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April 17, 2008 — NDEP News Release: Celebrate Earth Day by Protecting Our Water— CARSON CITY - With Earth Day coming up on April 22, the Nevada Division of Environmental Protection (NDEP) is encouraging residents to celebrate the event by helping protect our state’s precious water resources. “Nevada is the driest state in the nation, so it’s important that we do everything we can to protect our water resources,” said Birgit Widegren, supervisor of NDEP’s Nonpoint Source Pollution Management Program. “We can each do our part to help reduce water pollution, particularly nonpoint source pollution.”
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March 13, 2008 — NDEP News Release: Mine Reclamation Bonding Surpasses $1 Billion — CARSON CITY – Reclamation bonding that guarantees the environmentally friendly reclamation of Nevada mines should they be abandoned has surpassed the $1 billion mark, state and federal officials announced today. A state law, enacted in 1990, mandates that all mining operations and exploration projects greater than five acres in size obtain a reclamation permit and post a financial guarantee to ensure that reclamation activities are completed in the event the operator is unable or unwilling to complete them.).
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March 11, 2008 — NDEP News Release: Mercury Regulations Producing Results — CARSON CITY - State regulations, enacted in 2006 that require mercury emissions controls to reduce the amount of mercury emitted into the air from precious metal mines, are producing some early positive results, according to the Nevada Division of Environmental Protection (NDEP).
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Janaury 09, 2008 — NDEP News Release: Removal of Hazardous Waste Debris from Fernley Flood Area to Begin — NDEP is working together with the Nevada Division of Emergency Management, Lyon County, and the Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) to start the first phase of hazardous debris removal from the area affected by the Fernley canal break flood in Lyon County.
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January 09, 2007 — Ely Energy Center Power Plant Public Hearing — The Nevada Division of Environmental Protection (NDEP), Bureau of Air Pollution Control, will hold a public hearing Wednesday, Jan. 9, in Ely, Nevada, on its technical evaluation of the permit application submitted by Sierra Pacific Resources for its Ely Energy Center coal-fired power plant, proposed for construction in eastern Nevada. The hearing is scheduled for 6 p.m. at the Bristlecone Convention Center, Bristlecone Room, 150 Sixth St., in Ely.
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November 30, 2007 — Water Pollution Control Proposals Sought — The Nevada Division of Environmental Protection (NDEP) is seeking proposals for funding of projects and programs that will reduce nonpoint source water pollution within the state.
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November 02, 2007 — NDEP to Accept Comments from Environmental Groups Regarding Proposed Power Plant Agreements: Download News Release
Read Press Coverage: — AP (Related Story)
August 29, 2007 — NDEP to Meet with Residents Regarding Indoor PCE Vapor — LAS VEGAS - The Nevada Division of Environmental Protection (NDEP) is arranging in-home meetings with 146 homeowners in a residential area east of the Boulevard Mall to check the indoor air in their homes for the presence of a common solvent used in dry cleaning. (Read more about dry cleaning solvent in the environemnt)
May 10, 2007 — News Release — Mercury Emissions Testing Program on Schedule — The initial phase of mercury emissions testing at Nevada's largest precious metal mines is nearing completion, and the Nevada Division of Environmental Protection (NDEP) reports that the program is on schedule and working as expected.
April 20, 2007 News Release — NDEP Employees Honored at Regional Environmental Awards Program — Two employees of NDEP received regional recognition this week from the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) for their efforts to protect and preserve Nevada's environment in 2006. (More information)
April 12, 2007 News Release — NDEP Awardes Mercury Fugitive Emissions Contract — A University of Nevada researcher has been awarded a $250,000 contract to conduct a two-year research project to characterize mercury emissions to the atmosphere from areas of mining waste — "Mercury emissions from mine waste rock, heap leach and tailings areas have been the subject of much speculation and concern over the past few years," said Leo Drozdoff, administrator of NDEP. "We believe this research will provide sound scientific data to help answer many of the questions surrounding this issue."
Press Release: April 3, 2007 — NDEP, US EPA and US DOJ reach $90 million joint settlement with Nevada Power CARSON CITY - Nevada Power Co. has agreed to a joint settlement today with the federal government and the State of Nevada that will require the utility to spend nearly $85 million on cleaner technology and pay a $1.11 million fine, the Nevada Division of Environmental Protection, U.S. Department of Justice, and U.S. Environmental Protection Agency announced. The settlement resolves allegations of air pollution control violations at its Reid Gardner coal-fired electric generating plant located 50 miles northeast of Las Vegas.
March 07, 2007 — Recycling Curriculum Introduced at Jessie Beck Elementary — RENO - Jessie Beck Elementary School Tuesday became the first school in the state to receive a new curriculum being developed by the Nevada Division of Environmental Protection (NDEP) to help educate students about the importance of reducing, reusing and recycling solid waste to protect the environment.
February 22, 2007 — News Release — NDEP Takes First Enforcement Action Under New Mercury Regulations — CARSON CITY – The Nevada Division of Environmental Protection (NDEP) has issued five Notices of Alleged Violation (NOAV) and an enforcement order against a northern Nevada gold mine, marking the first enforcement actions taken under the state’s new mercury air pollution control regulations.
January 22, 2007 — News Release — The Tahoe Water Suppliers Association (TWSA), has been recognized by the State of Nevada for its protection of the water quality of Lake Tahoe, a primary source of drinking water for the region. The Nevada Division of Environmental Protection (NDEP) presented its Wendell McCurry Excellence in Water Quality Award to TWSA at the group’s quarterly meeting last week. The award recognizes TWSA’s efforts in water quality protection and water conservation education; its service as host of the 2005 Lake Tahoe Drinking Water Forum; and the group’s active role in working with other organizations and agencies in the Tahoe Basin concerning water quality issues.

See other "winners" of the coveted Wendell McCurry Award
November 13, 2006 — News Release — Statewide Events Slated for Nevada Recycles Day Electronic waste recycling events are planned in southern and northern Nevada to commemorate Nevada Recycles Day on November 15, according to the Nevada Division of Environmental Protection (NDEP).
September 28, 2006 — News Release — Partnership With UNR Small Business Development Center Reduces Pollution — A unique partnership between the Nevada Division of Environmental Protection (NDEP) and the University of Nevada, Reno Small Business Development Center is reducing environmental pollution across the state, according to a new survey released today.
September 27, 2006 — News Release — Water Pollution Management Grant, Applications Now Being Accepted — The Nevada Division of Environmental Protection (NDEP) is accepting applications for approximately $2 million in grant funds to be awarded to municipalities, educational institutions and nonprofit organizations for projects and programs that reduce nonpoint sources of water pollution within the state.
September 07, 2006 — News Release — State To Fund Mercury Sampling Sites — CARSON CITY - The Nevada Division of Environmental Protection (NDEP) has stepped forward to fund two northern Nevada mercury air sampling sites that otherwise may have been forced to close due to lack of funding. In addition, a new site is being constructed in the Reno-Sparks area.
August 30, 2006 — Recycling And Solid Waste Management Grant Applications Now Being Accepted — The Nevada Division of Environmental Protection (NDEP) has begun accepting applications for $150,000 in grants to be awarded to municipalities, educational institutions and nonprofit organizations for projects that enhance solid waste management systems and recycling projects, NDEP officials announced today.
June 22, 2006 — NDEP official to visit Elko to discuss rural dumping — A Nevada Division of Environmental Protection (NDEP) official will be in Elko Friday to meet with Elko Citizens Against Illegal Dumping to discuss the agency's grants program and other ways of curbing illegal dumping in rural areas.
June 12, 2006 — Northern Nevada Recycling Coordinator Selected — Chester Sergent has been named northern Nevada recycling coordinator for the Nevada Division of Environmental Protection (NDEP). His duties include coordinating, promoting and supporting recycling efforts in northern Nevada.

June 12, 2006 — Southern Nevada Recycling Coordinator Selected — Kathryn Fergus has been named southern Nevada recycling coordinator for the Nevada Division of Environmental Protection (NDEP). Her duties include coordinating, promoting and supporting recycling efforts in southern Nevada.
May 23, 2006 — Water Grants – Loan Approved — The State of Nevada is distributing more than $15.7 million in grants and loans to assist local communities with improvements to water treatment and delivery systems.

The Board of Financing Water Projects approved a $9 million loan to the Sun Valley General Improvement District to construct a second wholesale delivery point, three new water storage tanks, and to make improvements to existing water transmission and distribution facilities. Such loans are provided through the Drinking Water State Revolving Loan Fund, administered by the Nevada Division of Environmental Protection.

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April 28, 2006 — News Release — VOLUNTEERS NEEDED FOR 6TH ANNUAL WATER QUALITY SNAPSHOT DAY -- Community Volunteers To Test Water Quality in Truckee River and Lake Tahoe

CARSON CITY- The sixth annual Water Quality Snapshot Day will be held Saturday, May 20, in Reno, Truckee and Lake Tahoe, and volunteers are needed to help conduct the water quality sampling. The event is a citizen-based environmental effort designed to take a snapshot, at one moment in time, of the water quality throughout the Lake Tahoe and Truckee River watershed. Water quality monitoring will take place from the tributaries flowing into Lake Tahoe all the way to the waters of Pyramid Lake. It is sponsored by the Nevada Division of Environmental Protection and the City of Reno.

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April 19, 2006 — News Release — NDEP SUPPORTING EARTH DAY 2006    CARSON CITY- The Nevada Division of Environmental Protection (NDEP) is supporting Earth Day events across the state April 21-29, encouraging waste reduction and recycling, reduction of water and air pollution, as well as environmental education.

Earth Day events are scheduled in the following Nevada communities: Reno, Las Vegas, North and South Lake Tahoe, Carson City, Elko, Winnemucca and Pahrump. NDEP will have representation at most of them.

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April 03, 2006 — News Release— Wellhead Protection Grants Available — CARSON CITY - The Nevada Division of Environmental Protection (NDEP) has approximately $250,000 in grant funding available to help Nevada communities, Indian tribes and public water systems develop and implement wellhead protection plans to protect underground sources of drinking water.
View/Print — RFP Cover Letter
View/Print — Request for Proposal (RFP)

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March 24, 2006 — News Release — Online Help Available to Assist Mines In Estimating Reclamation Costs — CARSON CITY - The Nevada Division of Environmental Protection (NDEP) is providing Nevada mining companies with a free online service to help them estimate future reclamation costs at their mines, agency officials announced today.

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March 22, 2006 — News Release — Solid Waste Management Grants Available — CARSON CITY -- The Nevada Division of Environmental Protection (NDEP) will award some $150,000 in grants to municipalities, educational institutions and nonprofit organizations for projects that enhance solid waste management systems and recycling projects, particularly in rural areas, NDEP officials announced today.

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March 12, 2006 —News Release — National Ground Water Awareness Week — CARSON CITY - In recognition of National Ground Water Awareness Week, March 12-18, the Nevada Division of Environmental Protection (NDEP) is reminding Nevadans of the importance our ground water resources.

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March 08, 2006 —News Release — RENO-The State Environmental Commission (SEC) this evening unanimously approved the Nevada Division of Environmental Protection's (NDEP) proposed Mercury Air Emissions Control Program for precious metal mining operations.

"The Nevada Mercury Air Emissions Control Program is the first regulatory program in the nation to control mercury emissions from precious metal mining," NDEP Administrator Leo Drozdoff said. "The program takes the control of mercury emissions from precious metals mining to a new level. Our ability to develop a regulatory program of this magnitude and on such an aggressive schedule would not have been possible without the cooperation of the regulated industry as well as environmental groups and many concerned stakeholders."

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March 06, 2006 —News Release — NDEP RECEIVES RESEARCH GRANT TO DEVELOP MERCURY SAMPLING SYSTEM, CARSON CITY- The Nevada Division of Environmental Protection (NDEP) has received approval of a $364,000 research grant from the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) to develop an easily deployable sampling system to detect mercury in the air.

Nevada is home to large areas of naturally occurring mercury, as well as man-made sources, including gold and silver mines and electricity generating plants. The main environmental concern is that mercury emissions could be depositing in lakes and streams, where it can accumulate in the tissues of fish. While bioaccumulation in fish is the primary concern, the health affects in humans who ingest too much fish containing mercury can include neurological damage and danger to pregnant women and their fetuses, as well as young children.

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