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Tire Amnesty Collections in April

The NC RC&D and Upper Elkhorn NRD have partnered and have been approved for grant funding for a Tire Amnesty Event April 1st, 2nd and 3rd. “The RC & D focuses on filling a void of recycling opportunities in the six county area, recycling materials that the local Recycling Centers do not have capacity nor funding to collect. Hosting this event supports filling that void.” The 6 counties included in NC RC&D are Cherry, Keya Paha, Brown, Rock, Boyd and Holt”, comments President Mike Burge. “Residents of all 6 counties are invited to utilize the upcoming Tire Ammesty.

Upper Elkhorn NRD Director, Dennis Schueth reports the Nebraska Department of Energy and Environment notification in December confirmed the possibility for a collection. “We look forward to this tire event. The goal is to remove 600 ton of tires in an environmentally responsible fashion. Part of our work at Upper Elkhorn NRD includes efforts to sustain and improve the environment. North Central RC&D promotes and leads recycling efforts in North Central Nebraska. The partnership makes sense.”

“Collections are set for Monday through Wednesday, April 1st, 2nd and 3rd. Collection hours are 9-5 pm on Monday, 8-4 pm for Tuesday and Wednesday. More from RC&D President, Mike Burge. “Bring your scrap tires to Newport Village yard north of town on Hwy 137. Rock County Board of Supervisors and the Village of Newport are providing this site to collect the tires. All sizes of car, truck, pivot, semi and tractor tires will be accepted. The RC&D extends appreciation to the Upper Elkhorn NRD, Rock County Supervisors and Newport Village Board for their support along with Stuart Fertilizer in Stuart & Rock Co Agronomy in Bassett who are making their scales available the days of the events.

Guidelines: Collection is first come, first serve. When 600 tons are collected the tire amnesty will close. No rims will be accepted. No tire retailers. No assistance unloading tires so plan accordingly.

The volume of tires accepted is based on weight, 600 ton total is the grant limit. To help not exceed this goal, please bring either the count of each type of tire or total weight when you drop your tires off.

Champlin Tire Recycling, Inc, Concordia KS, will recycle the tires collected during the event– they process, manufacture, and market products derived from scrap tires producing park benches and picnic tables from these materials. Tires that meet used tire specifications are taken to Concordia for reclamation and distributed according to local markets. Salvageable casings are repaired and retreaded in their plant. Tubes are separated and recycled. Tractor and large tire sidewalls are cut and turned into silage covers. Tractor tires meeting specifications are turned inside out for feed bunks for ranching operations. Tire disposal not turned back into an end market is shredded and stored for use as downstream markets develop. Click Here to view the Poster.

UENRD Board of Directors Adopts Updated Chemigation Rules & Regulations Including New Chemigation Fees

A public hearing was held on November 27, 2023 at 12:30 PM at the NRD office, 301 North Harrison Street, in O’Neill to receive testimony regarding the proposed changes to the District’s Chemigation Rules & Regulations. There were no comments from the public regarding the proposed changes to the Rules and Regulations at the hearing. The proposed changes are due in part to the Nebraska Department of Environment and Energy updates to the state’s Chemigation Rules & Regulations which were completed in 2020; and, these updates will also include restructuring the Chemigation Fees to help cover the ongoing administrative costs for the Upper Elkhorn NRD program. Here is the link to the: Adopted Order and the proposed UENRD Chemigation Rules & Regulations.

UENRD Now Hiring – Natural Resources Technician

Natural Resources Technician – Upper Elkhorn NRD

The Upper Elkhorn Natural Resources District is accepting applications to fill the Natural Resources Technician position. Responsibilities will include assisting the Water Resources Department and supervising the conservation tree and wildlife programs.  This position will also be involved with working with the general public; chemigation program; basic equipment & ground maintenance; collecting water quality and quantity data; assisting in preparation of reports; and, updates and presentations to the NRD board/committees and partnering agencies. A college degree or training in a natural resource or forestry/wildlife related field is beneficial.  Knowledge of Microsoft office programs and ArcGIS experience is highly beneficial. This is a fulltime position with a starting salary range of $36,000-$44,000, plus paid holidays, vacation & sick leave, medical, vision and dental insurance and retirement.  Resumes and (three) references must be submitted to: Upper Elkhorn NRD 301 North Harrison St, O’Neill NE 68763.  Resumes will be reviewed starting at 4:30PM March 29, 2024 and the position will remain open until a satisfactory candidate is selected. Please call 402-336-3867 with any questions or visit our website at:  www.uenrd.org  The Upper Elkhorn NRD is an Equal Opportunity Employer. Job Description

Nebraska Department of Environment & Energy Offers Free Nitrate Sample Kits for Private Drinking Water Wells

LINCOLN, Neb. — The Nebraska Department of Environment and Energy (NDEE) is offering free nitrate sample kits and lab analyses to private drinking water well owners across the state. These kits are only available for a limited time until Jan. 31, 2024. Read more……..