Wastes


Duke Energy Fined $102 Million for Polluting Rivers with Coal Ash

Duke Energy, the nation's largest electrical utility, pleaded guilty in federal court Thursday to nine criminal violations of the Clean Water Act for polluting four major rivers for several years with toxic coal ash from five power plants in North Carolina.

Minnesota Communities Oppose City's Planned Sewage Treatment Facility

Residents of nearby Lake St. Croix Beach and St. Mary's Point fear the project would cause more environmental problems than it solves. Among other concerns, they fear that Valley Creek -- a protected trout stream -- could be harmed and groundwater near drinking water wells could be contaminated.

Incinerating Hazardous Waste

Through incineration, hazardous wastes can be safely and efficiently discarded.

Five Companies Win European Business Awards

Karmenu Vella, the European Union's Environment, Maritime Affairs and Fisheries commissioner, has announced the winners of the European Business Awards for the Environment 2014-15.

This photo shows the Ener-Core Powerstation KG2-3G/GO, which integrates Ener-Core’s proprietary Gradual Oxidation technology with a highly efficient 2MW gas turbine. It is engineered to meet demanding emissions regulations and to provide continuous power generation on a wide range of fuel qualities. (Ener-Core, Inc. photo)

Deal Provides Wider Access to Methane Flaring Solution

"Most industries that currently flare their waste gases will soon be able to use these waste gases productively while also significantly reducing their emissions of waste gases into the atmosphere. This is great news for our world's air quality and great news for the financial bottom lines of the industries that currently emit these greenhouse gases into the atmosphere," said Alain Castro, CEO of Ener-Core.

Seattle Residents Invited to Vote for 'Most Compostable' Thanksgiving Dish

Aspic? Turducken? Fruitcake? Jello salad? All are possibilities in the Seattle Public Utilities contest to pick the "worst Thanksgiving dish in Seattle."

Green areas on this map show some of the areas of Lower Manhattan where the BigBelly Solar waste bins are located. (BigBelly Solar graphic)

Alliance Expands Use of Solar Waste and Recycling Units

More than 150 new recycling bins in Lower Manhattan are increasing waste collection efficiency, BigBelly Solar reports.

Geochemical Tracers Can ID Fracking Flowback Fluids

Duke University geochemist Avner Vengosh, who co-led the research, said the research "gives us new forensic tools to detect if frack fluids are escaping into our water supply and what risks, if any, they might pose."



VA Food Waste Contract in Place

The Veterans Canteen Service operates the retail, food, and vending for these facilities and will be using the company's technology to eliminate about 45,000 tons of food waste per year, if utilized across all of VA's facilities.

NRC

NRC Staff Report Reignites Yucca Mountain Debate

How the 2014 midterm U.S. elections go may well determine whether the nuclear waste storage project in Nevada goes forward, four years after the Obama administration halted it.

Waste Isolation Pilot Plant Closer to Resuming Operations

Final inspections of WIPP's primary waste hoist began Oct. 7, and a town hall meeting has been scheduled for Oct. 16 to update residents about the recovery process.

Veolia Touts Recycling Success of Eiffel Tower Renovation

With the iconic Paris tower's first floor renovation completed, most of the coverage and commentary has focused on its new glass floor.

A few cities and 10 states have significantly decreased their MSW landfill totals through bottle bills and other measures. (Image downloaded from Budget Dumpster video)

The Ways We Waste: The Long Road to Sustainable Waste Management

Though many states are making headway in the realm of waste reduction, there are many cities that have decided to take matters into their own hands.

A new technology recycling service, offered by a partnership between Staples Advantage and Electronic Recyclers International, Inc., will allow businesses to recycle large amounts of electronics.

Technology Recycling Service Helps Businesses Reduce E-Waste

A new technology recycling service, offered by a partnership between Staples Advantage and Electronic Recyclers International, Inc., will allow businesses to recycle large amounts of electronics.

NRC Extends Comment Period on LLRW Program Changes

The agency's staff will develop an updated strategic assessment of the Low Level Radioactive Waste Regulatory Program, revising the alternative future disposal scenarios specified in the prior, 2007 strategic assessment.

EPA Updates Air Standards for Landfills

EPA Updates Air Standards for Landfills

The EPA is proposing updates be made to air standards for new municipal solid waste (MSW) landfills, which would reduce methane emissions and overall pollution.

INTERPOL Launches Tool to Prevent Illegal Trades in Hazardous Chemicals

This is the first e-learning module to help law enforcement officers identify and prevent this illicit trade, according to the agency.

State Agency Cites Duke Energy for Wastewater Permit Violations

The company pumped an estimated 61 million gallons of wastewater from two coal ash impoundments at its Cape Fear Steam Electric Plant into a tributary of the Cape Fear River, DENR reported.

Charges Filed Against Leaders of HazWaste Transportation Business

An investigation by California's Department of Toxic Substances Control found Clearwater Environmental Management, Inc. continued to transport hazardous waste after losing its license in 2007.

Several environmental groups oppose Detroit Edison

EPA Planning Update of Radiation Protection Standards

The agency's standards for nuclear power operations date to 1977 and are the earliest radiation rules it has developed.