Category Archives: Regulatory issues
Oil sheen spotted near BP Deepwater Horizon drill rig
Using satellite images to monitor the Deepwater Horizon drill rig that exploded over two years ago, BP spotted a previously undetected oil sheen on September 16. When the sheen was first discovered, the source was unknown. Monitoring the sheen … Continue reading
ASTM and the development of environmental standards
ASTM International, previously known as American Society for Testing and Materials, is an organization charged with facilitating the development of voluntary consensus standards. Although “American” is at the root of the organization’s name, over 12,000 standards have been created … Continue reading
Researching environmental activity/use limitations (AULs)
Environmental activity/use limitations (AULs) are legal restrictions filed for two main reasons: The prevention of exposure to environmental contamination and the management of public health and environmental risks associated with a property that has been contaminated. It is important … Continue reading
Part 2: Department of Energy releases 2012 Unconventional Resources R&D Plan
This week I’ll dig a little deeper into the recent Department of Energy report to Congress: 2012 Annual Plan Ultra-Deepwater and Unconventional Natural Gas and Other Petroleum Resources Research Program. The Energy Policy Act (EPAct) of 2005 set in … Continue reading
Department of Energy releases 2012 Unconventional Resources R&D Plan
Last week, the US Department of Energy submitted the 2012 Annual Unconventional Resources R&D Plan to Congress. Don’t worry if you don’t have time to read the 200+ page document, I’ve provided a few highlights for you here. The … Continue reading
Historical cattle dipping vats in Florida
In early 20th century, Florida farmers were required by law to dip livestock into vats of chemical solution to control or eradicate cattle fever tick. The chemical composition of the vat solutions varied, but arsenic, DDT, and other pesticides … Continue reading