Archive for August, 2010

EPA Proposes regulations for Coal Ash disposal

Coal ash being regulated is seemingly a given; not a bad idea since it effect each of us and our children and grandchildren!
 
The proposal calls for two alternative regulations aimed at reducing environmental and health risks associated with the disposal of coal ash in surface impoundments and landfills. The compliance costs associated with the two proposals range from $1.4 billion down to $236 million. When you think about the December 2009 Tennessee incident noted in the article that cost over $1 billion to clean-up, can cost really be an issue here?

We all know the consumer, you and me, we’re going to pay for this in some form or another. To be able to pay for all that we are being asked, I just ask for a free market and not a government directed and controlled market. Read EPA entire article.

Research Center Conducts Dust Control Tests

University of Alaska Fairbanks (UAF) Transportation Research Center Conducts Dust Control Tests

Now we’re talking. The science of dust control is becoming part of our everyday vernacular. As Environmental Science courses and degrees begin to populate our Universities, our industry, dust control, is becoming an important part of our country’s future – as it should be!

Case in point; a crew from the UAF Civil & Environmental Engineering department are trying to perfect a dust monitoring system to determine the effectiveness of dust control/dust-settling agents vs. calcium chloride which is usually used on the roads in this borough. We’re thrilled and excited that UAF is taking a lead on the testing. The more testing the better. We need to significantly reduce particle dust on our roads for cleaner air and water and a healthier overall environment.  

Here’s a link to the pdf from the Anchorage Daily news article.