News and Articles


Oregon Building with High Lead Levels Closed for Cleanup

Many of the wipe samples collected in the multi-use building in Salem had lead levels of many thousands of micrograms per square foot. One sample taken from the brewery floor was measured at 2,115.45 micrograms per square foot, and a windowsill in the brewery was measured at 6,127.44 micrograms per square foot.

More Christmas Trees Added to Build Bayou Sauvage Habitat

This year's helicopter drop of 4,700 Christmas trees from Orleans Parish helps the national wildlife refuge create tree jetties that produce marsh habitat.

The Sarulla geothermal power plant in Indonesia

Sarulla Geothermal Plant's First Unit Now Operational

One of the world's largest geothermal power plants has begun commercial operation in Indonesia, Toshiba Corporation and Ormat Technologies Inc. announced.

Trump Signs Executive Order Rescinding Obama Climate Policies

Trump Signs Executive Order Rescinding Obama Climate Policies

President Trump said his executive order will decrease the nation’s dependence on imported fuels and revive the flagging coal industry.

U.S. Navy Launches Task Force Ocean

"It's hard to believe that in this globally interconnected information age, only five percent of volume of the world's oceans have been explored and only 20 percent of the world's sea floor has been mapped to modern standards," said Oceanographer of the Navy Rear Adm. Tim Gallaudet.

Robotic Surveys Having Trouble Inside Fukushima Reactor No. 1

Japan's Nuclear Regulation Authority is recommending using a different survey method after TEPCO said an attempt failed to deliver a camera to locations where images of nuclear fuel debris could be taken.

The Environmental Impacts of Boating

Several studies have identified dozens of unintentional and unexpected hazards to the environment associated with boating.

Report Calls for Oil & Gas, Utilities Industries to Boost Wastewater Reuse

It says the oil and gas industry can substantially increase water reuse by mirroring the success of countries such as Canada, where regulations mandate water reuse and limit fresh water acquisition for oil sands operations.

Alaska Workshops Part of Designating Tier 3 Waters

The Alaska Department of Environmental Conservation's public outreach has included four workshops this week on the process of nominating and designating them.

Sewage foam collected at the ramp of the Upper Thames Sailing Club. (INS photo)

Record $24.5 Million Fine Issued to Thames Water for Sewage Discharges

The company's CEO, Steve Robertson, said it asked for the six 2012-2014 incidents to be considered and sentenced together "because it was clear that our performance in this part of our region, at that time, was not up to the very high standards that we and our customers expect."

“Found Object” Sculptures Add to Nonprofit’s Environmental Vision

Because of Woodland’s emphasis on the environment, former mayor Tom Stallard led the drive for the award that was given on the city’s climate action plan—increasing the tree canopy and supporting zero-net energy homes such as Mutual Housing at Spring Lake.

EBRD to Finance Renewable Energy Investments in Greece

The London-based financing agency says the country has huge potential for renewables, including solar, wind, biomass, and geothermal power.

DOE Wants Comments on Possible Changes to Uranium Transfers

The U.S. Department of Energy is asking for comments and information by April 10 about a possible change in its transfers of uranium for cleanup services at the Portsmouth Gaseous Diffusion Plant in Piketon, Ohio.

ICAO Adopts New CO2 Emissions Standard for Aircraft

It will apply to new aircraft type designs starting in 2020 and to aircraft type designs already in production as of 2023. In-production aircraft that by 2028 do not meet the standard will no longer be able to be produced unless their designs are sufficiently modified.

USGBC Releases 2016 Sustainability Report

Record-breaking waste diversion rate of 90 percent and first year water restoration initiatives among highlights

Pilot Project in Californa to Use Recycled Rainwater for Wine Production

The initiative seeks to help create a more sustainable wine industry.

Pennsylvania DEP Hails New App for Inspections

The app allows DEP staffers to conduct electronic inspections of all surface activities at oil and gas sites, including erosion and sedimentation, waterways encroachment, waste management, and spill cleanup.

New York-Owned Ski Resorts Going All In on Renewables

The I AM PRO SNOW 100% Committed program helps meet the governor's Reforming the Energy Vision's strategic plan for building a cleaner, more resilient, and more affordable energy system across the state.

New USGS Maps Show Human-Induced Earthquakes

The total number of Americans at high risk from both natural and human-induced earthquakes this year is about 4 million.

Canada Investing $40 Million on Shielding Infrastructure Against Extreme Weather Events

The country's National Research Council and Infrastructure Canada are conducting research and also upgrading codes, specifications, guidelines, and assessment tools.