March 27, 2020
A Message from NDEE Director Jim Macy
As we all navigate through the unprecedented events facing our State and Nation, please be assured that the Nebraska Department of Environment and Energy (NDEE) is working diligently to prioritize the health and safety of Nebraska’s communities. While our offices are closed for virtually all public entry, our staff are working both from home and the office to be responsive to the needs of the public and environment and to provide assistance to our regulated community by telephone and email.
The obligation to comply with environmental and drinking water laws and requirements does not stop because of this pandemic either. We realize that certain environmental obligations may become more difficult for our regulated entities as they face workforce and work place issues themselves. While we recognize there will be many challenges for everyone, NDEE expects our regulated community to comply with Nebraska’s environmental laws, regulations, and permits to the best of their ability.
NDEE will provide as much flexibility and assistance as lawfully possible in these difficult times. Any Nebraska facility facing difficulties complying with environmental requirements in their operations should call or notify us by email. We will do everything in our power to work through these issues with you.
This is our commitment to you,
Jim Macy
Director
Links to state and federal COVID-19 resources:
NDEE-related issues NEW - Effective Aug. 28, 2020, potential wastewater operators can take the Wastewater Operator Certification Exam at PSI testing centers across the state. Test sites are located in Omaha, Council Bluffs, Kearney, Lincoln, North Platte and Sidney (Council Bluffs is the only location that does Saturday testing). To take the exam, applicants must fill out an application and submit it along with the fee to the NDEE. They will receive an email from PSI once the application has been approved, and they can either schedule their exam over phone or the PSI website. Applicants receive their scores immediately upon completion of the exam.
Due to the COVID-19 virus, NDEE has postponed all in-person Onsite certification exams, but is offering web-based testing. Please contact the Onsite section at 402-471-4285, or ndeq.onsite@nebraska.gov to schedule an exam.
NDEE has developed a new guidance document, “Emergency Disposal of Animal Carcasses Associated with a Non-Disease-Related Mass Mortality Event” to help Nebraska livestock producers plan to deal with catastrophic animal mortality during the COVID-19 pandemic. Additional documents on this mortality management page include: memos from the Nebraska Department of Agriculture related to above ground burial and transportation of animal carcasses, a trench size worksheet, a disposal checklist and a cattle/swine burial calculator. The URL to the mass mortality guidance page is http://dee.ne.gov/publica.nsf/pages/20-006.
NDEE Director Jim Macy has issued an updated letter to continue to allow a temporary period for operations to have more livestock on site than permitted for. This period should not last past August 1, 2020. NDEE will continue to evaluate the situation and extend this period if needed. A PDF of “Livestock Temporary Increase Guidance – May 27 update” can be found at the top of this page.
On June 17, 2020, NDEE issued an updated memo to provide guidance for both indoor and outdoor pools during the COVID-19 pandemic. Effective June 22, 2020, the Directed Health Measures (DHM) for the 89 counties currently in Phase II will be moving into Phase III, which will allow up to 75% of occupancy for outdoor pools and 50% of occupancy for indoor pools. The remaining four counties, Hall, Hamilton, Merrick, and Dakota, will move into Phase II. Phase II allows for up to 25 patrons or 25% of occupancy for pools, whichever is greater. A PDF copy of this guidance memo can be found at the top of this page.
All in person Chemigation training dates have been postponed. The NDEE Chemigation Training calendar will be updated when new dates are established. For the online exam, go to https://water.unl.edu/article/agricultural-irrigation/chemigation*
NDEE reminds the public that sanitizing wipes are not flushable.
NDEE Director Jim Macy has issued “Guidance for Dairies Unable to Ship Milk to Processors Due to COVID-19 Pandemic”. A PDF of the document “Milk Exception Guidance” can be found at the top of this page.
A PDF map of the municipal solid waste landfills in Nebraska, with contact information, can be found at the top of this page.
Do you have questions or comments for NDEE? You can reach us online at NDEE.moreinfo@nebraska.gov.
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