Largest Recycled Glass Wastewater Treatment Mound in Pennsylvania Proposed

The Moselem Springs Golf Club announced the construction of a new, state-of-the-art on-lot wastewater treatment system made from crushed, recycled glass. 

The new treatment system will service the club house, grill room, and a small motel. Given geographic limitations, manufactured glass-sand is less costly than natural sand. To date, this 5,400 square-foot sand mound is the largest known sand mound in Pennsylvania constructed from recycled glass and is replacing a treatment system that has served the Moselem Springs Golf Club for over 40 years. Estimated measurable results of the project include: 1,500 tons of glass beneficially reused, equal to the weight of almost 7 Statues of Liberty; $10,000 cost savings in using recycled glass; $195,000 cost avoided to dispose the material if not recycled; and 45 tons of Carbon Dioxide annual global climate change air emissions reduction. http://www.paenvironmentdigest.com/newsletter/default.asp?NewsletterArticleID=7230&SubjectID= 

Rock Snot Algae Found in the Northeast

A type of invasive algae with the graphic nickname of "rock snot" has been found in the Connecticut River in Vermont, alarming officials and fishermen in New England and the Mid-Atlantic.

The VT Agency of Natural Resources confirmed that Didymosphenia geminata, or "didymo," has invaded the northern reaches of the Connecticut River. It's the first official report of the invasive algae in the Northeast. In other rivers invaded by didymo, there have been reports of massive blooms forming thick mats of cottony material on stream and river bottoms. The mats can smother aquatic plants and destroy fish habitat. Didymo is believed to be native to the far northern regions of Europe and Asia, although it has recently begun adapting to warmer waters. It is expanding its range in the western part of the United States and has infested rivers in several southeastern states, including Virginia, West Virginia, Tennessee and North Carolina.

Currently, no way is known to control or eradicate didymo once it infests a river or stream. The only defense is preventing its spread. Anglers, kayakers and canoeists, boaters and jet skiers can all unknowingly spread didymo. The microscopic algae cling to fishing gear, waders, boots and boats, and can survive for weeks in even slightly moist conditions. Even if didymo isn't visible, it can cling to clothes and equipment. 

The agency is urging people using Vermont's waters to:

• Check: Before leaving a river or stream, remove all visible clumps of algae and look for hidden clumps. Leave them at the site. If you find any later, don't wash them down drains. Put all material in the trash.

• Clean: Soak and scrub all items for at least one minute in either hot (140 degrees F) water, a 2 percent bleach solution or a 5 percent solution of salt, antiseptic hand cleaner or dishwashing detergent.

• Dry: If cleaning is not practical, after the item is completely dry to the touch, wait an additional 48 hours before letting it contact any other waterway.

Barre-Montpelier Times Argus, July 8, 2007 http://www.timesargus.com/apps/pbcs.dll/article?AID=/20070708/NEWS02/707080426 

REAP Signed Into Law

Gov. Rendell this week signed legislation into law giving his approval to the $10 Million Resource Enhancement and Protection Act (REAP) that gives farmers tax credits for installing conservation practices.

REAP was a bipartisan measure included in Senate Bill 97 (D.White-R-Indiana) that made several other changes to the Tax Code. The bill now becomes Act 55. The bill provides personal and business state tax credits ranging from 25 to 75 percent of the cost to install best management practices like barnyard improvements, riparian buffers, stream fencing and other practices. The development of manure management plans on farmlands, and forested buffers on non-farm lands, would also be eligible for credit. Each farmer enrolled in the program is eligible for up to $150,000 in tax credits which can be extended over a period of 15 years. Businesses that sponsor such conservation projects will also be eligible for corresponding tax credits. There is no limit on amount of tax credits a business sponsoring projects on farms can be awarded. The REAP Program will take effect on October 23 and will be administered by the State Conservation Commission. Applications for the REAP tax credit will be on a first-come, first-served basis, so potential applicants are encouraged to start to put together the plans and information they need now in order to apply by the deadline to be set by the Commission.  http://www.paenvironmentdigest.com/newsletter/default.asp?NewsletterArticleID=7294&SubjectID= 

Cobbossee Lake Restored: 35 Years of Sustained Work Succeeds

Cobbossee Lake had a long history of nuisance algae blooms and high phosphorus loads, but 35 years of restoration work have improved the lake's water quality.

After widespread installation of best management practices, including upstream alum treatments agricultural BMPs, and residential erosion control measures, Cobbossee Lake exhibits remarkably improved water clarity. The lake has been free of nuisance algae blooms for the past 10 years and now attains water quality standards. This impressive recovery prompted the Maine Department of Environmental Protection to remove Cobbossee Lake from Maine’s section 303(d) impaired waters list in 2006. http://www.epa.gov/owow/nps/Success319/state/me_cobb.htm.

Policy Update

Grant Programs 
(Click on a grant for more information)

Bradford County, PA Streambank Stabilization Grants

The Bradford County Conservation District (BCCD) is offering technical and financial assistance to landowners with streambank erosion problems. Streambank stabilization techniques such as rip-rap rock placement and other stabilization practices allowable through a General Permit-3 are eligible for up to $24,000 in cost sharing funds. The stabilization designs will be developed by the Bradford County Conservation District. Applications will be accepted until August 31. http://www.bradfordcountypa.org/OtherAgencies/ConservationDist.asp 

National Fish & Wildlife Foundation Grants

The mission of the National Fish and Wildlife Foundation is to sustain, restore, and enhance the nation’s fish, wildlife, plants, and habitats through its Keystone Initiatives Grants Program. The next preproposal deadline is September 1. The Foundation awards matching grants in the categories of bird conservation, fish conservation, marine and coastal conservation, and wildlife and habitat conservation. Prospective applicants are strongly encouraged to contact Foundation staff prior to submitting a pre-proposal to discuss the applicability of a project to the Foundations priorities. http://www.nfwf.org/AM/Template.cfm?Section=Keystone_Initiatives_Grant_Guidelines 

Ohio River Watershed Celebration Grants

Eight lucky watershed groups who participate in the sixth annual Ohio River Watershed Celebration on September 20 will receive one of four $500 or four $250 grants to support local watershed restoration efforts. To be eligible, watershed groups must register for the event and bring a poster display to the Riverboat Cruise. The display will be judged and voted on during the trip by a panel of judges. The award categories are: Community Outreach and Education, Most Innovative and Cutting Edge Projects, Best Overall Display and Best Example of Partnership Group. The results will be announced at the end of the cruise and checks awarded at that time. Grant eligibility requirements include: organizations must be from the Ohio River Watershed; work on a local watershed issue; be a formal or informal association, alliance, conservancy, hunting or fishing club, school group, environmental group, FFA, 4H or other like minded organization; and not be a local, state or federal agency or private consulting firm. http://www.paenvironmentdigest.com/newsletter/default.asp?NewsletterArticleID=7185&SubjectID=

Cooperative Institute for Coastal and Estuarine Environmental Technology (CICEET) Funding

The Cooperative Institute for Coastal and Estuarine Environmental Technology (CICEET) invites proposals to its FY 2008 funding opportunity program. Through these programs, CICEET makes strategic investments in the development, demonstration, and application of tools to detect, prevent, and reverse the impacts of coastal pollution and habitat degradation to coastal ecosystems and communities. This Request for Proposals (RFP) is open to U.S. scientists and innovators from academia, private industry, and the public sector who seek to develop tools that meet the priority needs of coastal management. Funding opportunities include Mitigating Shoreline Erosion along Sheltered Coasts (due September 25) and Environmental Technology Development and Demonstration (due September 18). http://ciceet.unh.edu/funding/rfp_2008/ 

PA Governor’s Environmental Excellence Awards

Nominations are now being accepted for the Governor’s Environmental Excellence Awards to recognize efforts to protect the environment, prevent pollution and save energy. Applications are due October 15. The award is open to any Pennsylvania business, governmental agency, educational institution, nonprofit organization, individual or farm that has created or participated in the development of a project that promotes environmental stewardship and economic development in the state. Projects will be evaluated based on environmental protection, teamwork, public service, environmental education and outreach, pollution prevention, economic impact and innovative technology. http://www.depweb.state.pa.us/enviroexcellence/cwp/view.asp?a=3&Q=509799&PM=1

Valley Creek Watershed Grants

The Valley Creek Trustee Council, consisting of the PA Fish and Boat Commission and the Valley Forge National Historical Park, have announced the availability of a new grant program for restoration of natural resources within the Valley Creek Watershed. Applications are being accepted until October 31. Anyone is eligible to apply. Approximately $1.5 million is available for qualified projects relating to stormwater management, streambank stabilization, implementation of environmentally sensitive land practices (like vegetated stream buffers, easements), projects that directly improve angler access, and projects related to the restoration of brook trout in Crabby Creek, a tributary to Valley Creek. http://www.savevalleycreek.org/grantprogram.asp

Events 
(Click on an event for more information)

EPA Watershed Webcasts EPA’s Watershed Academy sponsors monthly Webcasts, audio versions of which are available on their website. On August 15, the National Environmental Education and Training Foundation (NEETF) will discuss Earth Gauge, an innovative outreach project involving television meteorologists. Past Webcast topics include AMD and Art, EPA's STORET system, TMDLs and trading through the National Estuary Program, the Nonpoint Education for Municipal Officials (NEMO) Program, Brownfields Redevelopment, Watershed-based NPDES Permitting, Integrating Wetlands into Watershed Protection; Sustainable Financing for Watershed Groups; Phase II Stormwater; Low Impact Development Strategies, Tools, and Techniques for Sustainable Watersheds; and Eight Tools for Watershed Protection in Developing Areas.  http://www.epa.gov/watershedwebcasts U.S. EPA’s Stormwater Webcast Series The NPDES Permitting program offers training courses, workshops, and webcasts to explain the regulatory framework and technical considerations of the NPDES Permit program. These courses are designed for permit writers, dischargers, EPA officials, and other interested parties. Past webcasts are archived on this website. The US EPA will be holding the following upcoming stormwater webcast: September 5 - Dave Hirschman will sponsor the Post-Construction 201 webcast  http://cfpub.epa.gov/npdes/outreach.cfm?program_id=0&otype=1 PA Dirt and Gravel Road ESM 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: August 21-22 - Lackawanna County September 10-12 - 2007 Dirt and Gravel Roads Workshop October 9-10 - Schuylkill County November 7-8 - Fulton County  http://www.mri.psu.edu/centers/cdgrs/calendar/calendar.html 2007 Northeast Water Science Forum The New England Interstate Water Pollution Control Commission (NEIWPCC) is sponsoring the 2007 Northeast Water Science Forum - Pharmaceuticals and Personal Care Products: State of the Science on August 8-9 in Portland, ME. The primary goal of this conference is to bring together scientists, regulators, water and wastewater professionals, and other technical experts to disseminate and evaluate the latest research findings and technical data on pharmaceuticals and personal care products in the water environment. http://www.neiwpcc.org/ppcpconference  Karst Hydrogeology and Ecosystems Conference The International Conference on Karst Hydrogeology and Ecosystems will be held on August 13-15 in Bowling Green, KY, followed by a four-day field trip (August 16-19) to the karst of the Cumberland Plateau and southern Appalachian Mountains of Kentucky and Tennessee.. http://hoffman.wku.edu/karst2007/k2007.html.  Wetlands 2007 The Wetlands 2007 National Symposium, "Watershed-Wide Strategies to Maximize Wetland Ecological and Social Services: Conserving Wetlands to Reduce Natural Hazards, Improve Water Quality, Protect Critical Headwaters, Maintain Biodiversity, and Protect and Restore Coastal Resources," will be held on August 28-30 at the Colonial Williamsburg Lodge and Conference Center, Williamsburg, Virginia. This national symposium will examine scientific, legal and management tools available to assess, sustain and improve the ecological and social services provided by wetlands and related water resources. http://www.aswm.org/calendar/wetlands2007/wetlands2007.htm Eastern Regional Wetland Restoration Institute The Eastern Regional Wetland Restoration Institute will be held in eastern Kentucky in the Daniel Boone National Forest on September 9-14. The Wetland Restoration Institute is a hands-on program of instruction designed for individuals that work for government agencies, nonprofit organizations, and consulting companies who have a strong interest in learning more about highly effective construction and management practices for ecosystem restoration. Participants will travel outdoors each day to examine all facets of wetland management, from identifying wetlands and streams altered hundreds of years ago to participating in actual wetland restoration projects. http://www.kypride.org/cal/erwri.php  NY Watershed Science and Technical Conference  A watershed science and technical conference, "Clean Water Through Protection and Partnership" will be held on September 11-12 in West Point, NY.  http://www.nywea.org/ Experience the Delaware Estuary Celebration The Partnership for the Delaware Estuary will hold its annual Experience the Estuary Celebration on September 27. This year's theme, "The Delaware - A Living River, A Working River," celebrates the relationship with the region's most important natural resource. Located on the Wharf at Rivertown in Chester, PA., the event will include dinner, cocktails, live music, and silent and live auctions with more than 100 items up for bid.  http://www.delawareestuary.org/newsandevents/partnershipevents/annualdinnerandreception.asp  Chesapeake Watershed Forum The second annual Chesapeake Watershed Forum will be held on October 12 -14 at the National Conservation Training Center, in Shepherdstown, W.Va. This year's theme will be: "Sharing Strategies to Manage Growth and Protect Our Waters." Watershed groups, non-profits, and representatives of local government will attend sessions designed to highlight new tools and techniques, stimulate effective partnerships, and more. http://www.alliancechesbay.org/forum.cfm  Mid-Atlantic Volunteer Water Monitoring Conference Individuals and organizations involved in volunteer water monitoring are invited to the Mid-Atlantic Volunteer Water Monitoring Conference in Winchester, Virginia on October 12-13. Featured topics include: using online water quality databases, using water quality data to measure the effectiveness of land management practices, case studies of successful volunteer collaborations and training sessions on macroinvertebrate identification, making a rain barrel, and monitoring for E.coli. http://www.epa.gov/reg3wapd/doc/monitor_conf.doc  Schuylkill River Festival  This year's Schuylkill River Festival will be held on October 13 in Pottstown, PA. The Festival is not only an opportunity to learn more about the Schuylkill River and its watershed, it includes an arts and crafts show along with food vendors and professional and amateur entertainment. http://www.galleryonhigh.com/SRFInterestSheet.pdf  Wetlands and Watersheds Workshop The 10th Annual Wetlands and Watersheds Workshop will be held on October 22-25 in Ocean City, MD. (Note: this is a rescheduled date and venue). Organized by the Wetlands & Watersheds Work Group. http://www.wetlandsworkgroup.org/wetreg10/10thWorkshop.htm PA Geosynthetic BMPs for Stormwater Management Workshop The Central PA Section of the American Society of Civil Engineers is sponsoring a workshop on Geosynthetic BMPs for Stormwater Management on October 25 at Harrisburg Area Community College. Topics include geosynthetic solutions for sediment control, erosion prevention, runoff control, thermal pollution reduction, and site stabilization. In addition to providing CPESC professional development units, this program is a good preparation class for the CPESC Review Course and Exam. http://www.pacd.org/events/2007SWMgmt.pdf NALMS Annual Symposium The 27th International Symposium of the North American Lake Management Society, "Understanding the Science of Lake Management" will be held on October 31-November 2 at the Walt Disney World Coronado Springs Resort, FL. The Symposium will emphasize scientific aspects of lakes and use of scientific concepts to make sound management decisions. http://www.nalms.org/Conferences/Orlando

Link Of The Month

Wastewater and Drinking Water Financing Tool Launched

The EPA Financing Alternatives Comparison Tool (FACT) is a new tool that can be downloaded to help municipalities, utilities, and environmental organizations identify the most cost effective method or financing option to fund a wastewater or drinking water management project. To download FACT, go to http://www.epa.gov/owm/cwfinance/cwsrf/fact.htm.  To learn more about EPA's options for Clean Water financing, go to http://www.epa.gov/owm/cwfinance/index.htm.

New EPA Hydromodification Guidance Document

EPA has issued a guidance document called National Management Measures to Control Nonpoint Source Pollution from Hydromodification. This guidance document provides background information about nonpoint (NPS) source pollution and offers a variety of solutions for reducing NPS pollution resulting from hydromodification activities including dams, channelization and channel modification, and streambank and shoreline erosion. The document presents practices that can be used to implement the management measures discussed in this guidance and provides a discussion of assessing and addressing water quality problems on a watershed level. Available models and assessment approaches that could be used to determine the effects of hydromodification activities are also discussed and dam removal information, including permitting requirements, process, and techniques for dam removal are provided. http://www.epa.gov/nps/hydromod/ 

Article: Increase and Improve Your Watershed Group’s Online Presence

An article in the July 27, 2007 Watershed Weekly provides some tips on how to increase your watershed organization's online presence. The tips, from a Green Media Toolshed’s monthly skill-building training, focus on building online visibility. The article includes advice on creating an online press room and links to additional online resources. http://www.pawatersheds.org/WWeekly/issue.asp?ID=353#gmt 

EPA Launches Pharmaceuticals and Personal Care Products Website

EPA launched a new Web site for use by the general public and by scientists, titled "Pharmaceuticals and Personal Care Products as Pollutants." The new website incorporates commonly asked questions about pharmaceuticals in the environment, and includes the White House policy on proper drug disposal, links to on-going EPA and federal research and initiatives, and links to scientists working in the field and related scientific literature. http://www.epa.gov/ppcp 

New EPA TMDL Report

EPA recently issued a new document called "Total Maximum Daily Loads with Stormwater Sources: A Summary of 17 TMDLs." This report summarizes 17 TMDLs that have been developed for stormwater sources in 16 states throughout the country during the past eight years. They represent a range of pollutants, models used, and different allocation and implementation methods that will be helpful to TMDL practitioners and NPDES permitting agencies and permittees as they develop and implement new stormwater source TMDLs. http://www.epa.gov/owow/tmdl/17_TMDLs_Stormwater_Sources.pdf