NDEE produces a monthly metrics report to measure what the agency has accomplished; to set annual and longer-term goals; and to examine these goals against accomplishments to ensure continuous process improvements.
Accomplishments
- NDEE began offering free nitrate sample kits to private drinking water well owners. Information from this sampling effort will be used in a state-wide nitrate study the agency is currently conducting. The agency announced the free testing through a press release announcement and with a postcard sent to 29,000 registered well owners in Nebraska.
- NDEE announced its stakeholder workgroup meetings for the Climate Pollution Reduction Planning Program. Each sector (Transportation; Agriculture/Natural & Working Lands; Industry/Waste & Wastewater; Energy Production; and Buildings/Housing/Communities) has two scheduled sets of meetings through Dec. 19. These meetings will be followed by in-person public meetings in early 2024.
- The Energy Team submitted an application to the U.S. Department of Energy for early administration funds for two non-competitive grant programs funded through the IRA. The two grants are known as the Home Energy Rebate programs (the Home Energy Performance-Based Whole House Rebate and the High-Efficiency Electric Home Rebate Program). Because these rebate programs are complex, the DOE is allowing states to access the administration funds early to aid in their development. NDEE requested more than $2 million in early administration funds.
Miscellaneous
- The NPDES and State Permits section has 34 NPDES individual wastewater permits on public notice for Jan. 1, 2024, issuance. This includes permits for large industries, large wastewater treatment plants and the City of Omaha’s Combined Sewer Overflow permit. NDEE issues its NPDES permits quarterly.
- The Environmental Quality Council held its meeting Nov. 17, 2023. The council held public hearings on the 2024 Litter Percent Allocation and amendments to Title 117 – Nebraska Water Quality Standards. Both the litter percent allocation and the amendments were approved.
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