Homeland Security to hold meeting on NBAF environmental impact
The Department of Homeland Security will seek public input on the proposed National Bio and Agro-Defense Facility at a meeting to be held Sept. 20 in the Mahler Auditorium at the Georgia Center for Continuing Education Conference Center and Hotel.

The public can register to provide oral comments beginning at 6 p.m. Exhibits also will be available. The meeting begins at 7 p.m. with a presentation by officials from DHS. Formal comments will be heard from 8–10 p.m.

The purpose of the meeting is to collect input on the scope and content of the Environmental Impact Statement that is required by the National Environmental Policy Act for major federal actions that may affect the environment and to provide a better understanding of the proposed action and the federal agencies involved.

A draft EIS that presents the purpose and need for the NBAF and analyzes the potential environmental and human health impacts of siting alternatives for constructing and operating the facility will be issued in spring 2008 for public comment. A final EIS will be issued in fall 2008.

DHS has identified a preliminary list of issues to be addressed in the EIS. It includes land use, air quality, acoustic environment, geology and soil characteristics, water resources, human health and safety, socioeconomic effects, public infrastructure, waste management, compliance with all applicable laws and regulations, and more.

Meeting materials, more information on how to comment and a description of the EIS process are available online (www.dhs.gov/xres/labs/editorial_0803.shtm).

DHS welcomes all comments, both oral and written, during the scoping period which ends Sept. 28. All comments submitted during this period will be given equal consideration in defining the scope of the EIS.

Institute for Women’s Studies hosts reception for new faculty members
The Institute for Women’s Studies will host the 2007 New Women Faculty Reception
Sept. 14 from 11:30 a.m. to 1 p.m. in Reception Hall of the Tate Student Center. Open to the university community, the reception welcomes female faculty hired in the past year. It is a way for new faculty to learn about UGA and Athens, as well as meet other scholars and potential research/teaching collaborators.

At this year’s reception, Wyatt Anderson, former dean of the Franklin College of Arts and Sciences and professor of genetics, and William Prokasy, former vice president for academic affairs, will receive the 2007 Women’s Studies Faculty Award, which honors those who have made significant contributions to women’s studies at UGA and to the lives of women on campus.

Three former athletes chosen for induction into university’s Circle Of Honor
Former athletes Ben Zambiasi, Royce Smith and Hope Spivey have been chosen for induction into the Circle of Honor, the university’s highest tribute to former athletes and coaches.

Zambiasi and Smith, both former All-American football players, and Spivey, a past NCAA team and individual champion gymnast, will be honored at a ceremony Sept. 14 in Heritage Hall of the Butts-Mehre Building. Their names will be permanently enshrined on the Circle of Honor exhibit there. They also will be recognized at the Sept. 15 football game against Western Carolina.

The event is part of the all-sports recognition program to recognize and honor students and coaches who, by their performance and conduct, have brought honor to the university and themselves as well as contributed to the tradition of athletics at UGA. The criteria also stipulate that each recipient have earned an academic degree.