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EnCana recognized by BLM for Responsible Stewardship of Air Resource (posted 7/9/09)
EnCana Oil and Gas (USA) Inc. was recognized for Responsible Stewardship of Air Resources for its work in the Jonah field of western Wyoming.
One of the key environmental issues associated with the development of natural gas resources in the Jonah field is air quality-related emissions - specifically, nitrogen oxides (NOx) and volatile organic compounds (VOCs) - that are released into the atmosphere. Under specific temperate conditions, a chemical reaction between NOx and VOCs occurs in the air that results in the formation of ozone, which is an air pollutant regulated under the Clean Air Act.
EnCana responded to this issue by proactively implementing an extensive and complex set of BMPs to reduce the amount of fugitive NOx and VOCs stemming from its operations.
Ultra, Shell, Questar recognized with Best Management Practices awards by BLM (posted 7/8/09)
Pinedale Anticline Operators
Bureau of Land Management Acting Director Mike Pool today (Wednesday, July 7, 2009) announced the winners of the 2009 Oil, Gas, Geophysical, and Geothermal Development Environmental Best Management Practices (BMP) Awards. The awards recognize those oil, gas, geophysical, and geothermal operators and their partners who demonstrate leadership and creativity in reducing the impacts of developing natural gas, oil, and geothermal resources on public lands.
Ultra Resources Inc., Shell Exploration and Production Co., and Questar Market Resources were recognized for Responsible Stewardship of Air Resources for their work in the Pinedale Anticline field. These companies have partnered to design and implement BMPs specifically designed to reduce the amount of NOx and VOCs stemming from their operations. The companies' partnership exemplifies the ability of industry to collaborate in developing practices that reduce the impacts to the health and welfare of the human environment while still allowing for the orderly development of oil and gas resources on Federal lands.
The BLM presents annual BMP awards. Operators, regulatory authorities, surface management agencies, Indian tribes, individual Indian landowners, other private landowners, trade organizations, and members of the general public may nominate operators. Company officials or staff may also nominate their own operations.
A panel composed of BLM representatives, the energy industry, and representatives of conservation groups reviews nominations and makes recommendations to the BLM Director.
Environmental BMPs are state-of-the-art mitigation measures applied on a site-specific basis to reduce, prevent, or avoid adverse environmental or social impacts. By reducing the area of disturbance, adjusting the location of facilities, and using other techniques to minimize environmental effects, oil, gas, geophysical, and geothermal operators are significantly reducing environmental impacts associated with new energy development on public lands. More information about BMPs is available at www.blm.gov/bmp.
The California Zephyr Route between Denver, Colorado and Salt Lake City, Utah, the California Zephyr will be detoured through Wyoming on certain dates in July, August and September. Graphic courtesy Rail Passenger USA.
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AMTRAK Wyoming Detour Train Schedule (posted 7/8/09)
California Zephyr will pass through Rock Springs this summer
Rail Passenger USA
When checking with Amtrak Reservations on July 2, 2009, Rail Passenger USA was informed that due to scheduled Union Pacific track work on the California Zephyr Route between Denver, Colorado and Salt Lake City, Utah, the California Zephyr will be detoured through Wyoming on the following dates this Summer.
July: 1st-8th, 15-23rd, 31st
August: 1st-8th, 15-23rd, 31st
September: 1st-8th, 15-23rd
If you're planning a trip on the Zephyr during these periods, you may wish to DOUBLE CHECK with Amtrak to verify the route that the California Zephyr will follow on your planned travel date(s). Trains 5 and 6 will not stop at Frazier (Winter Park), Granby, Glenwood Springs, Grand Junction, Green River, Helper and Provo on days that the Wyoming detour is in effect. See the overview map of the published route (red) and the detour (blue). Click on this link for more information: www.RailPassengerUSA.com
DEQ encouraging better landfill management practices (posted 7/8/09)
Wyoming Department of Environmental Quality
This summer, the Solid and Hazardous Waste Division (SHWD) of the Wyoming Department of Environmental Quality (DEQ) will be distributing information to municipal officials and all solid waste landfills in Wyoming to encourage better landfill management practices.
"These are simplified guidance to assist landfill management and operators to comply with state landfill regulations and to inform the general public concerning proper solid waste management practices," said Bob Breuer, environmental program manager for the SHWD. This material will also be available on the department’s website at: http://deq.state.wy.us/shwd/downloads/anouncements.asp.
According to Breuer, the information provided in both public brochure and poster formats will focus on better waste disposal practices, litter management, surface water control, record keeping, and other environmental and human health issues that are potentially impacted by solid waste disposal actions.
During the next few months, statewide landfills are scheduled to begin implementation of integrated solid waste management plans that were mandated by the Wyoming Legislature to be submitted to the department by July 1, 2009. These planning actions require local government landfill operations in Wyoming to evaluate and consider reasonable and cost effective alternatives for solid waste disposal, such as landfill regionalization.
"It is our intent to provide more of an illustrated, plain-language, supplement for the solid waste regulations to help emphasize some of the more important aspects of site management and minimize the impacts from solid waste disposal," said Breuer. "Focusing on these solid waste elements is intended to benefit compliance by local landfill operators and to inform the public of the regulatory concerns."
The public brochures and posters will be sent out to the municipal officials and landfills in July.
View from the Yellowstone National Park Old Faithful webcam around 2PM on Wednesday, July 8th.
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Park visitation for first six months of the year tops the one million mark (posted 7/8/09)
Coming off a slow start, visitation to the world’s first national park has rebounded to set new records.
Visitation to Yellowstone National Park was down or flat January through April, but began to rebound in May. Figures now available for June show that upward trend is continuing on into the start of the busy summer season.
Nearly 644,000 people visited Yellowstone in June. That’s up 8.5 percent from the previous year. It’s also up compared to the 609,000 visitors recorded in June 2007, the only other time in history that the number of park visitors in June topped the 600,000 mark.
For the first six months of the year, just over one million people visited Yellowstone. That’s up 9.3 percent over 2008, and again tops the previous record January through June total of 978,000 visitors set in 2007.
All park entrances reported visitation increases compared to 2008, with the Northeast, East, and North entrances showing the greatest percentage increase. The statistics also show more people are traveling in RVs and fewer are traveling by bus when compared to 2008. Early numbers also show some park campgrounds also filled more nights this June than in 2008. More
camping and in-park lodging information will be available in a few days.
July is typically the park’s peak visitation month, followed by August, June, September, and May. Overall visitation to Yellowstone National Park for 2008 was 3,066,579; down just 2.7 percent from the record 3,151,343 people who visited the park in 2007.
Detailed park visitation information is available online at http://www.nature.nps.gov/stats/park.cfm.
Visiting the national parks remains a good value. A seven-day pass good for both Yellowstone and Grand Teton is just $25; a pass good for entrance to any national park for an entire year is just $80.
The National Park Service is offering three fee-free weekends to encourage Americans to visit their national parks. The next fee free weekend is set for July 18-19.
All communities near and on the way to Yellowstone are open all year, with local businesses offering a wide range of recreation opportunities.
A wealth of information and assistance planning a visit to Yellowstone can be found on the park’s web site at http://www.nps.gov/yell.
Reservations and information on in-park campgrounds and lodging is available by contacting Xanterra Parks & Resorts at 866-GEYSERLAND or online at http://www.travelyellowstone.com.
Information on lodging, camping, services, and activities near the park in the Montana communities of Gardiner, West Yellowstone, and Cooke City, is available by contacting their respective Chambers of Commerce or from Travel Montana at 800-847-4868 or http://visitmt.com/.
Those interested in visiting the Wyoming communities of Cody and Jackson should contact their Chambers of Commerce, or Wyoming Travel and Tourism at 800-225-5996 or http://www.wyomingtourism.org.
Issue-After Elk, Deer and Antelope Licenses on sale (posted 7/8/09)
Wyoming Game & Fish
Hunters who missed the application periods to get into the drawings for elk, deer and antelope licenses could still have an opportunity to hunt this fall by picking up licenses that were undersubscribed in the initial drawings.
Issue-after full-price licenses will be sold on a first-come, first-serve basis beginning July 7, and include 4,148 elk; 7,066 deer and 11,573 antelope licenses. Reduced price licenses will be sold beginning July 21, and include 5,711 cow/calf elk; 14,746 doe/fawn deer and 21,743 doe/fawn antelope. Licenses are available to both residents and nonresidents.
Hunters have the option of purchasing the licenses via their home computers, from Wyoming Game and Fish Department regional offices or by going to license agents that are on the automated computer system. A listing of agents on the automated system can be found on the Game and Fish Web site http://gf.state.wy.us. The website also has a listing of areas where licenses are remaining as well as instructions for applying for licenses online. Selling issue-after licenses online and through automated license agents replaces the leftover drawing for issuing licenses that has been in place for many years.
Access in areas with remaining licenses is a mixture of public and private lands. Some areas have large amounts on national forests while others are predominantly private. The majority of remaining antelope licenses is for hunt areas where public access is limited. Many of the deer licenses are also for private land areas, but several of the nonresident regions with issue-after licenses have large amounts of public land access. Many of the elk licenses are for hunt areas within national forest lands and most of the remaining licenses are for antlerless elk only. However, remaining elk licenses also include some areas with archery only licenses and a handful of licenses that allow the taking of either antlered or antlerless elk.
A number of the areas with remaining licenses also have public access provided through the Game and Fish Walk-In Area and Hunter Management programs. Hunters are urged to research areas with leftover licenses, and where necessary, obtain permission to hunt from landowners before applying.
Hunters who have questions on hunt areas and applying for licenses can contact the Game and Fish at (307) 777-4600.
Enzi, Barrasso internship applications due July 17 (posted 7/8/09)
For Washington D.C. offices
U.S. Senators Mike Enzie and John Barrasso are accepting applications from students to apply for internships in their Washington D.C. offices for this fall. The deadline for applications is Friday, July 17, 2009. The fall 2009 internship runs from Aug. 31 to Dec. 18. Scroll down for more information about how to apply with each of the senators.
U.S. Senator Mike Enzi
U.S. Senator Mike Enzi, R-Wyo., is encouraging students and graduates from all backgrounds to apply for an internship in his Washington, D.C. office this fall. The deadline for applications is July 17.
"An internship in my office is all about opportunity," Enzi said. "Interns are an important part of the office. They also have the chance to meet some remarkable people, work on projects and experience the dynamic of Washington, D.C."
The internship, which includes hands-on, individualized activities, offers experience in the heartbeat of the nation’s government. Interns are able to network, develop crucial job skills and cultivate meaningful experiences to further their education and career goals, according to Enzi.
Other typical intern tasks include giving Capitol building tours, writing policy or hearing summaries, preparing memos, conducting research for legislative aides, observing floor proceedings and attending committee hearings and lectures.
"Our past interns have gained valuable work experience and created friendships and memories that last far beyond the four months in the office," Enzi said. "I encourage anyone who is interested to apply as soon as possible."
The fall 2009 internship runs from Aug. 31 to Dec. 18. Interns receive a monthly stipend to defray the cost of living in Washington, D.C. and can also coordinate receiving college credit for the internship. Priority is given to students from Wyoming, or those studying in Wyoming, who have achieved at least sophomore status at an accredited university or college.
Individuals interested in an internship with Senator Enzi’s office should apply online. The application is available at www.enzi.senate.gov. Select the "Youth and Student Corner" tab and click on "Internship Information." For additional information, contact Internship Coordinator Cassandra Morton at 202-224-3424.
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U.S. Senator John Barrasso
U.S. Senator John Barrasso, R-Wyo., is accepting applications for his fall 2009 internship program. The experience is designed to give Wyoming’s youth an in depth look into the workings of the United States government. The dates for the 2009 fall session are August 14 through December 18.
"An internship in my Senate office provides Wyoming students with an invaluable opportunity to observe and participate within the United States Senate," Barrasso said. "I encourage all who are interested to apply."
Interns have a wide range of responsibilities including responding to constituent requests, attending legislative hearings and giving U.S. Capitol tours. In addition to their work, interns are also encouraged to take advantage of the many sights and activities that our Nation’s Capital has to offer.
Senator Barrasso also offers internships in his Wyoming offices. Students serving an in-state internship work closely with the Senator’s field staff to help constituents, closely follow the issues important to Wyoming, and interact with the Senator during his weekly trips home.
Interns receive a monthly stipend and are responsible for their own transportation and living expenses while either in D.C. or a Wyoming state office. Applicants are typically residents of Wyoming, in or just out of college, and are 21 years of age or older.
Students attending the University of Wyoming may receive academic credit. More information is available on the University’s website: http://uwadmnweb.uwyo.edu/pols/Internships.asp.
Candidates should apply on-line. The application can be found on Senator Barrasso’s website, www.barrasso.senate.gov, choose the "Students" tab on the right and click on "Intern Program" on the drop down menu. For more information, please contact Cecily Longfield in Senator Barrasso’s office at 202-224-6441. The deadline for applications is July 17.
EPA takes new steps to improve water quality (posted 7/8/09)
Environmental Protection Agency
The U.S. Environmental Protection Agency has made available comprehensive reports and data on water enforcement in all 50 states. This is part of Administrator Lisa P. Jackson’s larger effort by to enhance transparency, promote the public’s right to know about water quality and provide information on EPA’s actions to protect water under the Clean Water Act.
In a memorandum issued last Thursday (July 2nd), Administrator Jackson directed EPA’s Office of Enforcement and Compliance Assurance (OECA) to develop an action plan to enhance public transparency regarding clean water enforcement. In the memo, she also calls for stronger enforcement performance at federal and state levels and a transformation of EPA’s water quality and compliance information systems.
In keeping with this directive, EPA has posted detailed information on the current state of clean water compliance and enforcement in each state, and copies of the latest clean water enforcement and compliance performance reports for each state to the agency’s Web site. EPA also launched new Web-based tools to help the public search, assess, and analyze the data the agency used to help prepare those reports.
These actions are among of several aggressive steps taken by Administrator Jackson to improve the nation’s water quality by increasing the transparency and effectiveness of the agency’s national Clean Water Act enforcement program.
The administrator’s memo directed the agency to take several actions, including:
• Improve and enhance the information available on the EPA website on compliance and enforcement activities in each state, showing connections to local water quality where possible;
• Provide information in a user-friendly format form that is easily understood and useable by the public;
• Raise the bar for clean water enforcement performance and ensure enforcement is taken against serious violations that threaten water quality; and
• Improve EPA’s enforcement performance in states where EPA directly implements the clean water program.
Administrator Jackson directed OECA to work with EPA’s Office of Water and to consult closely with EPA’s 10 regional offices and the states on the action plan. After obtaining input from other stakeholders, the assistant administrator of OECA, Cynthia Giles, will report back to Administrator Jackson in 90 days with recommendations.
More information on the state-by-state reports: http://www.epa.gov/compliance/state/srf/index.html
More information on EPA and state enforcement data:
http://www.epa.gov/compliance/data/results/performance/cwa/index.html
Copy of the administrator’s memorandum:
http://www.epa.gov/compliance/data/results/performance/cwa/jackson-ltr-cwa-enf.html
Pinedale's Fourth of July fireworks explode in front of a nearly-full moon Saturday. For the complete article see the July 7, 2009 issue of the Sublette Examiner. Derek Farr photo.
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Sublette Examiner stories – July 7, 2009 (posted 7/8/09)
Fireworks on the Fourth
Bison enclosure upsets residents
Mountain man descendent coming to Rendezvous
SCSD#1 bonuses on the way
Watch Wyoming Wildlife TV On-Line (posted 7/8/09)
Wyoming Game & Fish
Wyoming Wildlife TV, the popular series produced by the Wyoming Game and Fish Department, is now available to view on the department’s website: http://gf.state.wy.us.
The 13 episodes in this series originally aired throughout Wyoming on KCWY. Now, they are available to watch on line from anywhere in the world.
"Wildlife is extremely important to Wyoming’s citizens, and to the economy of the state," says WGFD Public Information Officer Eric Keszler. "We developed this series as a resource for people who want to know more about the issues and challenges facing our wildlife and their habitats . . . everything from drought and habitat loss to wildlife diseases and energy development. We also look at some of the great work going on around the state to improve our wildlife resources and the habitats they rely on. Whether you’re a hunter or angler, or just someone who appreciates wildlife and wide-open spaces, this series is a great way to learn more about what’s going on with Wyoming’s wildlife."
"Wyoming’s wildlife is also a national treasure," said Keszler. "So we’re pleased to be able to offer this series free through the internet to anyone anywhere in the world."
Wyoming Wildlife TV Show Line-Up:
1- Sage Grouse: The future of one of Wyoming’s signature game birds.
2- Wolves and Grizzly Bears: Wyoming’s most controversial predators
3- Brucellosis: Last reservoir in the US for this controversial disease
4- Cutthroat Trout in Wyoming: Bringing back a native
5- Energy Development: How it is affecting Wyoming’s wildlife (Part 1)
6- Energy Development: How it is affecting Wyoming’s wildlife (Part 2)
6- Habitat: The foundation of all wildlife conservation and management
7- Hunter and Angler Recruitment and Retention: Why are we losing hunters and anglers?
8- Bighorn Sheep and Mule Deer in Wyoming: What’s going on with these iconic Western species?
9- Nongame Wildlife: Managing the species that we don’t hunt and fish for.
10- Funding: Who pays for wildlife management and conservation in Wyoming?
11- Wyoming’s Hatcheries: Stocking the state’s waters
12- Wildlife Law Enforcement: Catching the bad guys
Related Links:
http://gf.state.wy.us/
‘Reflections,’ taken at the Flying A Guest Ranch by Joanne Panizzera, was the 1dst Place winner in USA Today’s ‘Picture America’ national photo contest.
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Pinedale Roundup stories – July 3, 2009 (posted 7/3/09)
Award-Winning Photo Taken In Pinedale
Town construction back in full swing
McDonald’s rep scouts Pinedale
Obituary - William G. McQuillan
Obituary - Robert Wayne Routh
Update on I-80 tolling question (posted 7/3/09)
Looking for ways to pay for road maintenance
Wyoming Department of Transportation
Study related to the concept of instituting a toll on Interstate 80 across southern Wyoming continues this month, and WYDOT has scheduled additional open house-public meetings for Casper and Gillette. The meetings are part of an ongoing public education and involvement effort associated with the study.
Five similar events were conducted last month in communities (Cheyenne, Laramie, Rawlins, Rock Springs and Evanston) along the I-80 corridor. The upcoming open houses are set for Wednesday, July 15, at the Parkway Plaza in Casper and Thursday, July 16, at the Best Western Towers West in Gillette. Both meetings begin at 5 p.m.
"During the interactions we’ve had with the public meetings so far, we’ve received a range of reaction to the concept of tolling on I-80," Pat Collins, WYDOT assistant chief engineer for engineering, said. "Understandably, there’s a lot of concern and also, some misconceptions about the tolling concept."
"A key point is that as of today, there is no plan or proposal for tolling. It is simply one of a number of possible ways that legislators can consider as a means of addressing the growing needs of maintaining I-80 into the future," Collins added.
During the next three decades, I-80 traffic is expected to more than double from the current average of 13,000 vehicles per day. Large truck traffic, which now makes up about half of I-80 usage, is expected to increase at a faster pace than passenger vehicle traffic. Meanwhile, estimates show WYDOT will need $6.4 billion, after adjusting for inflation, during that time frame to simply maintain I-80 in its present condition, exclusive of adding capacity to meet traffic growth. The $6.4-billion cost estimate exceeds the total of revenue expected to be available for maintenance of the entire state highway system, much less I-80.
"We are most interested in receiving constructive comment about how to best address our anticipated I-80 funding challenges, whether it’s tolling or another method. We appreciate that our legislators will have difficult choices ahead of them in providing adequate funding to keep up with demands," Collins said.
Research into the possible tolling of I-80 began last year following authorization by the Legislature's Joint Transportation, Highways and Military Affairs Interim Committee. The initial phase of work concluded last fall with the issuance of a feasibility study by consultant firm PB Americas.
Earlier this year, the full Legislature enacted a measure (Enrolled Act No. 111), requiring additional study to build on the findings of last year's I-80 tolling feasibility report. One of the focal points is the possible expansion of I-80 to three lanes in each direction to meet the future needs.
Comment forms will be provided at the upcoming meetings in Casper and Gillette. Those unable to attend but wishing to comment may do so by submitting their comments to Tim McDowell, State Programming Engineer, WYDOT, 5300 Bishop Blvd., Cheyenne, WY 82009, or via email to: tollingstudy@dot.state.wy.us.
Detailed information about the I-80 Tolling Study, as well as an I-80 usage survey, is available on WYDOT’s Web site (www.dot.state.wy.us/wydot/planning_projects/studies_plans/I-80_tolling_study).
75th Annual Chuckwagon Days July 3 & 4, 2009 (posted 7/2/09)
Big Piney Chuckwagon Days are always held over the 4th of July in Big Piney and Marbleton. The celebration includes an early-morning walk/run, a parade down main street in Big Piney, a free BBQ cookout, a Lil' Buckaroo Rodeo for youngsters up to age 12, WRA-IMPRA rodeo, a street dance, and fireworks on July 4th.
FRIDAY, JULY 3RD
6:00 PM – Lil' Buckaroo Rodeo
For ALL kids 12 and under. Starts at 6:00 PM at the Sublette County Fairgrounds. Free!
Sponsored entirely by EnCana Oil & Gas (USA)
Stickhorse Barrel Racing (ages 4 & Under, 5-7, 8-9)
Goat Tail Tying (ages 5-7, 8-10, 11-13)
Calf Roping (ages 7-9, 10-13)
Mutton Busting (ages 6 & under)
Bareback Riding (ages 7-9, 10-13)
Calf Riding (ages 7-9)
SATURDAY, JULY 4TH
8:00 AM: Chuckwagon Chug 5K and 10K Walk/Run
Before the Big Piney parade. Entry fee. Start & finish at the Big Piney High School parking lot. For more information or to pre-register, contact Gudrid Espenscheid, 307-276-5441. (Editor's Note: We have not confirmed this event taking place for 2009. We have been unable to contact the organizers to confirm this Walk/Run for this year.)
8:30 AM: Parade Line-up at EOG Resources
9:15 AM: Parade Judging
10:00 AM: Chuckwagon Days Parade, down Budd Avenue in Big Piney
Contact the Town of Big Piney Town Hall for parade and entry info, 307-276-3554.
After Parade: Chuckwagon Days BBQ
At the Sublette County Fairgrounds. FREE! (Donations accepted) Everyone welcome.
1:00 PM: Chuckwagon Days Rodeo
Co-Approved IMPRA and WRA
Bull riding
Saddle bronc
Bareback riding
Team roping
Steer wrestling
Tie-down roping
Barrel racing
Breakaway roping
Junior barrels
Calf scramble
Concessions will be available.
Admission $5.00/person, kids 12 & under free.
8:00 PM: Street Dance
On Fish Street in Big Piney. Free! Families encouraged. Town will provide soft drinks and water. DJ will play music for dancing.
Dusk: 4th of July Fireworks
Shot from the Marbleton Hill
For more information see: www.ChuckwagonDays.com
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