Environment

Kentucky Transportation Officials say it will likely be sometime today before the new span for the Eggners Ferry Bridge and the two cranes required to lift it into place can be moved from the Eddyville Riverport to the bridge site.  

Scott Ellison here, with the FLW Weekly Fishing Report.

As there hasn’t been enough rain to settle the dust, the lake is about three feet low and there’s no sign that it’s going to go up anytime soon. Still, the air temperature has moderated, the water level is staying fairly stable and the fishing has gotten a lot better for most species.

Coal companies will have to pay more to mine coal in Kentucky under new regulations issued by the Energy and Environment cabinet. The state took action after the federal government threatened to take over the state’s surface mining program.

Environmental activists are planning an event in conjunction with the Kentucky Derby to raise awareness about the effects of climate change.

Lake Barkley water levels are at a record low for this time of year. The U. S. Army Corps of Engineers says the lake is at just over 356 feet, almost three feet below normal. The low levels are due to a lack of rainfall in the latter part of March and all of April. The Corps of Engineers and Tennessee Valley Authority continue to conserve and store water in an attempt to reach summer pool, around 359 feet. But without more rain, it is unlikely that either Barkley or Kentucky Lake will reach summer pool anytime soon.

Nearly 250 campuses are involved in the Kentucky Green & Healthy Schools program, an initiative aimed at involving students in protecting the environment. State Energy and Environment Secretary Len Peters says skills gained in the program help equip students to be environmentally aware. Kentucky Environmental Education Council executive director Elizabeth Schmitz says 50 of those joined in the past year. The idea is to engage children in a variety of efforts, including energy conservation and creating green spaces.