Conservation News
May 2007
WCCO-TV 6:00 News May 15 2007:
Rehbein Environmental Solutions Pitches its EPIC System
for the new Twins Stadium
WCCO-TV Reporter Lisa Kiava tours the Rehbein sod farms in Harris, MN where Mark Rehbein
explains recent tests using EPIC and heated water to extend the playing season. Test
plots at the farm compare heated EPIC with a control plot (no heat) and the Wirsbo heating
system, employed at Soldier Field.
The EPIC system exceeded expectations, providing
both consistent irrigation, as well as more even heating and better snow melting
capacity. It is Mark's hope that the Minnesota Twins will consider the EPIC system in
the design of their new stadium, to be opened in 2010.
April 2007
The answer to storm water management does not include creating bigger and
more expensive storm water management systems. Rather, it means changing our
philosophy and methods to implement true water management systems that
actually prevent and treat storm water pollutants.
By Jonas Sipaila & William McCully
Source: Storm Water Solutions April 2007 Volume: 4 Number: 2
Copyright © 2007 Scranton Gillette Communications
The House on Thursday overwhelmingly approved a massive water projects bill
that has languished for years over its price tag and how the Army Corps of
Engineers does business.
The overall cost of the bill is at least $15 billion. Supporters of the
bipartisan measure, passed by a 394-25 vote, say it's needed to fund hundreds
of projects in nearly every state to improve flood protection, modernize the
nation's waterways and restore the environment.
Legislation to restore the San Joaquin River has a $500 million federal
price tag, raising fresh problems for a delicate political compromise whose
future remains in question.
The newly estimated river restoration cost exceeds earlier predictions. It
could force antsy lawmakers to raise taxes or cut other projects. Already,
it is delaying congressional plans for fixing the San Joaquin.
(NY Times, free registration required)
A Western drought that began in 1999 has continued after the respite of a couple
of wet years that now feel like a cruel tease. But this time people in the driest states
are not just scanning the skies and hoping for rescue.
Some $2.5 billion in water projects are planned or under way in four states, the
biggest expansion in the West’s quest for water in decades. Among them is a proposed
280-mile pipeline that would direct water to Las Vegas from northern Nevada. A
proposed reservoir just north of the California-Mexico border would correct an
inefficient water delivery system that allows excess water to pass to Mexico.
Changing climate will mean increasing drought in the Southwest - a region where
water already is in tight supply - according to a new study.
"The bottom line message for the average person and also for the states and
federal government is that they'd better start planning for a Southwest
region in which the water resources are increasingly stretched," said Richard
Seager of Columbia University's Lamont Doherty Earth Observatory
March 2007
February 2007
Fortune Magazine discusses Wal-Mart's commitment to conservation: Increase
the efficiency of its vehicle fleet by 25% over the next three years, and
double efficiency in ten years. Eliminate 30% of the energy used in stores.
Reduce solid waste from U.S. stores by 25% in three years.
January 2007
From recordnet.com: Are new dams the solution to water shortages? A far cheaper
and more effective way to secure more water with less snow would be to
conserve more. Many Valley communities do not meter their water, and the
Valley lags far behind Southern California in water conservation.
December 2006
The Press Enterprise reports on proposed landscaping rules for all new development in Riverside, California
Older News
The Dallas Morning News reports on Southern Methodist University's new soccer pitch
at Westcott Field. See also article at the SMU Soccer site,
Westcott Field Renovations.
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