Environment

ECESP Annual Conference Unites EU Stakeholders on Circular Economy

The ECESP Annual Conference held April 22-23, 2026 brought together EU institutions, civil society, academics, industry, and young people to discuss circular economy challenges. Key themes included the forthcoming Circular Economy Act (targeting supply and demand for secondary raw materials and strategic autonomy), financing barriers to circular business scale-up, and the social dimension of circular transition. The conference noted that Europe's circularity rate stands at just 12%, with speakers emphasizing urgency amid climate emergency and geopolitical supply concerns.

$5.6M Penalty Approved for Delta Diablo Sewage Spill into Suisun Bay

The San Francisco Bay Regional Water Quality Control Board approved a $5,557,700 administrative civil liability settlement with Delta Diablo, a wastewater treatment agency serving eastern Contra Costa County. The penalty addresses a sewage spill that released more than 23 million gallons of untreated wastewater into marshland connected to Suisun Bay between November 5 and December 2, 2024. The spill originated from a subsurface break in the Shore Acres Force Main pipeline beneath marshland, which delayed detection. This is the largest penalty ever approved by the regional water board for a sewer spill.

Minnesota Lake Water Quality Monitoring Volunteers Needed

The Minnesota Pollution Control Agency is recruiting volunteers for three water quality monitoring programs targeting lakes statewide. Advanced volunteer water monitors must commit to at least one season, have two years of prior volunteer experience, access a boat, and monitor assigned lakes from May through September measuring temperature, dissolved oxygen, alkalinity, chloride, chlorophyll, color, nitrogen, phosphorus, and solids. The MPCA will train volunteers, provide equipment, and cover laboratory analysis fees for approximately five lakes per season, prioritizing those under 500 acres with public access. Separate programs cover Boundary Waters lakes (with monitoring kits provided) and year-round ice-on/ice-off reporting. Interested volunteers should email watervolunteers.mpca@state.mn.us by January 31 of the monitoring year.

Riverview LLP West River Dairy Expansion Public Meeting, Morris, April 28

Riverview LLP is seeking to expand its West River Dairy facility near Morris from 7,855 to 18,855 cows. MPCA has completed a required environmental assessment worksheet (EAW) for the project and received a feedlot permit application for construction of animal holding areas, liquid manure storage, permanent stockpiles, and feed storage areas. A public meeting on the EAW and feedlot permit will be held from 6-8 p.m. Tuesday, April 28, 2026, at The South Side Event Center and Reception Hall in Morris, with public comments accepted through May 7, 2026.

Minnesota's 2024 Impaired Waters List Approved by EPA

The Minnesota Pollution Control Agency published its 2024 Impaired Waters List, approved by the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency in April 2024, fulfilling the biennial reporting requirement under Section 303(d) of the federal Clean Water Act. The list documents all state waters failing to meet water quality standards and designated beneficial uses, including impairments from mercury, nutrients, sediment, bacteria, and PFOS contamination. This inventory is used to establish total maximum daily load (TMDL) pollutant-reduction targets for restoring impaired waters.

Water Appropriation A-19910 Cancelled, Big Blue River

The Nebraska Department of Water and Environmental Excellence Surface Water Division has issued an Order of Cancellation in Full for Water Appropriation A-19910 on the Big Blue River (1-D), signed April 27, 2026. The water appropriation, which authorized the holder to divert and use surface water from the Big Blue River, has been cancelled entirely. Water right holders in Nebraska should verify that their existing appropriations are not affected by this cancellation and review any dependent water-use operations accordingly.

Nebraska DNR Cancels Water Appropriation A-7049, Elkhorn River

The Nebraska Department of Natural Resources has issued an Order of Cancellation in Full for Water Appropriation A-7049, affecting water rights on the Elkhorn River. The order was signed on April 27, 2026 by the Surface Water Division, Elkhorn River & Salt Creek (2-B). This is a final administrative action that removes the water appropriation right from the affected water right holder, preventing further use of water under that appropriation.

Nebraska DNR Cancels Water Appropriation A-9347

The Nebraska Department of Natural Resources Surface Water Division has issued an Order of Cancellation in Full cancelling Water Appropriation A-9347 for the Elkhorn River & Salt Creek (2-B) basin. The order was signed on April 27, 2026, and the full cancellation order is available as a PDF attachment. This action terminates the holder's right to appropriate surface water under the specified permit number in the designated river basin.

Cancel Water Appropriation A-7475, Elkhorn River & Salt Creek

The Nebraska Department of Water and Environmental Quality issued an Order of Cancellation in Full cancelling Water Appropriation A-7475 for surface water use in the Elkhorn River and Salt Creek basins (Subbasin 2-B). The order, signed on April 27, 2026, fully cancels all rights associated with appropriation A-7475, removing the holder's authority to divert or use surface water under that permit. Any party previously relying on A-7475 for water access should confirm their remaining water rights status and consult Nebraska DNRE surface water records to verify their authorization.

Nebraska Cancels Water Appropriation A-2891C, Elkhorn River

The Nebraska Department of Water and Environmental Excellence has issued an Order of Cancellation in Full for Water Appropriation A-2891C located on the Elkhorn River. The order was signed on April 27, 2026, by the Department Surface Water Division. The cancellation applies to the Elkhorn River and Salt Creek watershed area (Division 2-B).

Nebraska DNR Cancels Water Appropriation A-2478B, Nemaha River

The Nebraska Department of Natural Resources Surface Water Division issued an Order of Cancellation in Full for Water Appropriation A-2478B associated with the Nemaha River. The order was signed on April 27, 2026, canceling the water appropriation in its entirety. This action removes the holder's right to draw water from the Nemaha River under appropriation A-2478B. Water rights holders in Nebraska should verify that any existing water appropriations are current and in good standing to avoid similar cancellation actions.

Nebraska Cancels Big Blue River Water Appropriation A-2562

The Nebraska Department of Water and Environmental Excellence has issued an order cancelling in full Water Appropriation A-2562, which governed water withdrawals from the Big Blue River. The cancellation was signed on April 27, 2026, and terminates all associated water rights under this appropriation. Affected water rights holders should verify their appropriation status and compliance with remaining valid permits in the Big Blue River basin.

Nebraska Cancels Water Appropriation A-2478A, Nemaha River

The Nebraska Department of Environment and Energy has issued an Order of Cancellation in Full for Water Appropriation A-2478A, located in the Nemaha River and Lower Missouri River basin (Division 1-F). The order, signed on April 27, 2026, permanently cancels the water appropriation rights associated with this permit number. This regulatory action removes the holder's authority to divert or use surface water under this appropriation.

Nebraska Cancels Water Appropriation A-2428B

The Nebraska Department of Environment and Energy, Surface Water Division, has issued a cancellation order for Water Appropriation A-2428B affecting the Nemaha River and Lower Missouri River basin. The order, signed April 27, 2026, cancels the water appropriation in full. The cancellation affects any holder or applicant of water rights in this designated river basin region. Parties with interests in this water appropriation should contact the Surface Water Division for further information regarding appeal rights or alternative water rights options.

Order of Cancellation in Full of Water Appropriation A-3061, Elkhorn River

The Nebraska Department of Water, Environment, and Natural Resources signed an order on April 27, 2026, cancelling Water Appropriation A-3061 in full for the Elkhorn River. The authorized right holder has lost its water use authorization under that appropriation. This action affects water rights holders in the Elkhorn River watershed, who should review their own appropriation status for potential regulatory compliance implications.

Villosa fabalis Literature Cited

The Fish and Wildlife Service posted a literature cited section from a document concerning Villosa fabalis (rayed bean mussel) on regulations.gov as attachment FWS-R3-ES-2024-0144-0160. The posted file contains bibliography and reference materials supporting a related FWS regulatory action. No substantive regulatory text, compliance obligations, or new requirements are contained in this document attachment.

Critical Habitat Designation for Four Endangered Freshwater Mussels

The U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service has designated critical habitat for four endangered freshwater mussel species—the rayed bean, sheepnose, snuffbox, and spectaclecase—across approximately 3,814 river miles in 76 units spanning 17 states (Alabama, Arkansas, Illinois, Indiana, Iowa, Kentucky, Michigan, Minnesota, Mississippi, Missouri, New York, Ohio, Pennsylvania, Tennessee, Virginia, West Virginia, and Wisconsin). Federal agencies funding or authorizing projects in these areas must now ensure actions do not destroy or adversely modify critical habitat under Section 7 consultation. The rule takes effect May 27, 2026, and largely mirrors the proposed designation with minor adjustments to unit boundaries based on public comments.

Villosa fabalis Plot Points Supporting Critical Habitat

The U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service has published geographic plot point data in support of a proposed critical habitat designation for Villosa fabalis (rabbitsfoot mussel). The document, filed in docket FWS-R3-ES-2024-0144, provides coordinate-based spatial data describing the areas being evaluated for protection under the Endangered Species Act. Affected landowners, developers, and agricultural and construction operators in proposed critical habitat zones should monitor the underlying proposed rule for final designation decisions and any associated Section 7 consultation requirements.

NOAA Framework Adjustment 17 Comment Period, 15 Days

NOAA has opened a public comment period for Framework Adjustment 17, providing 15 days for stakeholder input. The comment form on Regulations.gov allows individuals and organizations to submit feedback on the proposed adjustment. Commenters may identify as an individual, organization, or anonymously, with options to attach supporting files up to 10MB.

NOAA 2026 Northeast Multispecies Annual Catch Entitlements Allocated to Groundfish Sectors

This final rule allocates Northeast multispecies annual catch entitlements (ACE) to 15 approved groundfish sectors and state-operated permit banks for fishing year 2026 based on catch limits set in Framework Adjustment 69 to the Northeast Multispecies FMP. Sectors account for approximately 99 percent of landings and revenue in the commercial groundfish fishery, which has an annual value of approximately $40 million in ex-vessel revenue. Sector ACEs are effective May 1, 2026, through April 30, 2027, while default catch limits for 11 stocks without final specifications are effective through October 31, 2026.

Framework Adjustment 17 MSB Fishery Rule - Atlantic Mackerel Quotas and Possession Limits

NMFS has approved and implemented Framework Adjustment 17 to the Mackerel, Squid, and Butterfish Fishery Management Plan, which revises the Atlantic mackerel rebuilding plan assumptions (fishing mortality rate increased from 0.12 to 0.15) and substantially increases 2026 commercial quotas from the 2025 rollover level of 868 metric tons to 11,237 metric tons (a 1,195-percent increase), with projected 2027 commercial quotas of 13,210 metric tons. The action also increases initial commercial mackerel possession limits for all permit tiers, implements a three-phase in-season possession limit adjustment process, and raises recreational limits to 25 fish per person for private anglers and 50 fish per person for for-hire vessels carrying passengers. Comments on the interim final rule are due May 12, 2026.

Scientists and Fishermen Collaborate at Research Summit

NOAA Fisheries held its fourth annual Northeast Cooperative Research Summit on April 1-2, 2026 in Riverhead, Long Island, New York, drawing more than 150 participants including over 30 commercial and recreational fishermen—the largest gathering to date. The Summit, co-organized with Cornell Cooperative Extension Marine Program, featured port tours at Shinnecock, breakout sessions, presentations on cooperative research topics, and industry input activities designed to foster collaboration between fishing and science communities. NOAA plans to compile and publish Summit findings into a final report in the coming months.

Wisconsin Air Monitoring Certification Criteria Network Data

EPA Region 5 has posted a document concerning Wisconsin air quality monitoring network certification and criteria pollutant data submission requirements for Clean Air Act compliance. The document is available on the federal regulations.gov docket under EPA-R05-OAR-2024-0546-0008. Specific details of the certification requirements, compliance obligations, and any associated deadlines must be obtained from the PDF document.

EPA 2021 Ozone Data Certification Lake Porter Clark Floyd

The EPA has certified 2021 ozone monitoring data for Lake, Porter, Clark, and Floyd counties in Indiana and Kentucky (EPA Region 5). The document is hosted on Regulations.gov as part of a state implementation plan review docket. The source web page provides only a download link to the PDF content with no substantive text describing the certification findings or data quality.

Illinois EPA Ambient Air Monitoring Data Certification 2023

The Illinois Environmental Protection Agency submitted its 2023 ambient air monitoring data certification to the EPA's Region 5 office. The filing was posted to the public docket on regulations.gov. The document consists of a single download link to the certification PDF; no substantive text, obligations, deadlines, or enforcement findings are present in the docket entry itself.

Wisconsin 2022 Ambient Air Monitoring Data Certification

The EPA has certified Wisconsin's 2022 ambient air monitoring data, confirming the state's compliance with federal air quality monitoring requirements under the Clean Air Act. This certification indicates that air quality monitoring stations in Wisconsin collected and reported data meeting EPA quality assurance standards for the 2022 calendar year. State environmental agencies and entities subject to air quality regulations in Wisconsin should maintain records of this certification for compliance verification purposes.

Indiana Annual SLAMS Data Certification Report 2021

EPA Region 5 received Indiana's 2021 annual State and Local Air Monitoring Systems (SLAMS) data certification report under the agency's National Air Quality Status and Trends (NAQST) program. The report documents Indiana's submission of certified ambient air quality monitoring data for the 2021 calendar year. The document was filed to the EPA-R05-OAR-2024-0546 docket.

Indiana 2023 SLAMS Data Certification Report

Indiana has submitted its 2023 State and Local Air Monitoring Systems (SLAMS) data certification report to EPA Region 5. The report documents certified air quality monitoring data collected across the state during 2023. This is a routine annual submission required as part of EPA's air quality surveillance network under 40 CFR Part 58.

Illinois EPA Ambient Air Monitoring Data Certification 2022

This document from the EPA Region 5 Office of Air and Radiation relates to ambient air monitoring data certification for Illinois, filed under docket EPA-R05-OAR-2024-0546. The document appears to be a regulatory submission concerning 2022 air quality monitoring data certification. No specific regulatory requirements, deadlines, or obligations are visible in the available content.

Illinois EPA Ozone Monitoring Data Early Certification 2021

Illinois EPA submitted an early certification request for 2021 ozone monitoring data under EPA-R05-OAR-2024-0546. The document is filed in the EPA Region 5 air planning database and is accessible via regulations.gov.

2022 Indiana SLAMS Data Certification Report, EPA-R05-OAR-2024-0546

EPA Region 5 has posted the 2022 State and Local Air Monitoring Stations (SLAMS) data certification report for Indiana under docket EPA-R05-OAR-2024-0546. The document appears to certify that Indiana's ambient air quality monitoring data for 2022 meets federal quality assurance requirements under 40 CFR Part 58. The filing is a routine procedural submission under EPA's air monitoring quality assurance framework and does not itself impose new regulatory obligations.

Wisconsin Ozone Monitor Certification Early Data 2021

EPA Region 5 received a submission titled 'Wisconsin Ozone Monitor Certification Early Data 2021' under docket EPA-R05-OAR-2024-0546. The document is a data file related to the certification of ozone monitoring measurements collected in Wisconsin during early 2021. No substantive regulatory text, compliance obligations, deadlines, or enforcement findings are present in the available metadata.

Wisconsin Ambient Air Monitoring Data Certification 2023

The EPA has posted Wisconsin's ambient air monitoring data certification documentation for 2023 under docket EPA-R05-OAR-2024-0546. The document is available for download as a PDF from Regulations.gov. No substantive regulatory text, obligations, deadlines, or penalties are present in the source. This appears to be a procedural filing in an ongoing state implementation plan review.

Illinois EPA Ambient Air Monitoring Data Certification 2021

Illinois EPA Ambient Air Monitoring Data Certification 2021 document hosted on Regulations.gov under docket EPA-R05-OAR-2024-0546. The document content is accessible via download link and appears to be a state agency submission for air quality data certification. No substantive regulatory text was available for analysis from the source.

MCERTS: Performance Standard for Rapid Measurement Techniques for the Chemical Testing of Soil

The Environment Agency published MCERTS performance standard for rapid measurement techniques (RMTs) used in the chemical testing of soil, effective 27 April 2026. The standard applies to manufacturers of RMTs for chemical soil testing and test laboratories conducting equipment testing on behalf of manufacturers to verify compliance with the required standard. This document establishes new performance criteria for rapid measurement techniques in soil analysis under the MCERTS certification framework.

Four Prison Sentences for Illegal Waste Dumping in London

A gang of four has been sentenced at Kingston-upon-Thames Crown Court for conspiracy to illegally dump controlled waste across six sites in London. Patrick Doherty received 28 months imprisonment and Martin Ward received 18 months. Michael Ward and Simon O'Donnell each received 14 months suspended for 2 years. The group unlawfully occupied vacant sites and operated an organised dumping operation using tipper trucks, leaving landowners with combined clean-up costs in the hundreds of thousands of pounds. The Environment Agency investigated the offences, which spanned approximately one year, and gathered evidence including CCTV footage showing the men interfering with cameras and concealing their identities.

DEC Announces May 1 Opener for New York's Coolwater Sportfish

The New York State Department of Environmental Conservation (DEC) announced that the season opener for walleye, northern pike, tiger muskellunge, and pickerel will begin on May 1, 2026. The announcement includes fishing tips, recommended gear, and specific locations across New York State including Fort Pond, Chautauqua Lake, Lake Erie, Great Sacandaga Lake, and the St. Lawrence River. The DEC also promotes its HuntFishNY app's Tackle Box feature and the Fishing Rod Lending Program in partnership with libraries statewide.

Coachella Valley Windblown Dust Advisory - Unhealthy AQI PM10

South Coast AQMD issued a windblown dust advisory valid until Tuesday 9:00 AM for the Coachella Valley. Unhealthy or higher AQI categories due to PM10 particle pollution are expected in the Northern Coachella Valley from 12 PM Sunday through Tuesday morning, while Unhealthy for Sensitive Groups or higher AQI is forecast for other Coachella Valley areas during the same period. Wind gusts of 40-50 mph are forecast through Tuesday morning in the Northern Coachella Valley, with conditions expected to decrease Monday night.

Kansas Radiation Control Regulations Update for NRC Compatibility

KDHE has published an Economic Impact Statement for a proposed package of amendments to Kansas Administrative Regulations governing radioactive materials and radiation-producing equipment, affecting over 260 licensees statewide. The amendments update 39 K.A.R. sections to achieve compatibility with NRC Agreement State requirements and add new medical modalities including e-brachytherapy and IMRT. The four Kansas radiopharmacies are the most directly affected businesses, facing approximately $30 per licensee in additional record-keeping costs for Mo-99 generator testing.

State Officials Provide Update on Lake Greenwood Fish Kill

SCDES, SCDNR and Greenwood County officials continue to investigate the fish kill in Lake Greenwood. Neither of the lake's two drinking water intakes (Greenwood Commissioners of Public Works and Laurens County Water and Sewer Authority) are located in areas where the fish kill has been observed, and both facilities report their finished water is in compliance with drinking water standards. State officials recommend people and pets refrain from contact with water in affected areas.

Foot and Mouth Disease Outbreaks in Cyprus and Greece Assessed

DEFRA has published preliminary outbreak assessments detailing foot and mouth disease (FMD) reports in Greece and Cyprus. The assessments, dated 17 March 2026 and 17 April 2026, provide disease status updates for both countries. This page was first published on 26 March 2026 and updated on 24 April 2026 to include the latest assessment.

Waverly Receives $50,000 Wastewater System Evaluation Grant

The Missouri Department of Natural Resources has awarded a $50,000 Clean Water Engineering Report Grant to the city of Waverly for evaluating the city's wastewater system. The city will use the grant to identify improvements needed to continue reliable service and reduce stormwater inflow and infiltration into sewer collection pipes. The facility plan is expected to be complete in September 2027.

Water Quality Criteria for Arsenic, Methylmercury, Carbofuran

EPA is requesting scientific data and public comments on revising the human health ambient water quality criterion for arsenic and developing new criteria for methylmercury and carbofuran under Clean Water Act Section 304(a). The notice establishes comment deadlines of November 13, 2000 for methylmercury and December 11, 2000 for arsenic and carbofuran. Once finalized, these criteria will provide guidance to States, Territories, and authorized Tribes for adopting water quality standards.

1991 Bevill Mining Waste Determination Under RCRA

This document is EPA's 1991 Bevill Amendment determination regarding the scope of the mining waste exclusion under RCRA Section 3001(b)(3)(A). The determination addresses which solid and dissolved wastes from extraction,beneficiation, and processing operations of ores and minerals are excluded from regulation as hazardous waste under RCRA Subtitle C. This determination was issued pursuant to the mandate in the Bevill Amendment (RCRA Section 8002(p)) directing EPA to study and make a regulatory determination on mining waste.

EPA Reopens Sewage Sludge Standards Comment Period to March 23, 2000

The Environmental Protection Agency is reopening the public comment period for its proposed rule on Standards for the Use or Disposal of Sewage Sludge. The original comment period was scheduled to close on February 22, 2000, but has been extended to March 23, 2000 in response to requests from stakeholders who need additional time to review the technical support documents. The proposal would add a numeric concentration limit for dioxin and dioxin-like compounds in sewage sludge applied to land, along with associated monitoring, record keeping, and reporting requirements.

EPA Mining Waste Exclusion Proposed Rulemaking, Oct 2 1985

EPA published a proposed rulemaking on October 2, 1985, addressing exclusions from the definition of hazardous waste under the Resource Conservation and Recovery Act (RCRA) for mining waste. The document outlines EPA's proposal to specify which mining waste materials would be excluded from hazardous waste regulation, establishing criteria for determining when mining byproducts and tailings fall outside the scope of Subtitle C of RCRA. The rulemaking provides an opportunity for public comment on the agency's proposed interpretation of what constitutes excluded mining waste versus regulated hazardous materials.

EPA Proposes Denial of Phosphogypsum RCRA Hazardous Waste Rulemaking Petition

The EPA is proposing to deny a 2021 rulemaking petition from the Center for Biological Diversity and People for Protecting Peace River requesting that phosphogypsum and phosphoric acid production process wastewater be reclassified as hazardous wastes under RCRA Subtitle C, reversing the EPA's 1991 Bevill regulatory determination. The EPA has determined the petition does not adequately support reconsideration of the Bevill exclusion. The agency is soliciting public comments on this proposed denial through May 26, 2026. If finalized as proposed, the existing Bevill exclusion for phosphogypsum and process wastewater would remain in effect.

Ambient Water Quality Criteria for Arsenic, Methylmercury, Carbofuran

EPA announces intent to revise the human health water quality criterion for arsenic and to develop new recommended criteria for methylmercury and carbofuran under Section 304(a)(1) of the Clean Water Act. The agency is soliciting scientific data and information on toxicity and bioaccumulation of these contaminants in fish and shellfish. Submission deadlines are staggered: data on methylmercury must be submitted by November 13, 2000, and data on arsenic and carbofuran by December 11, 2000. The criteria will provide scientific guidance to states, territories, and tribes for adopting water quality standards.

National Pollutant Inventory GeoJSON Dataset Updated

The Department of Climate Change, Energy, the Environment and Water (DCCEEW) has updated the National Pollutant Inventory (NPI) GeoJSON dataset on data.gov.au. The dataset, originally created on 27 March 2017, was last updated on 25 April 2026. The resource provides geographic data in GeoJSON format suitable for web-based visualisation of NPI emission and transfer data. A direct download link via WFS (Web Feature Service) is provided for programmatic access to the collection.

National Pollutant Inventory WFS API Updated 25th April 2026

The Department of Climate Change, Energy, the Environment and Water (DCCEEW) has updated the National Pollutant Inventory Web Feature Service (WFS) API on data.gov.au. The dataset was updated on 25 April 2026 and provides a WFS API link for use in desktop GIS tools. Users can access the data directly from the published URL at https://data.gov.au/geoserver/npi/wfs. The NPI tracks emissions and transfers of substances for Australian facilities, and this API update provides the latest data download endpoint.