pose greater risks if not conducted properly. Those methods include fumigation and aerial applica- tions. Comments are open until November 23. To comment, visit www.regulations.gov and search for docket number EPA-HQ-OPP-2011-0183.

Federal Judge Blocks EPA Water Rules in 13 States A federal judge in North Dakota acted late on August 27 to block the Obama administration’s controversial water pollution rule, hours before it was due to take effect. Judge Ralph Erickson of the District Court for the District of North Dakota found that the 13 states suing to block the rule met the conditions necessary for a preliminary injunction, including that they would likely be harmed if courts didn’t act and that they are likely to succeed when their underlying lawsuit against the rule is decided. The Obama administration said they it will enforce the regulation as planned, in all but the 13 states that requested the injunction. “Once the rule takes effect, the states will lose their sovereignty over intrastate waters that will then be subject to the scope of the Clean Water Act,” Erickson wrote in his order. “While the ex- act amount of land that would be subject to the increase is hotly disputed, the agencies admit to an increase in control over those traditional state-regulated waters of between 2.84 to 4.65 percent. Immediately upon the rule taking effect, the rule will irreparably diminish the states’ power over their waters,” he continued, calling the Obama administration’s interpretation of its jurisdic- tion “exceptionally expansive.” The states and the federal government argued over how to judge the likelihood that opponents of the rule would win their case. But Erick- son decided that the regulation is not likely to stand up to full court consideration. In a statement shortly after the ruling, the EPA was defiant and said that the injunc- tion only applies in the 13 states that filed for it: Alaska, Arizona, Arkansas, Colorado, Idaho, Missouri, Montana, Nebraska, Nevada, New Mexico, North Dakota, South Dakota and Wyoming. The water rules—their implemen- tation and how and where they will be enforced—will most likely take a considerable amount of time in the courts and congress.

John Deere Landscapes Changes Name John Deere Landscapes LLC changed its name to SiteOne Landscape Supply LLC, effective October 19. This new branding is the next step for SiteOne as an in- dependent company after its acquisition by Clayton, Du- bilier & Rice in December 2013. SiteOne has more than

460 locations in the U.S and Canada. It is a wholesale distributor of landscape supplies for green industry pro- fessionals in North America. Products include irrigation supplies, fertilizer and control products, landscape acces- sories, nursery goods, hardscapes and outdoor lighting. The brand rollout is expected to be completed by December.

TPI Member Passes The TPI Board of Trustees is deeply sorry to share with our members the news of the passing of John Savage, President of Savage Farms, Inc. in West Deerfield, MA. John was dedicated to his life on the farm. He was a third generation owner of Savage Farms, which celebrated its 100-year anniversary in 2010. John is credited with adding the crop of sod to the family farm, thus developing the first sod farm in the state of Massachusetts. John married his high school sweetheart, Karen, and recently celebrated their 52nd wedding anniversary. John and Karen have traveled the world and enjoyed visiting destinations like Africa, Australia, Europe, Vietnam, Thailand and China. He will be lovingly remembered by his wife, Karen, his children and their families: Kara (Savage) Nottage and husband Sean, Haley and Kelsey Not- tage; Michelle (Savage) Brynda and husband Rich, Beatrice and Gehrig Brynda; Jay Savage and wife Lisa Giampaolo-Savage, Sophie, Granger and Porter Savage; and Jessica (Savage) Dark and husband Gabriel. He is also survived by sister Mary Susan Savage Neuman and brother Robert Savage, as well as nieces, nephews and cousins. Memorial contributions may be made to Hospice of Franklin County, 329 Conway Street, Greenfield, MA 01301.

SAFE Introduces New Instructional Video The Foundation for Safer Athletic Fields for Everyone (SAFE)—with support from the Sports Turf Manag- ers Association (STMA)—has introduced its newest instructional video, providing the basics to creating safe and playable baseball and softball fields. The com- plimentary video, titled “Baseball and Softball Field Inspection,” highlights recommendations for sports turf managers when maintaining natural grass, artifi- cial turf and constructed soil surfaces. This video joins three previous videos. They are all aimed at increasing the awareness and the education of parents, players, coaches and volunteers about athletic field manage- ment. For more information go to www.safefields.org or call 800-323-3875.

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TPI TURF NEWS • NOVEMBER/DECEMBER 2015