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.
Emerging Risks/Issues:
- COVID-19 severe risk levels have affected inspections across numerous programs at NDEE. Section teams are working to meet inspection goals using virtual tools and non-contact protocols; however, it's not always possible to complete an on-site inspection using online resources exclusively.
Accomplishments:
- NDEE issued its 2020 Annual Report and Groundwater Quality Monitoring Report; the documents have been filed on the Legislature’s website and can be found at http://deq.ne.gov/publica.nsf/Pubs.xsp.
- Through its executive decision process improvements, NDEE has documented more than $126,000 in official savings approved by the budget office – exceeding its goal of $110,000. Improvement projects include upgrading air monitors, discontinuing supplemental sampling at petroleum remediation sites, and joining with other agencies to share costs of wetland delineation training.
- The Superfund/VCP team finalized fieldwork schedules for PFAS sampling between Nov. 30 and Dec. 18 at the Scottsbluff, Alliance, Grand Island, Kearney, North Platte and McCook municipal airports. Discussions are also underway with a contractor to conduct sampling at the Lincoln and Omaha-Eppley municipal airports in early 2021. Task assignments and a scope of work have been issued for future sampling at the Chadron airport.
Miscellaneous:
- The Environmental Quality Council (EQC) will hold its next meeting and public hearings virtually on Dec. 15 at 1 p.m., pursuant to the Governor’s Executive Order No. 20-36. The Council will take action on the 2021 Litter Percent Allocation and the amended 2021 Intended Use Plan.
- The EQC currently has three vacant positions representing city government, county government and physician roles; additionally, nine EQC positions are set to expire in June 2021.
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