transportation and industrial... (Canada Newswire)
