A new US Geological Survey report summarizes the last three decades of nutrient abatement in the Chesapeake Bay, and suggests the employment of a new method that improves consideration of flow rates for tracking nutrient inputs in the watershed. Analysis shows that nutrient reduction efforts are having varied results across subwatersheds, with greatest improvements resulting from upgrades to wastewater treatment facilities.
—————————————–
A mid-term report released this week by the group OMB Watch suggests that the US Environmental Protection Agency as part of President Obama’s Administration has made little rulemaking progress on water quality issues compared to air pollution standards. The report notes, “Through July 2010, the water office under Obama proposed only three significant rules and finalized two others.” This is compared to 42 proposed and 30 finalized air quality rules.
—————————————–
A broad coalition of stakeholders has released a study “Charting New Waters: A Call to Action to Address U.S. Freshwater Challenges,” which cites an impending freshwater “crisis” in the US. The report points to five issues areas of concern–quality and supply of freshwater, competing water needs, climate change, environmental and public health impacts, and economic implications.
—————————————–
Recently, the Institute for Public Policy & Economic Development (a collaboration of Pennsylvania colleges and universities) released a study titled Baseline Socioeconomic Analysis for the Marcellus Shale Development in Pennsylvania. The study relied on surveys and interviews to obtain baseline data to determine future community changes. According to the study, “In general, most Pennsylvania study participants described development of the Marcellus Shale as a chance for ‘economic revival,’ but raised many concerns about the potential costs to various segments of the community, infrastructure, and natural environment.”
Leave a Reply