The PA DEP is asking for public comments on proposals that it said would streamline permitting requirements under the NPDES Post-Construction Stormwater Permit Program.

DEP said the “complicated and complex permit applications have unwittingly” resulted in a more lengthy Department review of the permit application, especially for permitting of sites of less than five acres, but greater than one acre.

To address these issues, the Department is considering four initiatives:

• Encourage the use of a simultaneous review process for Erosion and Sediment Control and Post-Construction Stormwater Plan (PCSP) review;
• Expedited permit review where applicants have municipal or County Conservation District approval of the PCSM Plan and the Plan has been sealed by a Professional Engineer who has attended Best Management Practices Manual training and has demonstrated knowledge and experience in preparing PCSM Plans;
• Development of new General Permits and clarification of existing General Permits; and
• Third-party service providers--development of a Solicitation for Engineering Services (SFES).

Comments on the proposals are due December 4. http://www.pabulletin.com/secure/data/vol36/36-44/2160.html 

Cobbs Creek Stormwater Demonstration Projects Celebrate Grand Opening

A “green ribbon” cutting was held recently to celebrate the Upper Darby Township’s Second Ward Park Stormwater Demonstration Projects opening in Delaware County.

State-of-art stormwater Best Management Practices were installed during recent park renovations. The BMPs will help manage stormwater, reduce pollution entering nearby Cobbs Creek, minimize flooding in the area during heavy rains, and educate the public about stormwater management.

The stormwater BMPs at Second Ward Park include porous pavement basketball courts, a shallow grassy infiltration basin, and a tree trench bioinfiltration basin. “This is a great opportunity to showcase a stormwater BMP retrofit,” said Gwyn Rowland, Director of the Pennsylvania Environmental Council’s Watershed Programs, “Upper Darby Township responded to its residents’ desire for basketball courts, which also presented itself as an opportunity to improve the stormwater management of an existing site. It’s a win for both the community and its natural resources.” http://www.paenvironmentdigest.com/newsletter/default.asp?NewsletterArticleID=5474&SubjectID= 

New “Mud Busters” Program Helps Document Pollution Problems

Citizens concerned that runoff of muddy, sediment-filled rainwater from construction sites is damaging local waterways can help solve the problem by joining the Chesapeake Bay Foundation’s (CBF) Team Mud Busters.

Team Mud Busters members will keep an eye on local construction projects in their community. After a rain event, members will take digital photographs of on-the-ground controls that appear to be failing to keep muddy runoff out of storm drains, roadways, and streams. The photos will be sent to CBF, who will report significant violations to the proper authorities. In 2007, CBF plans to use the data collected to develop a region-wide report on construction site runoff. The report will focus attention on areas where regulations are inadequate, or better enforcement is needed. CBF says their goal is to document the problem of construction site pollution and then hold government accountable to stop it. Anyone interested in joining Team Mud Busters should visit http://www.cbf.org/site/PageServer?pagename=exp_sub_state_stormwater_mud . The site also provides a guide to construction site erosion and sediment control practices, and tips for identifying violations.

NJ Proposes New Rules to Improve Beach Access

The NJ DEP has released draft rules that would provide for greater public access to beaches, clarify public and private rights in tidal waters, and leverage public investment in shore protection. 

The new rules are based on recent court decisions that affirm that tidal lands in New Jersey are subject to the Public Trust Doctrine, and that the state has an obligation to hold these lands in trust for the use of the public. The proposed rules would expand the types of new shorefront development required to provide public access and prohibit development that would adversely affect or limit public access to tidal waters and adjacent areas. The rules would also require municipalities to provide for public access, parking, and restroom facilities when they benefit from public funds for beach nourishment and Green Acres acquisitions. Towns would also be required to remove current restrictions on public access, such as "no parking" signs. http://www.nj.gov/dep/cmp/access/ 

The PA DEP has issued administrative orders to nine municipalities in Chester, Delaware and Montgomery counties that failed to comply with federally mandated Phase II Stormwater Permitting Regulations. 

Owners of municipal separate storm sewer systems, commonly called MS4s, are required to implement and enforce stormwater management programs. Since the MS4 program was implemented four years ago, system owners have been required to submit an annual report to DEP by June 9 of each year. These nine regional municipalities were late in submitting their 2005 report and have yet to submit a report for 2006. DEP’s administrative order gives these municipalities until December 22 to submit the year-three annual report. The violation not only subjects these townships and boroughs to legal action, it can also bring the possibility for fines. 

“Residents of these nine municipalities deserve the benefits that will come from looking after their stormwater discharges more carefully,” DEP Southeast Regional Director Joseph Feola said.

Policy Update

EPA has published a new Ground Water Rule to protect public groundwater water systems from fecal contamination and other microbial pathogens. The approach uses sanitary surveys, triggered source water monitoring, corrective actions, and compliance monitoring.

The Chesapeake Executive Council is seeking motivated young residents from Virginia, Maryland, the District of Columbia, and Pennsylvania with a strong interest in providing perspectives on restoring/preserving the Chesapeake Bay and its tributaries to fill vacancies in their Young Delegates program.

The USDA and EPA's Office of Water signed a partnership agreement to establish and promote water quality credit trading markets through cooperative conservation.

The New York State Environmental Board and the Inactive Hazardous Waste Disposal Site Regulation Review Board approved new regulations governing DEC's environmental remediation programs. This measure will foster the cleanup and redevelopment of contaminated sites throughout the state.

The New York DEC has released the new Snowmobile Plan for the Adirondack Park. The plan will serve as a guide for the development of new trails and eliminate other trails that are no longer needed.

PA DEP is inviting public comments on Total Maximum Daily Load (TMDLs) for nine watersheds in Cambrian, Indiana and Somerset counties.

New Jerseyans overwhelmingly voted 'yes' on all three statewide ballot questions. In addition, of the 30 open space referenda on ballots around the state, 20 or 67% were approved.

EPA is requesting nominations of chemical and microbial contaminants for possible inclusion in the third drinking water Contaminant Candidate List (CCL 3). Nominations must be requested by December 15.

Fisheries policy and resource managers and other partners from across the United States have developed the first National Fish Habitat Action Plan, which provides strategies to protect, restore and enhance fish habitats in watersheds and waterways across the country.

A PA DEP committee agreed on retooled regulations for wastewater treatment plants to comply with the Chesapeake Bay Tributary Strategy. In the key change, DEP proposes to regulate treatment plants based on actual flows instead of numbers projected for 2010.

PA DEP is accepting comments on the draft “Trading of Nutrient and Sediment Reduction Credits- Policy and Guidelines” that provides revisions to the Interim Final Policy. Public comments will be accepted until December 15.

PA Governor Rendell announced a $27 million investment to finance 153 projects through Pennsylvania’s traditional Growing Greener Program and the voter-approved Growing Greener II bond initiative. The grants will be used to clean up streams and rivers, address serious environmental problems at abandoned mine sites and revitalize communities across the state.

Allegheny County residents were asked by the PA Department of Agriculture this week to report any locations where Kudzu is growing under a pilot program to eradicate the invasive weed.

Grant Programs 
(Click on a grant for more information)

PENNVEST Funding Deadlines

The Pennsylvania Infrastructure Investment Authority announced application deadlines for drinking water, wastewater, stormwater and other assistance for the remainder of 2006 and into 2007. February 20 is the deadline for the April 17 meeting. http://www.pennvest.state.pa.us/pennvest/cwp/browse.asp?A=4

PA Land Trust Conservation Easement Assistance Program Grants

The Pennsylvania Land Trust Association is reminding land conservation organizations that they can apply any time for Conservation Easement Assistance Program (CEAP) grants through the Association. CEAP grants can be used for completing conservation and trail easements, amending and restating older easements, establishing or updating baseline documentation, and installing signs on eased properties. http://conserveland.org/ceap/ 

EPA Brownfields Grants

Brownfields Assessment, Revolving Loan Fund, and Cleanup Grants are available to help revitalize former industrial and commercial sites, turning them from problem properties to productive community use. In addition to industrial and commercial redevelopment, brownfields approaches have included the conversion of industrial waterfronts to river-front parks, landfills to golf courses, rail corridors to recreational trails, and gas stations to housing. Proposals are due by December 8. http://www.epa.gov/oswer/grants-funding.htm#epa-oswer-obcr-07-01.

Schuylkill Watershed Protection Grants

The William Penn Foundation is accepting applications for its Schuylkill River Watershed Cluster grant program. Letters of intent are due December 11. The Foundation plans to award multi-year grants to support innovative, collaborative projects that aim to demonstrate effective approaches to issues of water quality/quantity, land conservation, smart growth, recreation, and/or revitalization in the Schuylkill River watershed. The Foundation will select five to eight proposals to be awarded either six-month planning grants or two-year full implementation grants. Planning grants will range from $10,000 to $30,000, and full implementation grants will be up to $300,000. http://www.williampennfoundation.org/info-url_nocat3569/info-url_nocat_show.htm?doc_id=426928

2007 National Wetlands Awards

The National Wetlands Awards Program celebrates individuals who have demonstrated extraordinary dedication, innovation or excellence in wetlands conservation. The National Wetlands Awards Program recognizes extraordinary individual achievement in six categories: Education and Outreach; Science Research; Conservation and Restoration; Landowner Stewardship; State, Tribal, and Local Program Development; and Wetland Community Leader. The winners in each category will be honored in a ceremony on Capital Hill in May 2007. The deadline for submitting nominations is December 15. http://www.nationalwetlandsawards.org

PA Coldwater Conservation Grants

The Coldwater Heritage Partnership is accepting applications for the next round of Coldwater Conservation Grants Program until December 15. The partnership will award grants of up to $5,000 to organizations to outline strategies that best conserve and protect Pennsylvania's coldwater fisheries. The grants are designed to help develop conservation plans that identify the values and threats to the health of coldwater ecosystems that have naturally reproducing trout. The Coldwater Heritage Partnership urges watershed groups, conservation districts, municipalities and local chapters of Trout Unlimited to apply. http://www.coldwaterheritage.org/grant_application.htm 

PA DEP Environmental Education Grants

Pre-application letters must be postmarked by December 15 to be considered for the 2007 round of PA DEP Environmental Education Grants. Grant amounts vary from $2,000 for mini-grants to up to $20,000 in areas designed specifically to cover timely and critically important topics, including sustainable energy sources, air quality, and watersheds and wetlands. Schools may apply for money to integrate the academic standards for environment and ecology or the standards for science and technology into formal curriculum, or to provide lessons and field experiences that include standards-based instruction. Conservation groups, education organizations, colleges, and universities may apply to do professional development workshops in the field of environmental education. County conservation districts also may apply to assist with environmental education efforts that relate to their mission. The districts can obtain mini-grants to provide educational resources that they then make available to educators in the area.   http://www.ahs.dep.state.pa.us/newsreleases/default.asp?ID=4255 

PA Watershed Mini Grants

Dominion and Western Pennsylvania Conservancy’s Freshwater Conservation Program is now accepting applications for the 2006-2007 Watershed Mini Grant Program. The deadline to apply is December 15. The program offers funding to watershed organizations in select counties in western Pennsylvania. Watershed Mini Grants may be used for operating costs, organizational promotion and outreach, and/or restoration projects. Grants of up to $1,000 may be awarded for operating expenses. Up to $2,500 is available for promotion and outreach or restoration projects. http://www.paconserve.org/rc/pdfs/2006MiniGrantRFP.pdf 

Tribal Nonpoint Source Grants

EPA plans to award $7 million in grants to eligible tribes for nonpoint source pollution programs. The grants, awarded under Section 319(h) of the Clean Water Act, will help tribes implement their approved nonpoint source (NPS) management programs to control polluted runoff. A portion of the funding will be distributed competitively to develop and implement watershed-based plans and other projects that result in a significant step towards solving NPS impairments. The remaining funds will be distributed to all eligible tribes for education programs, protection activities, and implementing watershed projects. Applications for the funding must be received by December 19. http://www.epa.gov/owow/nps/tribal/ 

EPA Sustainability Grants 

The U.S. EPA plans to award up to $1.25 million in grants to teams of college students under the agency's People, Prosperity and the Plant competition. Applications are due by December 21. EPA will award as many as 50 grants up to $10,000 each to student teams to research, develop and design scientific and technical solutions to sustainability challenges that protect the environment while achieving continued economic prosperity. The money will be used to research and develop sustainable solutions during the 2007-08 academic year. In spring 2008, the teams will be invited to bring their designs to Washington, D.C. to compete for EPA's P3 Award, which includes an additional award worth up to $75,000 to further develop and implement the project in the field. http://es.epa.gov/ncer/rfa/2007/2007_p3_4thannual.html 

PA Fish and Boat Education Grants

The Pennsylvania Fish and Boat Commission (PFBC) is seeking grant applications from organizations and local agencies involved in offering sportfishing and aquatic resource education programming. The commission is accepting applications for its Sportfishing and Aquatic Resource Education Grants until December 31. In this program, grants up to $5,000 will be given to providers of fishing and aquatic resource education programs. Programs must occur between July 1, 2007, and June 30, 2008. This funding can be applied to the purchase of equipment, materials and costs associated with field trips.http://sites.state.pa.us/PA_Exec/Fish_Boat/promo/grants/sportfishing/00sportfishing.htm 

PA Conservation Corps Grants

The PA Department of Labor and Industry is now accepting applications for PA Conservation Corps (PCC) grants for conservation, recreation, graffiti removal, historic preservation and other projects. The PCC program is designed to provide work experience and educational opportunities to unemployed young adults as they undertake projects on public lands. Funds can be used to purchase construction materials and to contract for services. Political subdivisions are required to have a 25 percent cash match. The deadline for applications is January 5. http://www.dli.state.pa.us/landi/cwp/view.asp?A=145&Q=56094 

PA No-Till Program

The PA Capital Resource Conservation and Development (RC&D) Area Council is taking applications for its new no-till assistance program called "Park the Plow for Profit." Under the program, farmers in South Central Pennsylvania are encouraged to adopt continuous no-till cropping systems in the lower Susquehanna Valley, specifically Adams, Cumberland, Dauphin, Franklin, Lancaster, Lebanon and York counties. To help address the issue of the costs to convert to no-till, there will be a per-acre payment made available for technical services throughout the transition period, as well as a payment for the practice, if so desired by the farmer. http://www.depweb.state.pa.us/news/cwp/view.asp?a=3&q=512949 

Legacy Property Fund

The Keystone Conservation Trust has designed a new funding tool, the Legacy Property Fund, for individuals and nonprofit groups interested in supporting conservation and environmental projects through the sale of homes and other real estate. Keystone Conservation Trust (KCT) designed the Legacy Property Fund to provide maximum financial and philanthropic benefits to individuals and non-profit organizations through the sale of homes and other real estate. In a recent example, the Pennsylvania Horticultural Society received nearly $300,000 through the program from the sale of a donated summer cottage to KCT. For the Pennsylvania Historical Society, the Legacy Property Fund provided a new means to increase capital for the organization in a short time, at no cost, and essentially without any effort. For the donor, KCT’s Legacy Property Fund made it possible to increase his gift to PHS while saving 16 percent in taxes and generating future income for his retirement needs…truly a win-win-win. The sales proceeds will be placed into a charitable gift annuity which will pay income to the donor until the time of his death, at which time PHS will receive the remaining principal for its capital needs. http://www.keystoneconservation.org/legacy/legacyfund.php 

EPA Watershed Webcasts

EPA’s Watershed Academy sponsors monthly Webcasts, audio versions of which are available on their website. The November 29 Webcast, Protecting Drinking Water Sources: Assessments and Opportunities, features staff from EPA's Office of Ground Water and Drinking Water, the Philadelphia Water Department, and the Oregon Department of Environmental Quality. Past Webcast topics include 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

PA Smart Growth Forum

The Delaware Valley Smart Growth Alliance invites you to attend and participate in their 3rd annual forum, "Smart Growth = Financial Success." The forum is being held on December 5 at the Federal Reserve Bank in Philadelphia, PA. The Delaware Valley Smart Growth Alliance is a non-profit corporation that provides early recognition to proposed smart growth development projects, to assist developers and builders in obtaining municipal approvals. http://www.delawarevalleysmartgrowth.org/pdf/sg-fs_registrationform.pdf 

NJ Habitat Protection Workshop

The Association of New Jersey Environmental Commissions (ANJEC) is holding a habitat protection workshop at Ocean County College, Toms River, NJ on December 6. This workshop will provide information on threatened and endangered species, and the benefits of habitat protection. It will include hands-on computer training for accessing natural resource and habitat data on the internet. http://www.anjec.org/html/workshops.htm#Habitat 

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:

• March 6 & 7 - McKean County

 http://www.mri.psu.edu/centers/cdgrs/calendar/calendar.html 

Izaak Walton League Webcasts

The Izaak Walton League is holding a free four-part Webcast training series entitled "Alternative Practices for Highway Stormwater Management," covering the latest techniques available to help transportation agencies save money, comply with water regulations, and improve water quality. These techniques also can help highway department personnel manage stormwater quantity and quality while using existing rights of way and providing easy access for maintenance crews. This series will provide valuable information to design engineers, planners, regulators, students, maintenance supervisors, construction engineers, and consultants. http://www.iwla.org/index.php?id=169 Webcasts will be held on the following dates:

• Alternative Practices for Highway Stormwater Management: Design, Construction and Maintenance – Part Two (December 7, 1-2:30pm EDT) Note: this program was rescheduled from September 21.

i-MapNJ DEP/i-MapNJ NJEMS Training

The NJDEP's Bureau of Geographic Information Systems is offering a training opportunity for the general public. Each class will include instruction on the use of two internet mapping applications, i-MapNJ DEP and i-MapNJ NJEMS. i-MapNJ DEP gives users the ability to explore the Department's most current GIS layers. This includes updated endangered species data, surface water quality standards, aerial photos from 2002 and more. i-MapNJ NJEMS enables users to view and perform basic GIS analyses on regulated sites residing in NJDEP's New Jersey Environmental Management System (NJEMS). Classes are held at the NJDEP in Trenton, NJ. Upcoming classes: December 13. http://www.state.nj.us/dep/gis/trainimap.htm 

Rachel Carson Forum: Water Quality Trading

The January 17 Rachel Carson Forum brown bag lunch will be entitled, Water Quality Trading: Can It Reduce Costs and Improve Environmental Quality? The Forum, held in Harrisburg, PA, starts at noon and is open to the public. http://www.paconsortium.state.pa.us/twc-table230.tem/RC_Forum.htm

NEETF Weather and Watersheds Online Course

The National Environmental Education & Training Foundation (NEETF) has released the first in a series of free online courses relating weather to the environment. Watersheds: Connecting Weather to the Environment is a primer on how weather events relate to the health of a watershed, and how the public can take simple actions to protect watershed health. The online course, while intended for meteorologists, is highly useful for land use managers, teachers, community leaders, and others interested in learning more about watersheds. http://www.meted.ucar.edu/broadcastmet/watershed/

Delaware Estuary Science Conference and Environmental Summit

The Delaware Estuary Science Conference and the first ever Delaware Estuary Environmental Summit will both be held in Cape May, N.J on January 22-24. The theme of the conference is "Linking Science, Management and Policy to Set Achievable Environmental Goals in the Delaware Estuary." The conference will deal mostly with technical issues and is directed toward the scientific and resource management community. The Environmental Summit is oriented toward non-governmental environmental organizations involved in efforts to restore systems and/or educate the public. http://www.delawareestuary.org/scienceandresearch/Science_Conf/Scnc_Conf_Main.asp

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