Beach Water Contact Advisories Issued for Biloxi West Central and East Central Beaches
The Mississippi Department of Environmental Quality has issued water contact advisories for Biloxi West Central Beach (Station 12A, from Travia St. east to Iberville Dr.) and Biloxi East Central Beach (Station 12B, from St. Peter St. east to Dukate Street) due to elevated bacteria levels. The beaches remain open but swimmers face increased illness risk. Six other beaches also carry advisories while thirteen have no warnings. MDEQ will continue issuing these advisories through Labor Day 2026 via text alerts and press releases, then switch to posted signage and the website afterward.
DEC Forest Rangers Weekly Review, April 10
NY DEC Forest Rangers reported weekly activities including the swearing-in of 17 recruits at SUNY-ESF Basic School for Forest Rangers on April 2. Rangers also conducted prescribed burns totaling 87 acres in Dutchess and Chenango Counties on March 30 to maintain grassland habitat and reduce wildfire risk.
Katy Trail Founders Day Celebration Scheduled for April 25
Missouri DNR announces Katy Trail State Park Founders Day celebration on April 25, 2026. The event marks the 36th anniversary of the park's opening and honors Edward "Ted" and Pat Jones who donated $2.2 million in 1990 to create the 240-mile recreational trail. Events include volunteer activities and live music at six locations along the trail from 9:30 to 11:30 a.m.
Missouri DNR Seeks Contractor to Develop Critical Minerals Plan
The Missouri Department of Natural Resources, in partnership with the Environmental Improvement and Energy Resources Authority, has issued a Request for Proposals to secure a contractor to develop a Missouri Critical Minerals Plan. The plan will analyze opportunities and challenges for critical mineral development, including cobalt, nickel, rare earth elements, and zinc. Proposals are due by 4 p.m. May 6, 2026.
5.5-Mile Trail Extension Opens at Thousand Hills State Park
Missouri Department of Natural Resources announces the opening of a 5.5-mile trail extension at Thousand Hills State Park on April 18, 2026. The extension creates a 16-mile loop trail around the lake, developed in partnership with the Missouri Department of Conservation and Forest Lake Area Trail System.
Pollock Fishing Closure, Gulf of Alaska, Statistical Area 630
NMFS is prohibiting directed fishing for pollock in Statistical Area 630 in the Gulf of Alaska. The action establishes a directed fishing allowance of 12,114 metric tons with 200 metric tons set aside as incidental catch to support other groundfish fisheries. The closure is effective 1200 hours Alaska local time April 8, 2026 through 1200 hours September 1, 2026.
EPA Order Denying Bonanza Creek Energy Permit Objections
EPA Order Denying Bonanza Creek Energy Permit Objections
EPA exempts hexanedioic acid polymer from pesticide tolerance
EPA exempts hexanedioic acid polymer from pesticide tolerance
EPA Exempts Polyethylhexyl Glycidyl Ether Copolymer From Tolerance
EPA issued a final rule establishing a tolerance exemption for polyethylhexyl glycidyl ether polyethylene oxide copolymer (CAS Reg. No. 82780-16-3) when used as an inert ingredient (wetting agent or surfactant) in pesticide formulations on growing crops and raw agricultural commodities. The exemption is limited to no more than 10% by weight of the pesticide formulation. Spring Regulatory Sciences petitioned on behalf of Ashland Specialty Ingredients G.P. under FFDCA section 408.
KDHE Public Notice: Draft Water Pollution Control Permits - March 2026
KDHE posted a public notice listing draft National Pollutant Discharge Elimination System (NPDES) and Kansas Water Pollution Control permits for facilities seeking to discharge to waters of the United States and the state of Kansas. The notice covers draft permits, notices to revoke and reissue, and notices to terminate under Kansas Administrative Regulations 28-16-57a through 63, 28-18-1 through 17, and related provisions. Public comments are being accepted on the proposed permit actions.
Kansas Water Pollution Control Permits Public Notice
KDHE posted its weekly public notice on April 9, 2026, concerning draft water pollution control permits under Kansas Administrative Regulations. The notice covers National Pollutant Discharge Elimination System (NPDES) and Kansas Water Pollution Control permits for discharges to waters of the United States and Kansas. KDHE is accepting public comments on various permit applications, notices to revoke and reissue, and notices to terminate.
KDHE NPDES Water Permits Public Notice, April 2
KDHE posted public notices for proposed NPDES water pollution control permits on April 2, 2026, covering draft discharge permits, notices to revoke and reissue, and notices to terminate. The permits apply to facilities discharging to waters of the United States and the state of Kansas under federal and state authority.
Alaska; Hunting and Trapping in National Preserves; Extension of Comment Period
The National Park Service has extended the public comment period for its proposed rule on hunting and trapping activities within Alaska national preserves. Comments are now due by April 24, 2026. This extension provides hunters, trappers, and other stakeholders additional time to submit feedback on the proposed regulations affecting subsistence and recreational hunting activities on federal preserves in Alaska.
$2.2M Settlement for Baltimore Tower Lead Paint Contaminating Neighborhoods
Maryland Attorney General Anthony Brown and MDE Secretary Serena McIlwain announced a $2.2 million settlement and consent decree against Television Tower Inc. and Skyline Tower Painting for improper lead paint removal from a Baltimore broadcast tower in May-June 2022. Lead paint chips spread up to half a mile, contaminating parks, playgrounds, and daycares in surrounding neighborhoods including Woodberry. The settlement follows criminal guilty pleas by Skyline and its president on environmental charges.
NOx and VOC RACT Certification Under Moderate Ozone Nonattainment
NOx and VOC RACT Certification Public Comment Period
Oxon Run Community Solar Facility Revolving Loan Fund RFI
DC DOEE has issued a Request for Information seeking input from financial institutions and operations & maintenance organizations on structuring a revolving loan fund capitalized by SREC revenue for solar projects targeting low-to-moderate income residents, and on operating a large community solar facility in the District. Responses are due June 1, 2026.
EPA Proposes Cleveland OH Ozone Attainment Redesignation
The EPA proposes to redesignate the Cleveland, Ohio area to attainment for the 2015 ozone National Ambient Air Quality Standards based on Ohio's December 2025 request. The proposal includes approval of Ohio's maintenance plan through 2038, motor vehicle emissions budgets for 2032 and 2038, and enhanced inspection and monitoring program certifications for the seven-county area.
Hexanedioic Acid Polymer Tolerance Exemption for Pesticide Formulations
EPA issued a final rule establishing a tolerance exemption for hexanedioic acid, polymer with sodium 2-[(2-aminoethyl)amino]ethanesulfonate (1:1), 1,6-diisocyanatohexane, 2,2-dimethyl-1,3-propanediol, 1,2-ethanediamine and 1,6-hexanediol (CAS Reg. No. 67815-81-0) when used as an inert ingredient in pesticide formulations. The petition was submitted by ChemReg Compliance Solutions LLC on behalf of Covestro LLC. This exemption eliminates the need to establish maximum permissible residue levels on food or feed commodities.
Environmental Impact Statements; Notice of Availability - Weekly Receipt of EIS Filings
EPA published its weekly Notice of Availability listing Environmental Impact Statements received from other federal agencies during the period March 30 through April 6, 2026. The notice covers five EIS filings from agencies including FERC, USAF, NRCS, NRC, and USDA, with comment deadlines ranging from May 11 to May 29, 2026. An amended notice also removed a review due date for a USDA transmission line project in Georgia at the request of the lead agency.
Polyethylhexyl Glycidyl Ether Polyethylene Oxide Copolymer Tolerance Exemption
EPA issued a final rule establishing an exemption from tolerance requirements for polyethylhexyl glycidyl ether polyethylene oxide copolymer (CAS Reg. No. 82780-16-3) when used as an inert ingredient in pesticide formulations. The exemption applies to use on growing crops and raw agricultural commodities pre- and post-harvest, limited to no more than 10% by weight of the pesticide formulation. This action eliminates the need for manufacturers to establish maximum permissible residue levels for this surfactant.
EPA Proposes Approving Indiana Ozone Visibility Plan
EPA Proposes Approving Indiana Ozone Visibility Plan
Waconia Wood Products Facility Fined $11,520 for Air Permit Violations
Minnesota Pollution Control Agency fined Cabinetworks Group's Waconia Wood Products facility $11,520 for air permit violations. The facility failed to complete required particulate matter testing for nearly a year past the deadline and operated pollution control equipment capturing 99.6% efficiency instead of the permitted 99.9%. MPCA adjusted the facility's permit and mandated additional control measures.
Dimke Excavating and National Sports Center Fined $13,312 Each for Stormwater Violations
The Minnesota Pollution Control Agency fined Dimke Excavating of Lino Lakes and the National Sports Center in Blaine $13,312 each for construction stormwater permit violations. The investigation found sediment-laden water was released into a county ditch, the Minnesota Duty Officer was not notified, exposed soil was not stabilized, and water was improperly pumped from the construction site.
IDEQ Seeks Middle Snake WAG Representatives for Livestock, Grazing and Recreation by May 15
The Idaho DEQ is seeking representatives to fill two vacancies on the Middle Snake Watershed Advisory Group (WAG) for interest areas in Livestock & Grazing and Recreation. The WAG advises on water quality improvement plans and TMDL development for the Upper Snake Rock Subbasin. Interested individuals must contact the agency by May 15, 2026.
NPFMC Ecosystem Committee Hybrid Meeting, May 8, 2026
NOAA announces the NPFMC Ecosystem Committee will hold a hybrid public meeting on May 8, 2026, in Anchorage, Alaska, and online. The meeting will address the Climate Resilience Workplan, Harvest Specifications Process Discussion Document, and draft Groundfish Management Policy Review. Public comments will be accepted electronically.
34th GAC and 19th SAS to IATTC Meeting July 20-21
NMFS announces a public virtual meeting of the 34th General Advisory Committee to the U.S. Section of the Inter-American Tropical Tuna Commission and the 19th Scientific Advisory Subcommittee on July 20-21, 2026. The meeting will discuss IATTC stock assessments, working group updates, and draft U.S. proposals for the August IATTC Annual Meeting. Registration is required by July 6, 2026.
Takes of Marine Mammals Incidental to Point Blue Conservation Science's Seabird Research Activities
NMFS has received a request from Point Blue Conservation Science for authorization to incidentally take marine mammals during seabird research activities on the South Farallon Islands, Año Nuevo Island, and Point Reyes Headlands in California. Pursuant to the Marine Mammal Protection Act, NMFS is seeking public comments on the proposed incidental harassment authorization (IHA) and a possible one-year renewal. Comments must be submitted by May 11, 2026.
Pacific Fishery Management Council Ad Hoc Marine Planning Committee Meeting
NOAA announces a public meeting of the Pacific Fishery Management Council's Ad Hoc Marine Planning Committee on April 30, 2026. The committee will discuss oil and gas leasing, NOAA Aquaculture Opportunity Areas, and other ocean development activities affecting West Coast fishing communities.
Alaska Region Amendment 80 Program OMB Information Collection 60-Day Comment Request
NOAA's National Marine Fisheries Service Alaska Regional Office published a 60-day notice requesting public comment on extending OMB Control Number 0648-0565 for the Amendment 80 Program information collection. The collection covers permit applications and transfers for managing the BSAI non-pollock trawl groundfish quota allocation program and harvesting cooperatives. Comments must be submitted by June 9, 2026.
Pollock Fishing Closed in Gulf of Alaska Statistical Area 630
NMFS is prohibiting directed fishing for pollock in Statistical Area 630 of the Gulf of Alaska effective 1200 hours Alaska local time on April 8, 2026, through 1200 hours A.l.t. September 1, 2026. The closure prevents exceeding the A season allowance of 12,314 metric tons of the 2026 total allowable catch. The action establishes a directed fishing allowance of 12,114 mt with 200 mt set aside as incidental catch for other groundfish fisheries.
Pacific Cod Trawl Cooperative 3% Fee for 2025
NMFS publishes the 2025 cost recovery fee percentage for the Pacific Cod Trawl Cooperative (PCTC) Program at 3 percent of annual ex-vessel value. PCTC Program cooperatives must pay cost recovery fees by August 31 each year. Failure to pay results in disapproval of cooperative applications to transfer or issue Cooperative Quota permits.
Wild Bird Conservation Act; Cooperative Breeding Program Permit Application
The U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service published a notice of receipt of a permit application under the Wild Bird Conservation Act for approval of a cooperative breeding program involving exotic birds. The WBCA generally prohibits importation of exotic birds without Federal authorization. The Service is soliciting public comments on this specific application.
NAGPRA Repatriation, Field Museum, Chicago, IL
NAGPRA Repatriation, Field Museum, Chicago, IL
NAGPRA Repatriation Notice: The Field Museum, Chicago, IL
The National Park Service published a Federal Register notice stating that The Field Museum in Chicago may repatriate cultural items under the Native American Graves Protection and Repatriation Act (NAGPRA) on or after May 11, 2026. The notice identifies cultural items in the museum's collection that are subject to repatriation requirements. Museums and tribal nations should monitor compliance with NAGPRA obligations.
NAGPRA Repatriation Notice: UC Berkeley Cultural Items
The National Park Service published a notice of intended repatriation for cultural items in the custody of the University of California, Berkeley. The notice identifies specific cultural items that may be repatriated to lineal descendants, Indian tribes, or Native Hawaiian organizations pursuant to the Native American Graves Protection and Repatriation Act. Repatriation of the cultural items may occur on or after May 11, 2026.
National Oilwell Varco L.P. Big Ledge Mine New Class II Air Quality Operating Permit AP1479-5080
The Nevada Division of Environmental Protection Bureau of Air Pollution Control has issued a Notice of Proposed Action for National Oilwell Varco L.P.'s Big Ledge Mine, requesting a new Class II Air Quality Operating Permit (AP1479-5080). The public comment period runs from April 9, 2026 to May 9, 2026. The draft permit and supporting documents are available for download on the NDEP website.
Workshop on Proposed Amendments to NAC 445B - Petition P2025-04
NDEP announces a workshop on April 28, 2026 for proposed amendments to NAC 445B (Air Pollution). The regulation updates Nevada's adoption of federal environmental regulations by reference under Petition P2025-04. Interested persons may review proposed materials and provide comments during the workshop.
KG Mining Yankee Mine Water Pollution Control Permit Renewal Comment Period
The Nevada Division of Environmental Protection announces a 30-day public comment period on the renewal application for Water Pollution Control Permit NEV2020103 for KG Mining (Bald Mountain) Inc. The permit covers the South Operations Area – Yankee Mine Project in Spring Creek, Nevada. Comments must be submitted by May 9, 2026.
25 LASA Grants, $450,000 Awarded to Rhode Island Farmers, Fishers, Food Producers
The Rhode Island Department of Environmental Management announced 25 Local Agriculture and Seafood Act (LASA) grants totaling $450,000 to local farmers, fishers, and food producers. Grants of up to $20,000 with no match requirement were awarded across agriculture, aquaculture, seafood, and food organization categories to support local food sector growth and food security.