Emerging Risks / Issues:
- NDEQ team members continue to help Nebraskans with flood recovery. The drinking water and wastewater sections are working with communities and wastewater treatment facilities to get systems back online. Team members from the land division have visited 59 emergency managers to assist with debris management and expect to complete 11 more visits by the end of June. Financial assistance is being made available through the Dollar and Energy Savings Loan Program and the State Revolving Fund.
Accomplishments:
- NDEQ has made an electronic burn permit application available on its website. Applicants can complete and submit the application online. The application is reviewed within an electronic workflow and the permit is issued via e-mail. The goal of the electronic process is to reduce applicant’s time in submitting requests, improve accuracy and reduce NDEQ staff time.
- NDEQ’s Nebraska Diesel Emission Mitigation Program has announced the opening of the 2019 School Bus Rebate Program, which will use funds from Nebraska’s portion of Volkswagen State Trust to provide rebates to replace diesel school buses. Schools across the state are being notified that applications are now being accepted and must be received by Aug. 2, 2019, to be considered for selection. NDEQ anticipates awarding 32 school bus rebates during this second year of the program.
Misc. Items of Note:
- NDEQ and Nebraska Energy Office staff continue to prepare for the agencies’ merger into the new Nebraska Department of Environment and Energy (NDEE), which becomes effective July 1, 2019. New logos, letterhead, business cards have been developed, and organizational changes and restructuring is well under way. The merger will result in greater efficiencies for both agencies, and more effective customer service.
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