With the help of the new third-party review system, the PADEP has completed a review of 146 backlogged national pollution discharge elimination system construction permits that had accumulated, in part, because of new federal stormwater requirements. 

As a result of the review, 83 permits were issued, 15 applications were returned as incomplete and 13 permits are ready to be issued once other DEP approvals are finalized. Governor Rendell launched an effort last year to improve the quality and timeliness of DEP's stormwater discharge permit application reviews for construction projects. As part of that effort, DEP established an expedited review option for NPDES permit applications for stormwater discharges associated with construction activities. By reviewing applications through the expedited process, DEP assures applicants that a determination will be made within 30 days of the public comment period's completion. 

Applicants now have the opportunity for an approved third-party consultant to review and help complete quality applications prior to submitting it to the conservation district or department. F. X. Browne, Inc. is on the list of DEP's qualified consultants, and is available for statewide third-party review of construction stormwater permit applications. Contact info@fxbrowne.com for more information. http://www.ahs.dep.state.pa.us/newsreleases/default.asp?ID=4823 

Federal biologists have signed off on a plan to reduce the flow of water from Lake Lanier, the main water source for Atlanta and the focal point of a three-state water fight as the Southeast contends with a historic drought. 

The U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service decided that federally protected mussels can live with less water from Lanier, which could allow drought-sticken Georgia to keep more water in the drying lake. The fast-growing Atlanta region relies on the lake for drinking water. But power plants in Florida and Alabama depend on healthy river flows, as do farms, commercial fisheries, industrial users and municipalities. Florida and Alabama have balked at Georgia's effort to keep more water, arguing that its demands were unreasonable and that reducing the flows downstream could cripple their economies. At a recent three-state water meeting, the Army Corps of Engineers said it wanted to temporarily cut the flow of water to Florida by 16 percent until the drought breaks, but needed the approval of Fish and Wildlife because of the mussels. It made for a temporary truce in a tug-of-war that has pitted the states against each other for the better part of two decades, but has intensified as record drought descended over much of the region. 

http://apnews.excite.com/article/20071116/D8SUTJ801.html Associated Press, November 16, 2007

The Pittsburgh City Council recently approved one green building incentive and introduced another that they hope will help further Pittsburgh's reputation as a green-friendly city. 

Under the newly-approved legislation, buildings certified as "green" under the Leadership in Energy and Environmental Design (LEED) program of the United States Green Building Council could be as much as 20 percent higher, and have 20 percent more floor space than noncertified new buildings in their zoning areas. In neighborhood commercial districts, a public hearing and Planning Commission vote would be required before the extra height and floor plan would be allowed.

Under separate legislation, a newly-introduced bill would require that any large project involving new construction or renovation undertaken by the city get a green-building rating of silver. Any private development backed by a city tax-increment financing subsidy would also have to get the rating. The need for public hearings could put off a vote until next year. 

http://www.post-gazette.com/pg/07324/835302-113.stm Pittsburgh Post-Gazette, November 29, 2007

The William J. Clinton Presidential Library and Museum has long been touted as an eco-friendly building. Now the Clinton Foundation is creating a green roof on an area surrounding Clinton’s penthouse apartment at the library. 

Instead of bare concrete, the glass and steel building will be topped with 90 species of plants including strawberries, ferns, switch grass, roses, and other greenery. The garden also will be maintained in an eco-friendly manner, meaning no gasoline-powered mowers and no chemicals. Clinton — who has used his nonprofit foundation to promote sustainable development and environmentally friendly building practices — would like to see green roofs used nationwide. He recently announced a program through his foundation aimed at helping homeowners and commercial building owners modernize their buildings to reduce energy use. The $165 million library complex is the first presidential library to earn an award from the U.S. Green Committee for environmental design. Flooring is made from recycled rubber tires, solar panels sit on another section of the roof and the parking lot has bicycle racks and charging stations for electric cars. When it opened in 2004, the library earned a LEED silver rating. Earlier this month, it earned a platinum certification for continuing projects on its existing buildings. Although the garden will not be open to library visitors, the facilities director hopes to have exhibits describing the roof and how it helps the environment. And she would like to share the garden’s herbs and vegetables with visitors.  

http://www.msnbc.msn.com/id/21871320/ Associated Press, November 16, 2007

Policy Update

Grant Programs 
(Click on a grant for more information)

PennVEST Infrastructure Loans/Grants 

The Pennsylvania Infrastructure Investment Authority published revised cutoff dates for submitting applications for water, wastewater, stormwater and other project funding:

• February 19 for the April 15 board meeting.

http://www.pennvest.state.pa.us/pennvest/cwp/browse.asp?A=4 

Philadelphia Sustainability Awards

The Pennsylvania Environmental Council and seven other regional organizations announced a call for nominations for the 2008 Philadelphia Sustainability Awards. Nominees who have achieved sustainable excellence through innovative environmental practices or creative partnerships are encouraged to apply. Successful candidates will be those who solve challenges through solutions that go beyond standard or regulatory techniques, and who demonstrate a measurable impact on the Greater Philadelphia region. Businesses, individuals, academic institutions, community groups and government agencies from the greater Philadelphia region are eligible. Nominations are due December 7. http://www.philadelphiasustainabilityawards.org/

PA Environmental Education Grants

The Pennsylvania Environmental Education Grant Program, administered through DEP, can be used for projects ranging from creative, hands-on lessons for students and teacher training programs to ecological education for residents. Pre-applications are due December 14. http://www.depweb.state.pa.us/enved/cwp/view.asp?a=3&q=473483

Coldwater Heritage Partnership Grants

The Coldwater Heritage Partnership announced the opening of the Coldwater Conservation Grants Program to protect and conserve the health of Pennsylvania’s coldwater ecosystems. Applications are due December 14. The grants are designed to help develop conservation plans that identify the values and threats to the health of our coldwater ecosystems that have naturally reproducing trout. The partnership will award grants of up to $5,000 to organizations to outline strategies that best conserve and protect our coldwater fisheries. http://www.coldwaterheritage.org/grant_application.htm 

PA Parks and Forests Awards

The Pennsylvania Parks and Forests Foundation is seeking nominations for its 2008 Parks and Forests Award. The Award categories are:

• PA Parks and Forests Foundation Keystone Legacy Award: Yop honor—given to a group, individual, or business—chosen at the discretion of PPFF.

• Parks and Forests Government Award: Given to a person or department at any level of government to recognize their work in the stewardship of Pennsylvania’s state park and state forest systems. 

• Park of the Year Award: Designed to recognize a park for their exemplary or innovative work. 

• Forest of the Year Award: Designed to recognize a forest district for its innovative and exemplary work in both forest management and recreation for a wide range of activities.

• Friends Groups Awards: Up to three awards per year can be given for recognition of achievements made by friends groups. These include a Volunteerism Award, Improvement Award, and an Education Award.

Nominations are due December 14. http://www.paparksandforests.org/

Western Pennsylvania Watershed Mini Grants

Proposals for the 2007-2008 Watershed Mini Grant program are now being accepted by the Western Pennsylvania Conservancy and Dominion. The deadline for applications is December 14. The program offers funding to watershed organizations in Allegheny, Armstrong, Beaver, Bedford, Blair, Butler, Cambria, Centre, Clarion, Clearfield, Crawford, Cumberland, Elk, Erie, Fayette, Forest, Franklin, Fulton, Greene, Huntingdon, Indiana, Jefferson, Juniata, Lawrence, McKean, Mercer, Potter, Somerset, Tioga, Venango, Warren, Washington, and Westmoreland counties. Watershed Mini Grants may be used for expenses in three categories: 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/RFPMiniGrant07.doc 

PA DEP New or Innovative Water/Wastewater Grants

PADEP is now accepting applications for grants under the New or Innovative Water/Wastewater Technology Grant Program. Applications are due December 15. Grants are available to municipalities, municipal authorities, counties and school districts that are making improvements to existing drinking water or sewage treatment facilities using new or innovative technology. Grants for individual projects will be available up to $500,000 under this program. Preference will be given to new or innovative wastewater treatment that utilizes new or innovative technology to reduce energy consumption or the carbon footprint of a system when compared to conventional processes. http://www.ahs.dep.state.pa.us/newsreleases/default.asp?ID=4818

NY Adirondack Smart Growth Grants

NY Governor Spitzer secured $2 million in the 2007-08 Environmental Protection Fund for grants to promote smart growth initiatives; $1 million will be earmarked for the Adirondacks. The Smart Growth Grants Program for the Adirondacks will establish a competitive fund for counties, towns, villages and not-for-profit organizations to develop plans that link sustainable development, environmental protection and community livability. Smart Growth can be used in rural communities to address some of the land-use issues facing the Park communities - workforce housing, aging infrastructure, water quality, economic development, open space protection, and village/hamlet revitalization. Applications are due December 28. http://www.dec.ny.gov/pubs/37874.html   
F. X. Browne, Inc. has an office in the Adirondacks, and we have experience in land use planning, open space planning, wastewater planning, and watershed planning. Please contact us at info@fxbrowne.com with questions about how the Adirondack Smart Growth Grants could benefit your community.

PA Conservation Corps Grants

Applications for Pennsylvania Conservation Corps grants related to conservation, recreation, historical preservation, graffiti removal, and the repair of institutional valdalism are now being accepted by the PA Department of Labor and Industry. Political subdivisions and state agencies are eligible for these grants and applications are due January 4. http://www.dli.state.pa.us/landi/cwp/view.asp?a=145&q=194750

NJ Highlands Forest Stewardship Grants

The NJ Highlands Forest Stewardship grant program encourages management of private forestland for non-commodity benefits, such as wildlife habitat, recreational value and water quality, as well as traditional commodities such as timber and wood products. With funding from the U.S. Forest Service, the New Jersey Forest Service will reimburse qualifying private landowners in the New Jersey Highlands up to $3,000 to develop a forest stewardship plan for their property. Private landowners with 10 or more acres of woodlands in the Highlands are encouraged to apply. Applications are due by January 1. Applicants who receive funding are required to maintain and implement their forest stewardship plans for a 10-year period. http://www.state.nj.us/dep/newsrel/2007/07_0043.htm 

National Wetlands Awards

The National Wetlands Awards Program honors individuals who have demonstrated extraordinary commitment to the conservation and restoration of our nation's wetlands. The 2008 Awards will be given in six categories: Education and Outreach; Science Research; Conservation and Restoration; Landowner Stewardship; State, Tribal, and Local Program Development; and Wetland Community Leader. The deadline for submitting nominations is January 15. http://www.nationalwetlandsawards.org

PA Schoolyard Wetland Habitat Grants

Environmental Concern is now accepting applications for grants of up to $2,000 for schoolyard wetland habitat construction and training under the WOW! The Wonders of Wetlands & POW! Program. Applications will be accepted on a rolling basis. The sites can be schools or education centers, but must be in Pennsylvania and within the Chesapeake Bay Watershed. The funding would cover the design, construction and planting of the wetland. Separate grant monies cover the educator trainings, consultation fees and travel costs. There are slots available for this school year, and more next year. http://www.wetland.org/education_pow.htm

PA REAP Farm Conservation Tax Credits

The Pennsylvania State Conservation Commission approved the guidelines and applications needed to apply for the Resource Enhancement and Protection Act (REAP) farm conservation tax credit. The Commission will begin accepting applications January 2. The REAP Program provides $10 million this fiscal year for agricultural Best Management Practices in the form of transferable or sponsored tax credits. Personal and business state tax credits ranging from 50 to 75 percent of the cost to install conservation practices like barnyard improvements, riparian buffers, no-till planting equipment, stream fencing and other practices will be available. Each farm enrolled in the program is eligible for up to $150,000 in transferable tax credits that can be used over a 15-year period or sold to other taxpayers. A business can earn tax credits by sponsoring projects on an eligible farm. http://www.agriculture.state.pa.us/agriculture/cwp/view.asp?a=3&q=145155 

PA American Water Watershed Art Contest 

Pennsylvania American Water is accepting entries for its sixth annual Protect Our Watersheds art contest. Deadline for entries is February 8. Open to fifth-grade classes in schools served by Pennsylvania American Water or to individual fifth-graders who live in communities served by the company, the contest encourages students to utilize their artistic talents to express the importance of protecting Pennsylvania's watersheds and water resources. As part of the entry, students are asked to write a short description of how watershed protection impacts them personally.  http://www.amwater.com/awpr1/paaw/newsroom/press_releases/page16194.html

American Rivers & NOAA Community-Based Restoration Program River Grants

For fiscal year 2008, NOAA has awarded American Rivers $800,000 to distribute through the Community-Based Restoration grants program. Stream barrier removal projects in the Northeast, Mid-Atlantic, Northwest and California are eligible to apply. This funding is provided through the NOAA Open Rivers Initiative, which seeks to enable environmental and economic renewal in local communities through the removal of stream barriers and realized benefits to diadromous fish species. Grants are provided for three distinct project phases: Feasibility Analysis, Engineering Design, and Construction. Average grants will be $25,000 - $50,000. Successful applicants for one project phase will not be eligible to receive additional funding for that same project phase in future grant rounds. The next proposal deadline is early April 2008. http://www.americanrivers.org/site/PageServer?pagename=AMR_content_63c9&JServSessionIdr009=jn1vg0e142.app6b 

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. Past Webcast topics include Smart Growth, 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 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: February 19-20 - Cumberland / Franklin Counties March 18-19 - McKean County  http://www.mri.psu.edu/centers/cdgrs/calendar/calendar.html West Virginia Watershed Network Meeting The West Virginia Watershed Network (WVWN) Semi-Annual Meeting: The State of Restoring West Virginia Streams Polluted by Acid Mine Drainage  will be held on December 3 in Morgantown, WV. The Network has invited several speakers to discuss the state of restoring West Virginia streams polluted by acid mine drainage. The meeting is open to all interested persons at no cost.  http://www.nrcce.wvu.edu/directions.cfm.  NC Stormwater Maintenance Workshop  The North Carolina State University is offering workshops on BMP Maintenance and Inspection Certification. Workshops will be held on the following dates and locations: December 5 & 6 - Wilmington, NC  December 13 & 14 - Raleigh, NC  Topics covered in this training will include: Stormwater and How it Affects Drinking Water Quality; Stormwater Management Devices Used in North Carolina and how they function; Maintenance Requirements of Each Stormwater Practice. Stormwater Training Certification will be offered. http://www.bae.ncsu.edu/workshops/2007certification/index.html EPA TMDL Webcast EPA's Total Maximum Daily Load (TMDL) Program is sponsoring a Webcast on December 6 on EPA's recently released draft document, Options for Expressing Daily Loads in TMDLs. (http://www.epa.gov/owow/tmdl/draft_daily_loads_tech.pdf ). This Webcast for TMDL practitioners will provide information regarding options for developing appropriate daily load expressions during the TMDL process. In particular, the Webcast will address the calculation of daily loads for TMDLs that use allocation timeframes that are greater than daily (e.g., annual, seasonal). The Webcast is free, but you need to register in advance to participate. http://www.epa.gov/owow/tmdl/training.html  DC Smart Growth Conference The 7th Annual New Partners for Smart Growth: Building Safe, Healthy and Livable Communities Conference will be held on February 7-9 in Washington, DC. The program will include a dynamic mix of plenaries, interactive breakouts, implementation workshops, specialized trainings, and optional tours of local model projects. http://www.newpartners.org PA Keystone Coldwater Conference The annual Keystone Coldwater Conference will be held on February 22-23 in State College, PA. This year's conference will focus on the protection and management of Pennsylvania's headwater ecosystems and highlight the emerging research and successful partnerships that keep our headwater streams healthy. An optional afternoon hands-on workshop on headwater taxonomy and field identification is also being offered. http://www.coldwaterheritage.org/coldwaterconference.htm  PA Association for Environmental Education Conference  "LEEAP IN! Linking Environmental Education and Play in Nature," is the theme of the 2008 PA Association of Environmental Education Conference set for February 28 - March 2 in Ligonier, Pa. Conference tracks include Human Health and the Environment, Best Practices in the Field, Outdoor Family Fun, and EE in the Classroom. A full complement of workshops, on-site field studies, and off-site field experiences will be offered throughout the weekend, along with exhibits, entertainers, great food, and conference fun! Participants will also experience Flow Learning-- a powerful tool to lead people from their present level of awareness into closer contact with nature. http://www.paee.net/conferencenext.html Lehigh Valley Watershed Conference, Shad Symposium The Wildlands Conservancy will hold the 2008 Lehigh Valley Watershed Conference and Shad Symposium on March 28 in Fogelsville, PA. The conference will discuss effective ways to clean up watersheds, forge partnerships and maximize the resources in the Lehigh Valley. A special Shad Symposium will also be held in conjunction with the Conference to address topics of interest in the restoration of the American Shad to the Delaware and Lehigh Rivers. http://www.paenvironmentdigest.com/newsletter/default.asp?NewsletterArticleID=8086&SubjectID=

Link Of The Month

Searchable Stormwater BMP Inventory Launched

The UNH Stormwater Center and NEMO (Nonpoint Education for Municipal Officials) have launched the Innovative Stormwater Management Inventory web site. This searchable and amendable inventory is designed to highlight innovative BMP strategies implemented throughout New England. http://www.erg.unh.edu/lid/index.asp

EPA Public Water Systems Communication Guide Released

USEPA is releasing Talking to your Customers about Chronic Contaminants, a best practices guide that helps public water systems communicate with the public about drinking water risks. Chronic contaminants are those that can cause health effects after continuous long-term exposure. This fact sheet discusses the importance of communicating with the public about chronic contaminants - both regulated and unregulated - and describe effective strategies for getting the message out. http://www.epa.gov/safewater/contaminants/pdfs/fs_contaiminants_chronic_talkingtocustomers.pdf 

Stormwater Calculator Developed

The Center for Neighborhood Technology (CNT) has developed a Green Values stormwater calculator that estimates savings from conventional versus green development for several scenarios. Choosing development scenarios (or exact site specifications) and green infrastructure techniques such as replacing half a lawn with gardens with native landscaping or downspout disconnection will generate both hydrologic and cost differences between the conventional system and the green system(s) selected. http://greenvalues.cnt.org/calculator 

Wetlands Data Viewing Now Available with Google™ Earth

A file is now available to automatically load and view Wetlands Data Web Map Services (WMS) layers into Google Earth. This viewing method provides access to the wetland polygon data in combination with the Google imagery. Wetlands data are available for approximately 60 percent of the conterminous U.S., portions of Alaska, Hawaii, Puerto Rico and the U.S. Trust Territories. This service is provided through the USFWS Open GIS Consortium compliant Web Map Services. http://wetlandswms.er.usgs.gov/Google.html