Accomplishments: • NDEE approved the AltEn Facility Response Group’s application to join the Voluntary Cleanup Program on June 30. The agency also signed a memorandum of agreement with the group that outlines program expectations. Next, the group will create a remedial action plan for review and public comment.
• The Nebraska Groundwater Quality Clearinghouse website is now live. This state database is believed to be the largest collection of nitrate groundwater data in the nation, reflecting 50 years of sample results taken by the state’s 23 Natural Resources Districts. NDEE funded this four-year project through federal EPA water 106 grant funds. Visit clearinghouse.nebraska.gov.
Emerging Risks/Issues: • NDEE is scheduled to take over the operation and maintenance (O&M) duties at the Parkview Well Superfund Site in Grand Island in September 2021. After the initial 10 years of a cleanup project, EPA turns over 100% of the O&M costs to the state. In FY18, NDEE was authorized to fund these costs through transfers of up to $1.5 million/year from the Petroleum Release Remediation Action cash fund. The Superfund Section’s cost estimate for the site is $300,000/year. NDEE is responsible for three other National Priorities List sites across the state.
• NDEE created six draft white papers to describe its regulatory approach on a variety of air topics. Based on feedback from the Air Programs’ May meeting with industry representatives, these documents were posted online and issued via the Air Listserv to seek input from air permittees and NDEE’s Air Compendium went live in June. The compendium consolidates historical policies and NDEE regulatory decisions into a comprehensive archive.
Miscellaneous: • NDEE’s 404 Section has applied for a Wetland Program Development grant through the EPA. If the agency receives these funds, they will be used to develop NDEE’s 404 program. The agency is coordinating this effort with PRO.