Emerging Risks/Issues:
- The 2021 Waste, Litter and Scrap Tire Grant application process will open in August. Awards will be announced in December 2020 for a January 1 – December 31, 2021 term.
Accomplishments:
- The Air Compliance section conducted virtual inspections in June. This method will continue until safe in-person inspection can be conducted. The virtual inspection uses video technology and equipment.
- Construction has been completed on the first Electric Vehicle charging stations in Nebraska funded by the Volkswagen settlements. The Level 2 EV charging station is located at the Fairfield Inn and Suites in Scottsbluff.
- NDEE received a Nebraska Environmental Trust award to increase the availability of advanced biofuels across the state. NDEE was awarded $3 million over three years that will be used to encourage the installation of ethanol blender pumps and equipment at retail gas stations with limited access to biofuels.
Miscellaneous:
- The Center of Operational Excellence is producing a video of the Air Compliance section’s continuous air monitors in Grand Island and Scottsbluff. Previous monitors ran every third day, compared to new monitors measuring concentrations hourly. The three new monitors cost around $20,000 each, and provide an annual savings of $25,000. Additionally, monitoring data will be available on the EPA AirNow website https://www.airnow.gov/.
- The Environmental Quality Council conducted a virtual business meeting on June 25, made possible through governor executive orders providing limited waiver for public meetings. The council approved the Clean Water and Drinking Water State Revolving Fund intended use plans and a bylaws amendment updating the agency name.
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