Bay West LLC’s Post

This week, Governor DeSantis announced his Focus on Florida’s Future budget proposal for Fiscal Year 2024-25. Nearly $3.4 billion is earmarked specifically for the Florida Department of Environmental Protection (DEP), which is a testament to the importance of our mission.  DEP continues to turn these investments into results, helping to build our state’s environmental legacy.   Here are the highlights for DEP’s portion of the Governor's proposed budget:    ·        $740 million for Everglades Restoration.  ·        $330 million for targeted water quality improvements.  ·        $175 million for prized properties.  ·        $157 million for environmental resilience projects.  ·        $80 million for alternative water supply.  ·        $50.8 million to combat harmful algal blooms and red tide.  ·        $50 million to restore Florida’s world-renowned springs.  ·        $50 million for beach restoration.  ·       $211 million for cleanup programs, including petroleum, dry cleaning and hazardous waste site cleanup. https://lnkd.in/eVxEktve

As an appointed industry member, Andrew T. Der & Associates, LLC is pleased to be participating in the next quarterly meeting of the U.S. EPA Chesapeake Bay Program Executive Council's Stakeholders Advisory Committee September 13 and 14, Fredericksburg, VA Courtyard Marriott. Hot topics include: developing annual Stakeholders’ Advisory Committee recommendations for the Executive Council, including discussion of issues on Water Quality Subcommittee priority topics including: (1) Virginia’s progress in the 2025 deadline for practices to meet the TMDL and key outcomes in the Chesapeake Watershed Agreement; (2) a briefing on ‘Charting a Course to 2025’ Report; and (3) updates from Chesapeake Bay Program and the Beyond 2025 Steering Committee, important successes and common challenges, focusing on outcomes and directives, TMDL Phase III WIPs, forest buffers and wetlands, climate change, diversity, equity, inclusion, and justice (DEIJ). https://lnkd.in/e7kkZSsr #ChespeakeBay #Virginia #waterqulaity #TMDL #WIP #EPA #watersof the us #environment

Incredible news for Colorado! The EPA has awarded over $8 million to six communities for environmental cleanup and redevelopment projects. This significant funding aims to transform contaminated sites into economic opportunities. For example, Northglenn will remediate a 7-acre property with high levels of lead and arsenic, preparing it for new uses. Greeley and Kersey will use their grants for environmental assessments and cleanup, respectively, with plans for new community amenities like a restaurant and brewery. Additional funds will support cleanup efforts in Pueblo, Monte Vista, and Lakewood, ensuring a cleaner and healthier environment for residents across the state. These projects not only address historical pollution but also lay the groundwork for future economic growth and community revitalization. Kudos to the EPA and local leaders for their commitment to making Colorado a cleaner, safer place to live and work. #EnvironmentalCleanup #EPA #Redevelopment

“Planning and Development Director Eric Smith told members of the Lake Ellis Watershed Management Partnership that the town plans to apply for a federal Environmental Protection Agency Section 319 Grant to control the amount of what is known as “nonpoint source pollution” making its way into the lake. Nonpoint pollution, according to the EPA website, is 'caused by rainfall or snowmelt moving over and through the ground. As the runoff moves, it picks up and carries away natural and human-made pollutants, depositing them into lakes, rivers, wetlands, coastal waters and ground waters.'” These federal grant funds would be administered by the Massachusetts Department of Environmental Quality. Additionally, for the 2025 grant year, communities seeking program funds do not have to commit to a 40% local match. The town is awaiting information and estimates on two strategies to decide on their path forward for the grant application. Read the full article: https://lnkd.in/gQhtq7Uc #thepreserver #stormwatermanagement #stormwater #momentumenvironmental #civilengineering

"PROVIDENCE, RI – Governor Dan McKee and the Rhode Island Department of Environmental Management (DEM) announced new funding opportunities for the cleanup and redevelopment of contaminated properties, known as brownfields, across Rhode Island. DEM is seeking proposals for brownfield site redevelopment projects that will support the cleanup of contaminated property to transform underused brownfield sites into locations that add value to communities. Redevelopment/reuse plans that support a positive impact on the community with amenities available for public use, and targeted community engagement opportunities for designated Environmental Justice (EJ) areas will be scored favorably. EJ areas and/or community enrichment for historically low-income areas throughout Rhode Island are an area of focus for this grant round." (Source: RI.Gov) Click to read more https://bit.ly/3PSHvOz #RIDEM #ContaminatedProperties #brownfields #Grants #redevelopmentprojects #EnvironmentalLaw #EnvironmentalLawyer #NewportRI #Desautellaw #rhodeisland #newengland

Local elected officals are the backbone of Bay restoration. These leaders are often the ones approving and implementing practices that result in cleaner water—both locally and downstream. Supporting these officials is therefore a key part of reducing pollution and improving wildlife habtiat across the watershed. According to data gathered by the Chesapeake Bay Program, local elected officials from small communities and those who are new to the job are often less aware of environmental regulations. These officials also report having taken less action to protect local waters. The Bay Program's Local Leadership Workgroup, who conducts these surveys, will utilize these results to increase the knowledge and capacity of local officials, particularly newly elected officials and those from smaller communities. #ChesapeakeBay #LocalGovernment #CleanWater

As a firm who specializes in #environmentallaw, as you might expect we tangle with #brownfields quite a bit. It's not always a walk in the park. 🏭 A series of reports published last year by the US Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) and Smart Growth America highlight tools and policies that can help mitigate displacement pressure when recovering and developing brownfields: https://lnkd.in/eT83PtFC #environmentalremediation #brownfieldremediation #environmentalpolicy #USEPA

Have you met Waterborne Environmental, Inc.'s Living Legend, Nathan Snyder, Principal, #ExposureModeling and #RiskAssessment? In this month's feature, we spoke with Nathan about his career and how the industry has changed over his 30 years with Waterborne. You can read his story, here: https://lnkd.in/e9SPc87T

Envision Media & Marketing is proud to partner with LEMOINE and the Louisiana Chamber Of Commerce Foundation LCCF Admin on a transformative program to address a critical issue facing our state and nation. Did you know? There are about 4,500 orphaned or abandoned wells across Louisiana, posing significant safety hazards and environmental threats. However, thanks to millions in federal funding, we've made incredible strides over the past year: Over 600 wells plugged at a record pace Leading efforts by Louisiana businesses for a cleaner, safer future. This initiative isn’t just about environmental preservation. It’s also about economic growth. By investing in clean energy workforce training, we're creating high-paying jobs and opportunities for everyone in Louisiana. At the Louisiana Chamber of Commerce Foundation, we are committed to continuing this momentum, helping Louisiana companies preserve our state’s natural habitat and drive our economy forward. Watch our video to see how we are making a difference! #Sustainability #CleanEnergy #EnvironmentalAwareness #GreenInitiatives #EnvisionMedia #Lemoine #LouisianaChamber #CommunityImpact #PR

Community Update: Chiquita Lock to Be Removed! 🚨 After a year-long petition and countless hearings, Chiquita Lock will be removed! This significant development comes as an Administrative Law Judge has recommended the Florida Department of Environmental Protection (FDEP) issue an Environmental Resource Permit (ERP) to the City of Cape Coral for the lock's removal. 𝗞𝗲𝘆 𝗠𝗶𝗹𝗲𝘀𝘁𝗼𝗻𝗲𝘀: 📍The decision follows the final administrative hearing held in December 2023, which saw extensive evidence and testimonies. 📍 The petition, led by the Matlacha Civic Association and other local groups, opposed the removal due to environmental concerns. 📍 Despite these challenges, the ALJ concluded that the city's ERP meets the necessary standards under Florida law. 𝗖𝗶𝘁𝘆'𝘀 𝗖𝗼𝗺𝗺𝗶𝘁𝗺𝗲𝗻𝘁: 📍 The City of Cape Coral is dedicated to addressing any environmental concerns while fulfilling community needs. 📍 The removal project, overseen by Brown and Caldwell, includes stormwater improvements, environmental monitoring, habitat enhancements, and more to ensure sustainability and environmental health. 𝗙𝗶𝗻𝗮𝗻𝗰𝗶𝗮𝗹 𝗢𝘃𝗲𝗿𝘃𝗶𝗲𝘄: 📍 From September 2020 to September 2023, the city has invested over $1 million in legal fees for the Chiquita Lock case, with additional costs expected. 𝗖𝗵𝗶𝗾𝘂𝗶𝘁𝗮 𝗟𝗼𝗰𝗸 𝗛𝗶𝘀𝘁𝗼𝗿𝘆: 📍Installed in 1977 to comply with the Clean Water Act, the lock separates canal waters from natural waterways. 📍It has been open since Hurricane Ian due to damage and safety concerns, but efforts to remove it predate the storm. 𝗡𝗲𝘅𝘁 𝗦𝘁𝗲𝗽𝘀: 📍The city is evaluating the next critical steps for the lock's removal, aiming for an expeditious and environmentally responsible process. 𝗖𝗼𝗺𝗺𝘂𝗻𝗶𝘁𝘆 𝗜𝗺𝗽𝗮𝗰𝘁: 📍 This project promises significant environmental benefits and increased waterway sustainability, enhancing our beloved Cape Coral community for future generations.