Author Archives: Carissa Ries
Galveston oil spill threatens wildlife
On Saturday, March 24, 2014, two vessels collided in the Houston Ship Channel spilling approximately 168,000 gallons of heavy fuel oil into Galveston Bay. The Houston Ship Channel was closed for three days as cleanup efforts began by the US … Continue reading
Keystone XL Pipeline Environmental Impact Statement released
The US Department of State issued an environmental impact assessment on the Keystone XL pipeline last week. The assessment includes a comprehensive review of the revised route including an environmental impacts analysis. The White House does not have a deadline … Continue reading
EPA final rule includes E1527-13 as AAI compliant
On December 30, 2013 the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) took final action and amended the “All Appropriate Inquiries Rule” (AAI) to reference ASTM E1527-13. This amendment clarifies that the new standard should be used to comply with the AAI rule. … Continue reading
ASTM E 1527-13 has landed
The revision to ASTM E1527 standard was published this month putting a few new immediate changes into effect. ASTM standard E1527-05 is now listed as a historical standard; it is superseded by the 2013 revision. In a previous blog post, … Continue reading
SXSW Eco 2013 – Shark tank for environmental innovators
The third SXSW Eco took place this past week in Austin. The mission of the annual conference is to bring together “thought leaders and decision makers” who are “working to solve the complex challenges facing civil society, the economy, and the natural … Continue reading
TCEQ proposes weakening surface water quality standards
The Texas Commission on Environmental Quality (TCEQ) has proposed revised surface water quality standards. The proposed rule language was published in the September 13, 2013 edition of the Texas Register. The revisions would create a new category for recreational waters, … Continue reading