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F. X. Browne, Inc. |
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Lake and Watershed News |
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April 2006 |
We can never have enough of Nature. We must be refreshed by the sight of inexhaustible vigor, vast and Titanic features, the sea-coast with its wrecks, the wilderness with its living and its decaying trees, the thunder cloud and the rain which lasts three weeks and produces freshets. We need to witness our own limits transgressed, and some life pasturing feely where we never wander.
~ Henry David Thoreau, from Walden
Editors Note
April 22 is Earth Day so get out there and participate! Several other cleanup-type events are also taking place on or around Earth Day:
A list of Earth Day events can be found on the Earth Day Network website.
The National Great American Cleanup is going on from March 1 through May 31.
Pennsylvania's Great PA Cleanup is April 22.
Pennsylvania is also holding Watershed Awareness Month during April.
National Cache in Trash Out Day is also April 22. Join in to help with the cleanup and learn about geocaching at the same time.
Topic of the Month
Soil Suitability Mapping: A New Tool in Septic System Management
It's an all too common scenario in communities across the country: failing septic systems from older camps and homes dump gallons of inadequately treated wastewater into lakes, rivers, and oceans. The wastewater, chock full of nutrients and bacteria, fuels excessive algae and weed growth and can lead to beach closings and unsafe drinking water. The problem can be difficult to solve since it isn't always obvious which systems are failing. Even if a failure is detected, it can be difficult to find a suitable replacement system design, especially if the soils were inadequate for an on-site soil-based disposal system in the first place. Soil suitability mapping can help identify which areas in a watershed or township may be susceptible to septic system failures and can even help determine what types of system designs would be appropriate for replacement.
Soil suitability mapping is conducted using Geographic Information Systems (GIS) technology to analyze soil types throughout the study area. The soils, slopes, geology, and groundwater resources maps in the study area are layered on top of each other and compared to the current State regulations for on-site disposal system design standards. Many areas that are not suitable for conventional on-lot soil-based wastewater disposal systems may be adequate for alternative systems, including raised sand mounds, drip irrigation, and spray irrigation systems. These alternative designs typically require less soil depth for installation than conventional systems and are becoming more and more common across the country.
The end result of the suitability mapping study is a set of maps depicting specific areas within the township where conventional septic fields, raised sand mounds, drip irrigation systems, or spray irrigation systems could be used. Areas where no soil-based wastewater disposal facilities should be constructed are also identified. These maps can then be compared to the known septic system uses in each area to determine likely failures. When failing systems are found, the proper type of system upgrade can be recommended based on the suitability mapping. Field site visits may be required in order to confirm the assumptions of the mapping project. A septic system upgrade program should then be developed in order to assist residents in addressing their septic system problems. If upgrading septic systems to sand mounds, drip irrigation, or other alternative systems is not feasible, especially when multiple failing systems exist in a neighborhood, decentralized wastewater systems should be considered.
Next month: A Review of Alternative On-Site
Wastewater Technology
F. X. Browne, Inc. conducts
soil suitability mapping, watershed
inventories, and watershed restoration measures for all sizes
of watersheds as well as designing wastewater systems and conducting lake
and watershed studies. Please contact us at info@fxbrowne.com
or 215-362-3878 for more information.
| For many of us, the coming of Spring brings thoughts of compost, trowels, seed spacing, hedge trimmers, gardening gloves, and dirty knees. With the plethora of plant varieties available from garden centers and seed catalogues comes the big decision: what to plant? Including plants and flowers that are native to your region in your backyard garden, lakeshore buffer, or rain garden has many benefits. Native plants are not only attractive, they are much hardier and better suited for the conditions in their home range and are therefore more likely to last. For a photo gallery of native Pennsylvania wetland, rain garden, and riparian buffer plants, visit the F. X. Browne, Inc. Photo Gallery. For more information on native plants visit The Native Plant Information Network. |
News Clips
PA Watershed Snapshot 2006 Coming Up
The annual Pennsylvania Watershed Snapshot 2006 is scheduled for April 21-30.
Join volunteers from across the Commonwealth as they survey Pennsylvania's watersheds. Volunteers can choose their monitoring method, including water chemistry, macroinvertebrates, physical stream characteristics, a visual stream assessment, and/or a riparian zone survey. All necessary information including field sheets can be found at http://www.dep.state.pa.us/dep/deputate/watermgt/wc/subjects/watersnapshot/default.htm The Watershed Snapshot 2006 summary of results will be available on the website after the Snapshot is completed.
NPDES Stormwater Compliance Software Available
NPDES Stormwater compliance and liability management system software has been developed by CDMworld.com, Inc. for managing NPDES stormwater activities including project management, inspections, corrective actions and other compliance related activities.
EPAtracker Version 2.5 is a fully web enabled software application that allows users to collaborate and manage required regulatory information for projects under the National Pollutant Discharge Elimination System (NPDES). The EPAtracker system allows users to create and manage Stormwater Pollution Prevention Plans (SWPPP), inspections, corrective actions, contractors, sub-contractors, best management practices and all aspects of the NPDES stormwater program. EPAtracker is adaptable to projects such as residential building, commercial building, industrial projects, and governmental projects, and can be customized to fit most any specific need of the user. http://www.epatracker.com/
First Brownfield Cleanup Completed Under New DEP, EPA Program
Boeing’s Ridley Park brownfield site in Delaware County, PA, has become the first industrial cleanup site under a landmark agreement streamlining state and federal brownfield remediation efforts.
The “One Cleanup Program” stipulates that sites remediated under the state’s brownfields program also satisfy requirements for three key federal laws: the Resource Conservation and Recovery Act; the Toxic Substances Control Act; and the Comprehensive Environmental Response Compensation Liability Act, or Superfund. Removing the threat of federal legal action once a site meets Pennsylvania’s stringent cleanup standards not only helps to stimulate the productive reuse of abandoned industrial sites, but it also makes “greenfield” development less attractive.
Pennsylvania has a number of enhanced management approaches and financial packages to enhance redevelopment in Pennsylvania. The Governor’s Business in Our Sites Fund provides $300 million for local redevelopment authorities and economic development corporations to make brownfield sites “pad ready.” Governor Rendell also launched the Brownfield Action Team in 2004 to create a single-point-of-contact system to streamline the permit process so projects can go from the design phase to on-the-ground construction in a timely manner that meets the needs of both the investors and community. BAT projects typically get permitted in half the usual time. For low-risk brownfield sites, DEP streamlined the process for remediation plans that receive the stamp of approval from a licensed professional engineer. This allows communities to reclaim smaller, low-risk sites that might not appeal to larger developers but still mean a great deal to small businesses seeking to reinvest in neighborhoods. http://www.depweb.state.pa.us/landrecwaste/lib/landrecwaste/land_recycling/moa_rcra_process.pdf
For more information on brownfield redevelopment design, contact info@fxbrowne.com.
Waste Tire Project Helps Protect Streams
Pennsylvania is initiating several waste-tire-reuse demonstration projects that could rid the state of 500,000 discarded tires while rehabilitating rural roads, reducing sediment flowing to streams, and eliminating breeding grounds for mosquitoes that may carry the West Nile virus.
Penn State University’s Center for Dirt and Gravel Road Studies will use baled waste tires as a fill material to rebuild severely entrenched dirt and gravel roads. Erosion along dirt and gravel roads is a common problem in rural communities, and can be a major source of sediment loading to lakes and streams. Penn State will use the tire bales as a fill base on portions of two roads in Madison and Greenwood townships, Columbia County. Drainage structures through the road base will allow sediment-bearing runoff to be dispersed to stable, vegetated areas of adjacent land, rather than flowing down the dirt roads and into streams. Work on the project is expected to be complete this summer. The Penn State project is one of several efforts aimed at finding beneficial uses for the estimated 6 million waste tires at the Starr Tire Pile in Greenwood Township, Columbia County. http://www.ahs.dep.state.pa.us/newsreleases/default.asp?ID=3868
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NJ Free Tree Seedlings for Arbor Day New Jersey DEP is offering free tree seedlings to nonprofit groups and local organizations for Arbor Day celebrations. The 8-inch seedlings are packaged individually in tubes and available in boxes of 98 through April 7 or while supplies last. Organizations requesting seedlings will receive either Eastern white pine, Norway spruce, Douglas fir or Northern red oak - New Jersey's official state tree. Boxes are selected randomly. To request a box of seedlings, organizations can complete an order form available on the DEP's Community Forestry Web site at http://www.state.nj.us/dep/parksandforests/forest/community/index.html. The Pennsylvania Game Commission and Pennsylvania Fish and Boat Commission are accepting applications for the State Wildlife Grants Program. These projects will help address conservation needs for high-priority conservation projects for endangered, threatened and at-risk species across Pennsylvania. The project applications are due on April 7. http://www.pgc.state.pa.us/pgc/cwp/browse.asp?a=496&bc=0&c=70008 PA American Water Environmental Grants Pennsylvania American Water is accepting applications for its Environmental Grant Program until April l9. Watershed, community or community-based organizations can lend the water supply or watershed a helping hand by working to improve, restore or protect it. Projects that help protect source water or watersheds are eligible. Projects funded must be completed between June 1 and November 1, 2006 within PA American Water’s service territory. http://www.amwater.com/awpr1/paaw/pdf/EGP_Brochure_REV_3-4.pdf NRCS Fish and Wildlife Habitat Improvement Grants The USDA NRCS is accepting applications for its Fish & Wildlife Conservation Grants Program to develop and evaluate technological tools for fish and wildlife habitat improvements. Proposals are due April 27. Individual grants will range from $10,000 to $200,000. Applicants must provide nonfederal matching funds for at least 50 percent of the project cost, up to half of which may come from in-kind contributions. An exception allows for limited resource and beginning farmers and ranchers, tribes, and community-based organizations representing these groups to obtain up to 75 percent of project matching funds from in-kind contributions. In their project proposals, applicants will be asked how they will develop, test, implement and transfer innovative solutions that benefit fish and wildlife on cropland, grassland, forestland, rangeland, riparian areas, wetlands, streams, rivers, vernal pools and areas where farmland and urban land meet. http://www.grants.gov/search/search.do?mode=VIEW&oppId=8643 Lowe’s Outdoor Classroom Grants Lowe’s, International Paper and National Geographic Explorer! have teamed up to provide grants of up to $2,000 to help schools build outdoor, hands-on science education programs. Grant applications are accepted throughout the year for the Outdoor Classroom Grant Program, but applications received by April 30 will receive award notices in May. All K-12 public schools are welcome to apply. http://www.lowes.com/lowes/lkn?action=pg&p=AboutLowes/outdoor/apply2.html PA Fishing and Aquatic Education Grant Program The Pennsylvania Fish and Boat Commission is now accepting applications for the Fishing and Aquatic Education Grant Program. The deadline for applications is May 1. Grants of up to $5,000 are available to fund purchases of equipment, materials and cover other costs associated with educational programs and field trips. The PFBC has budgeted $50,000 for this first round of Sportfishing and Aquatic Resource Education Grants and is hopeful that figure can be increased in future years. http://sites.state.pa.us/PA_Exec/Fish_Boat/promo/grants/sportfishing/00sportfishing.htm Applications are now being accepted for the 2006 Waste Watcher Awards sponsored by the Professional Recyclers of PA, the Pennsylvania Waste Industries Association and the Solid Waste Association of North America-PA Chapter. Applications are due May 2. The Waste Watcher program is open to all municipalities, counties, schools, colleges/universities, community non-profit groups (such as the Boy and Girl Scouts), business and industry and individuals that have made a significant contribution in recycling, composting and waste reduction/reuse efforts in calendar year 2005. Applicants must demonstrate that their efforts are above and beyond the services that similar entities provide. http://www.proprecycles.org/ 2006 Compost Infrastructure Development Grant Program
Applications for the 2006 Compost Infrastructure Development Grant Program are now available from the PA DEP. The Department will accept applications for the Program until May 4.Under the program, qualified existing and operating for-profit business entities and nonprofit organizations in this Commonwealth will be awarded grants to increase the quantity of yard and/or food wastes collected and processed in Pennsylvania. The goal of this program is to increase the quantity of organic materials collected and composted to further increase the Commonwealth's recycling rate. Additional consideration will be given to applications that are developed in consultation with the Pennsylvania Recycling Markets Center. http://www.dep.state.pa.us/dep/deputate/airwaste/wm/recycle/compost_sum/CompostGrantApplication2006.doc
PA Heritage Areas Program Grants
The PA Department of Conservation and Natural Resources will accept applications for the Pennsylvania Heritage Areas Program through May 19. It is the intent of the Program to create a system of State designated Heritage Areas that preserve and interpret the significant contributions that various regions of this Commonwealth have made to the rich heritage of Pennsylvania and the United States. The historic, cultural, natural, scenic and recreational resources within a Heritage Area are inventoried, preserved, enhanced and promoted as a strategy to enhance regional economic development through the attraction of tourists, creation of new jobs, stimulation of small business growth, and the promotion of public and private investment opportunities. There are currently 12 designated State Heritage Areas. http://www.dcnr.state.pa.us/brc/heritageparks/ PA Landowner Incentive Program Grants The Pennsylvania Game Commission and Pennsylvania Fish and Boat Commission have announced that conservation partners have until noon on May 31, to submit applications to receive federally-funded grants for high-priority habitat conservation projects for endangered, threatened and at-risk species across Pennsylvania. These federal dollars are being made available to the two agencies through the Landowner Incentive Program (LIP), which is administered by the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service. LIP is designed to protect critical habitats, such as wetlands, stream buffers, grasslands, and old growth and mature forests. http://www.pgc.state.pa.us/pgc/cwp/view.asp?a=496&q=167429 The Pennsylvania Governor’s Green Government Council announced schools can apply for a High-Performance Green Schools Planning Grant to help defray the cost of complying with LEED green building design standards. Grants will be awarded on a first-come, first-served basis. Eligible costs include building energy simulations and daylight modeling, green coaches and specialty consultant fees, design fees for additional services beyond those conventionally covered, and help with LEED-NC certification costs. The funds are not available for research, materials, or construction costs. http://www.gggc.state.pa.us/gggc/cwp/view.asp?a=3&q=153919 The Schuylkill River Heritage Area is partnering with Exelon Nuclear to oversee a new Schuylkill River Restoration Fund that provides money for watershed projects. The fund is part of Exelon's commitment to improve the Schuylkill River and show that changes in water supplies will not adversely affect the river. The Schuylkill River Heritage Area will oversee the fund, providing the money to organizations seeking to undertake such projects as repairing eroded stream banks or restoring polluted waterways. http://www.schuylkillriver.org/Grant_Information.aspx PA Game Commission Offers Seedlings for Habitat Improvement The PA Game Commission is again offering the "Seedlings for Habitat Program" that provides landowners with 50 or more acres of land open for hunting up to 500 free seedlings to improve habitat for wildlife. Those cooperators with enrolled acreages exceeding 500 acres are eligible for one free seedling per acre enrolled up to a maximum of 10,000 seedlings annually. New this spring, Pennsylvania landowners may purchase seedlings for wildlife food and cover, watershed protection, soil erosion control, and for reclamation of disturbed areas, such as surface mine site and utility right-of-ways. http://www.pgc.state.pa.us/pgc/cwp/view.asp?A=480&Q=167303
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How Do You Eat Your Easter Candy? Chocolate bunnies should be eaten ears first, according to 76% of Americans. Five percent said bunnies should be eaten feet first, while 4% favored eating the tail first. 70% of kids aged 6–11 say they prefer to eat Easter jellybeans one at a time, while 23% report eating several at once. Boys (29%) were more apt to eat a handful than girls (18%). Children indicate their favorite Easter jellybean flavors are cherry (20%), strawberry (12%), grape (10%), lime (7%), and blueberry (6%). |
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Events (Click on an event for more information) The US EPA will be holding their next Watershed Webcast,"Opportunities for Citizen Involvement in the Clean Water Act," by Gayle Killam of the River Network on April 19. Learn how citizens and organizations can make a difference in their watersheds through an improved understanding of the Clean Water Act and other national laws addressing water resources. Audio versions of this and other past Webcasts are available on the website. http://www.epa.gov/watershedwebcasts. The Dauphin County Conservation District in PA has installed 16 stormwater Best Management Practices (BMPs) as part of a tour at the Dauphin County Agriculture and Natural Resources Center. The tour is intended to serve as an educational site for municipal officials, watershed organizations, school groups, consultants, other conservation districts, government agencies, and related groups concerned with stormwater management. http://www.dauphincd.org/articles/BMP%20project%20intro.htm PA Stormwater Regulation Seminar A stormwater regulation seminar will be held on April 11 in Lancaster, PA. This seminar will address current issues related to storm water regulation in Pennsylvania, providing information on understanding and complying with storm water program requirements for construction industrial and municipal activities. Topics include MS4 requirements, Phase I and Phase II storm water programs, and practical considerations regarding BMPs. http://www.lorman.com/seminars/seminar_orderform.php?sku=361648 PA Dirt and Gravel Road Maintenance Workshops The Center for Dirt & Gravel Roads and Penn State University will be holding their Environmentally Sensitive Maintenance (ESM) Training. The ESM training provides basic knowledge and tools necessary to maintain roads in a more cost-efficient and environmentally sensitive manner. The training is directed towards Municipalities, the Bureau of Forestry, and others entities responsible for unpaved road maintenance.Workshops will be held on the following dates and locations:
http://www.mri.psu.edu/centers/cdgrs/education_training/esm_training/esm_training.html PA DCNR Grant Writing Mini-Workshops The PA Department of Conservation and
Natural Resources has scheduled three mini-workshops to help
individuals apply for grants under the Community Conservation
Partnerships Grant Program. Workshops are free and no registration
is required. But, please RSVP, one week before the workshop. http://www.dcnr.state.pa.us/brc/grants/
PA Stormwater Retrofit Workshop The Pennsylvania Environmental Council’s Stormwater Retrofit Workshop will be held in the Darby-Cobbs Watershed, Philadelphia (along Cobbs Creek) ion April 5. Engineers, contractors, municipal officials, elected officials, as well as citizens interested in learning how to improve stormwater management in developed areas are invited to attend. Each 3-hour workshop will feature design concepts and BMP retrofit recommendations to improve stormwater management at developed sites. Engineers/designers will discuss site-specific design concepts and BMPs. http://www.pecpa.org TreeVitalize, a partnership to restore tree cover in the five-county region
in Southeastern Pennsylvania, is offering “Tree Tender” classes this Spring on how to plant
and care for trees. During nine hours of Tree Tender training, participants will learn about
tree biology, identification, pruning and root care, as well as how to
fundraise, manage volunteers, and work with local government. Students are expected to volunteer time to community tree planting projects
in exchange for training. Groups also may qualify for free or discounted trees
upon completing the program. http://www.pennsylvaniahorticulturalsociety.org/phlgreen/tree-training.html.
Izaak Walton League Wetland Webcast The Izaak Walton League is hosting a webcast: "Wet Spots into Wonderlands," on April 25, to discuss the benefits of having wetlands on your property, how to protect those wetlands, and how to create vernal pools or bog gardens. http://www.iwla.org/sos/sosweb.htm PA Brownfields Redevelopment Workshop On April 25, PennFuture will host a Brownfields Redevelopment Workshop aimed at local (Philadelphia area) residents who want to learn more about brownfields redevelopment and opportunities for public involvement. Guest speaker George Jugovic, chair of PennFuture's Law Department, will outline the legal process and ways residents can ensure a smart, environmentally conscious plan. The workshop will be held at 6:30 p.m. at in the basement of St. Michael's Church, 4th and Fairmount streets, Philadelphia. http://www.pennfuture.org The NJ Water Monitoring Coordinating Council is holding a NJ Water Monitoring & Assessment Technical Workshop, entitled, Integrated Monitoring to Enhance Water Resource Management. The workshop will be held on April 20 at the Rutgers EcoComplex in Columbus, NJ. Topics covered will include Emerging Technologies - Fresh and Coastal Waters, Ecological Monitoring, Stormwater Monitoring, Nutrients/Biocriteria, Microbial Source Trackdown, Pharmaceuticals/Unregulated SOCs, Mercury, and Recreational Beach Monitoring. www.state.nj.us/dep/wmm/wmcchome.html The 2006 NYS Wetlands Forum, Inc. Annual Meeting and Conference, "From Wetlands to Watersheds: Water Quality to Habitat," will be held at the Marx Hotel, Syracuse, NY, on April 19 & 20. This twelfth annual meeting of the New York State Wetlands Forum is expected to once again examine a variety of wetland-related issues and developments, and how these issues have impacts both state-wide and regionally. http://www.wetlandsforum.org The 3rd Annual Great Pennsylvania Cleanup, a statewide effort to remove litter and trash from the state’s roadways, parks, riverbanks and open spaces, will take place April 22. The event is being held in conjunction with Earth Day, although the entire cleanup -- with a special emphasis on important bird areas -- spans from March 1 to May 31. Groups registering to participate in the cleanup also can enter to win a weekend getaway in Pennsylvania, as well as a hybrid-powered vehicle offered as part of a national sweepstakes. To find or register a cleanup, visit http://www.greatpacleanup.org. The site contains safety information, links to other cleanup organizations, a logo that can be downloaded, T-shirt iron-on transfers and posters, and lesson plans for teachers. 2006 Pennsylvania Land Conservation Conference The 2006 Pennsylvania Land Conservation Conference will be held April 28-29 in State College. The Conference is Pennsylvania’s annual training, networking and inspirational event for those involved with private and public land conservation. Specialized session tracks include: Conservation Easements, Conservation Planning, Fundraising, Stewardship and Farmland Preservation. http://conserveland.org/conferences/2006/ PA Conservation Zoning Workshop Local officials, planning commission members and interested citizens are invited to a “Putting Conservation into Local Codes” workshop in Harrison City, Westmoreland County, PA on May 4. The program will give participants practical information on how to do conservation zoning and subdivision under the Growing Greener by Design handbook developed by the Natural Lands Trust and the Department of Conservation and Natural Resources. http://www.smartgrowthpa.org/event_detail.asp?ID=585 The annual River Rally is the most
widely anticipated training opportunity for river conservation
organizations and watershed partnerships in the nation. The Rally
will be held on May 5-9 at Bretton Woods, NH. Participants
include volunteer board members, staff members, experienced leaders
and new watershed protection enthusiasts. The Center for Watershed
Protection will be presenting a Mini-Watershed Institute track
during the Rally. http://www.rivernetwork.org/rally/index.cfm
EPA is announcing a new series of webcast training sessions for municipal stormwater managers. Designed for those unable to attend out-of-town or multi-day workshops, this series will provide a mix of basic and advanced topics in two-hour blocks. Webcasts will be scheduled approximately every other month from through September. http://www.epa.gov/npdes/training Future topics and tentative dates are:
National Water Quality Trading Conference The Second National Water Quality Trading Conference will be held May 23-25 in Pittsburgh, PA. This conference will highlight the economic and environmental benefits of water quality trading. This conference will explore opportunities and challenges associated with developing trading programs. http://www.farmfoundation.org The US EPA will hold their annual Science Forum on May 16-18 at the Ronald Reagan Building and International Trade Center in Washington DC. This year's Forum highlights advances in science, explores the relationship between our environment and public health, and examines the complementary roles of Federal public health agencies. The 2006 Forum, "Your Health, Your Environment, Your Future," will feature the collaborative efforts of the Environmental Protection Agency, Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, and the National Institute of Environmental Health Sciences. http://www.epa.gov/scienceforum/ Nonpoint Source Pollution Conference - VT The New England Interstate Water Pollution Control Commission (NEIWPCC)'s 17th Annual Nonpoint Source Pollution Conference will be held in Burlington, Vermont on May 22-24. The conference brings together all those in New England and New York State involved in NPS pollution management, including participants from state, federal, and municipal governments; consulting firms; academia; and watershed organizations. http://www.neiwpcc.org/Index.htm?npsconference/index.htm~mainFrame PA Environmental Professionals Annual Conference The Pennsylvania Association of Environmental Professionals will hold their annual conference on May 17-19 in State College; the theme this year is "Career Development for Pennsylvania's Environmental Professionals." The conference features tracks in Career Development, Regulatory Updates, Pollution Prevention/Energy Efficiency, and Endangered Species. A new feature of this year's program will be "Traveling Workshops" that include site visits to the I-99 Acid Rock Drainage Remediation Site, a first-hand look at the cutting edge stormwater BMPs in place at Penn State's new Visitor's Center, and a tour of the Penn State Nuclear Research Reactor. http://www.paep.org/annual_conference.htm PA Stream Ecology Teacher Education Program The Pennsylvania Institute for Conservation Education is sponsoring a teacher education program on aquatic insects and stream ecology on June 3-4 in Lycoming County. During this class, participants will learn from a recognized expert how to identify aquatic insects that live in the streams and rivers of Pennsylvania with plenty of "hands-on" instruction on the use of dichotomous keys to identify specimens of aquatic insects and their relatives. Sampling, collection, and preservation techniques for aquatic insects will also be addressed. In early evening, there will be free time provided for anglers to learn the art and skill of fly fishing and fish some of Pennsylvania's pristine streams (fly rods and gear provided). Act 48 credits are available. http://www.piceweb.org/index.htm
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More Easter Candy Facts |
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In 2000, Americans spent nearly $1.9 billion on Easter candy. Halloween sales were nearly $2 billion; Christmas, an estimated $1.4
billion; and Valentine's Day, just over $1 billion.
In 1953, it took 27 hours to create a Marshmallow Peep. Today it takes six minutes. The earliest Easter treats included hot cross buns and pretzels. The twists of a pretzel were thought to resemble arms crossed in prayer. |
Link Of The Month
National Online Directory of Stormwater Products and Services Launches
The Stormwater Authority has launched the new National Stormwater Stockpile Directory. Viewers can search through a wealth of stormwater-related products and resources. The directory includes photos of stormwater products/services, detailed descriptions of each company, and contact information. http://stockpile.stormwaterauthority.org/
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In honor of Earth Day, consider that what and how we eat determines the health of the Earth. Holding an Earth Dinner is an opportunity to explore where each ingredient on your table comes from. An Earth Dinner is a dinner party that encourages guests to share the story behind each dish. Who grew the food? How was it grown? What is the geographic origin of the food? For recipes and party planning ideas, visit http://www.earthdinner.org |
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New Tools and Publications |
Source Water Protection Webcast Series Developed
EPA and the Association of Metropolitan Water Agencies (AMWA) are presenting a series of interactive Webcasts designed to allow owners and operators of drinking water utilities to share their experiences with source water protection. Several Webcasts have already aired and are available for viewing. Topics include monitoring and data sharing, land development and growth, and collaborative communication and regulatory and non-regulatory tools. Registration must be made in advance to participate in future Webcasts. To register, visit EPA's Drinking Water Academy Training Calendar at: http://www.epa.gov/safewater/dwa/calendar.html.
Report Documents NJ Waterfront Development, Public Access
A new NJ Sea Grant report will provide officials and environmental groups with valuable information about public access and waterfront development in New Jersey, from the Arthur Kill to the Shrewsbury River. The study-based report documents the ways that the municipalities of the region are changing and how changes affect public access to beaches, riverfronts and the tidewaters. http://www.nynjbaykeeper.org/
Expanded Edition of “In Search of Swampland” Now Available
"In Search of Swampland" by wetland ecologist Ralph Tiner was named as one of the best science books for junior high and high school readers by the American Association for the Advancement of Science and has been used for introductory wetland courses at major universities. The primer section of the book introduces readers to wetland definitions and key concepts, wetland hydrology, formation and succession, hydric soils, wetland plant communities, wildlife, wetland functions and values, and wetland conservation. The widely illustrated field guide portion of the book focuses on wetland plant identification (including drawings of over 300 species common to eastern wetlands), wildlife identification (over 200 drawings of amphibians, birds, mammals, and several common invertebrates), hydric soil recognition, and on basic techniques for wetland identification and delineation. This revised version has been expanded to provide coverage of Great Lakes wetlands. Available from Rutgers University Press and commercial booksellers.
Nutrient Management Website Launched
Comprehensive Nutrient Management Plans (CNMP) Watch is a web source for manure and nutrient management planning information. It is designed to assist the agriculture livestock industry and others with information and guidance related to nutrient management plans. The site also provides state-by-state information on specific requirements. The site is intended for the agricultural livestock industry, federal and state government agencies, and agricultural service providers, but can be a valuable for agriculture as a whole, the environmental community as well as the general public. http://www.cnmpwatch.com/
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F. X. Browne, Inc. – Environmental Consulting
F. X.
Browne, Inc.
Engineers – Planners – Scientists
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