James River Watershed Going Extreme!

No, it's not another reality TV show! The Horsepen Creek, a tributary of the James River (VA), recently got an "Extreme" makeover.

This effort, lead by the James River Association, involved the implementation of 13 watershed restoration projects in seven locations. Over 700 volunteers, young and old, helped pick up trash along 1 mile of stream; planted over 2,500 trees, shrubs and flowers; installed 5 rain gardens and bioretention areas to treat stormwater; installed 972 square feet of permeable pavement; educated 230 students on their connection to the James River; trained and equipped 35 homeowners for installing rain barrels at their homes; and planted 1.8 linear miles of stream buffers. The project was initiated by local garden club groups with the desire to improve the creek. http:// www.extremestreammakeover.org 

Source: Center for Watershed Protection's Runoff Rundown, Fall/Early Winter 2008

F.X. Browne, Inc. has been working with the Fairfax County (VA) Department of Public Works and Environmental Services Stormwater Planning Division to develop Watershed Management Plans for the Horsepen Creek and Sugarland Run watersheds, as well as the Nichol Run and Pond Branch watersheds. For more information on stormwater or watershed management, contact us at info@fxbrowne.com.

EPA Publishes Draft TMDLs to Stormwater Permits Handbook 

EPA's Office of Wetlands, Oceans and Watersheds (OWOW) and Office of Wastewater Management (OWM) have jointly issued a Draft "TMDLs to Stormwater Handbook," available for public comment.

This Draft Handbook provides a technical reference for TMDL practitioners and permit writers on current methods being used to develop more detailed stormwater-source TMDL allocations, TMDL implementation plans including best management practices, and methods for translating TMDL allocations into NPDES stormwater permit requirements. The Handbook also provides background information on the components of these programs, but assumes that the reader has a working knowledge of both TMDLs and NPDES stormwater permits. http://www.epa.gov/owow/tmdl/stormwater/#tmdlresources 

Source: EPA Water Headlines listserv, November 17, 2008

Living Walls: The New Green

Allison Arieff, blogging for the New York Times, has some great photos and links in her recent post, Blue is the New Green (November 20). 

The post includes some great photos and information about green roofs and living walls, as well as information about other water-saving techniques such as greywater systems and rainwater harvesting. http://arieff.blogs.nytimes.com/2008/11/20/blue-is-the-new-green/?dpc 
More incredible photos of some beautiful living walls can be seen on designer Patrick Blanc's Web site. 

Stream restoration professionals have long been using willow twigs for bioengineering, and now the same concept is being applied to vertical wall structures. These walls, made of willow saplings filled with soil, can be used for privacy fencing, noise barriers, or stormwater management. To see a YouTube video of the construction of a living wall as an eco-friendly noise barrier in Canada, visit http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=IXtkridTN0k&NR=1 or check out The Living Wall at http://www.thelivingwall.net/ .

For more information about green roof design or stormwater management, contact info@fxbrowne.com.

EPA Proposes New Guidelines to Control Pollution from Construction Sites

EPA is seeking comments on its proposed guidelines to control the discharge of pollutants from construction sites.

The proposal would require all construction sites to implement erosion and sediment control best management practices to reduce pollutants in stormwater discharges. This proposed rule is projected to reduce the amount of sediment discharged from construction sites by up 27 billion pounds each year. In addition, for certain large sites located in areas of the country with high rainfall intensity and soils with high clay content, stormwater discharges from the construction site would be required to meet a numeric limit on the allowable level of turbidity, which is a measure of sediment in the water. In order to meet the proposed numeric turbidity limit, many sites would need to treat and filter their stormwater discharges. http://www.epa.gov/ost/guide/construction/ 

Source: U.S. EPA News Release, November 19, 2008

PA Nonprofit Coalition Aims to Increase Stream Buffer Requirements

A coalition of nonprofit organizations is pressing Pennsylvania to better protect its extensive network of waterways by requiring that a broad swath of trees be preserved-and planted if necessary-along streams and rivers that flow through construction sites.

If successful, the requirement would be one of the most sweeping protection measures for streamside buffers in the Chesapeake watershed. Nearly 130 groups want the state DEP to incorporate the proposal in a rewrite of stormwater regulations that would affect new construction projects. The proposed revisions will be debated in the spring of 2009. Known as Buffers 100, the proposal would require a minimum 100-foot forested buffer on both sides of streams for any new construction site needing a stormwater permit. The required buffer width would expand to 150 feet along headwater streams and 300 feet along streams formally categorized as "high quality" or "exceptional value." http://www.paenvironmentdigest.com/newsletter/default.asp?NewsletterArticleID=10983 

Source: PA Environmental Digest, December 8, 2008

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:

• November 17 for the January 26, 2009 board meeting

• February 16, 2009 for the April 20, 2009 board meeting

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

CWP Technical Capacity Mini-Grants

With funding from an EPA Targeted Watershed Initiative Grant, the Center for Watershed Protection (CWP) is currently inviting proposals to its Technical Capacity Mini-Grant program, awarding direct assistance and financial support to a wide range of small watershed organizations. Up to ten $5,000-15,000 grants will be awarded to strengthen the technical capacity of these groups in the area of stormwater and watershed management. These grants may be awarded in the form of direct assistance from CWP staff. Alternatively, mini-grant recipients may also receive cash assistance and tailored information where necessary. Proposals are being accepted on a rolling basis. http://www.cwp.org/Calendar/CWPMinigrantsRFP.pdf 

NY Water Quality Improvement Project Grants

Grant applications are now being accepted on a continuous basis for Water Quality Improvement Projects (WQIP) under the New York City Watershed Program. The program is offering $3 million in grant funds for polluted runoff abatement, which includes assessment, planning and research and outreach and education projects in the New York City watershed. Examples of projects previously funded under the watershed program include a study on endocrine disruptors in rivers and lakes in the watershed and studies of pharmaceutical and other organic wastewater compounds at wastewater treatment plants and key points in the watershed. http://www.dec.ny.gov/pubs/4774.html

PADEP Environmental Education Grants

Applications are now available for the PADEP’s 2009 Environmental Education Grants, which support projects and programs that increase environmental awareness and understanding in Pennsylvania’s communities. Schools, universities, intermediate units, non-profit groups and county conservation districts are eligible and encouraged to apply. Grants will go to projects that promote understanding of important environmental topics, such as: 

• Sustainable energy sources, like solar, wind, biomass, geothermal and alternative transportation fuels, as well as energy efficiency and conservation practices;

• Air quality, with a focus on lowering emissions from transportation vehicles and electric-generation to reduce ground-level ozone, or smog; 

• Watersheds and wetlands, focusing on abating acid mine drainage and reducing non-point source pollution.

Grants will range from $3,000 to $20,000 and support programs that promote environmental education in Pennsylvania. The deadline to submit a pre-application form for the grants is December 12. Beginning January 16, DEP will notify approved pre-applicants to prepare a full application to submit to the department by March 6. http://www.depweb.state.pa.us/enved/cwp/view.asp?a=3&q=473483 

Grant application workshops are being held during November http://www.ahs.dep.state.pa.us/newsreleases/default.asp?ID=5315 

Coldwater Heritage Partnership Watershed Grants

The Coldwater Heritage Partnership is now accepting applications for the Coldwater Conservation Grant Program to protect and conserve the health of Pennsylvania’s coldwater ecosystems. Applications are due December 15. 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 averaging around $5,000 to organizations to outline strategies that best conserve and protect our coldwater fisheries. http://www.coldwaterheritage.org/grant_application.htm

NJ Recreational Trail Grants

More than $1.7 million in federal grant money is available for maintaining and improving recreational trails throughout New Jersey. The funds will improve public access to the state's ever-expanding network of trails, enhance environmental resources, create urban and suburban corridors and provide additional hiking, biking and horseback-riding opportunities. Government agencies and nonprofit organizations have until December 15 to apply for the 2009 funding. http://www.nj.gov/dep/parksandforests/natural/njtrails.html 

PA Illegal Dump Cleanup Grants

The PADEP has announced Illegal Dump Cleanup Grants for communities and nonprofit groups. The program will focus on the cleanup of illegal dumps; site restoration and beautification; surveillance of existing dump sites and remediated sites; enforcement of littering and illegal dumping ordinances; and public awareness and education to inform local citizens about illegal dumping, littering and clean-up activities. Grants of up to $25,000 will be awarded with a match of at least 50 percent of the grant amount by the grantee. Applications are due by December 19. http://www.depweb.state.pa.us/landrecwaste/cwp/view.asp?A=1418&Q=505018

NJ Brownfield Redevelopment Area Funding

New Jersey municipalities that have been designated as Brownfield Development Areas are eligible for grants of up to $5 million each year from the DEP's Hazardous Discharge Site Remediation Fund for site investigation and remediation. The DEP also assigns a case manager to assist the communities in overseeing remediation, obtaining financial assistance, and coordinating revitalization efforts with other state agencies. Communities must bring together various stakeholders to develop applications for designation as a Brownfield Development Area. Municipalities interested in being considered in the 2009 round of Brownfield Development Area designations may submit applications until March 31. http://www.nj.gov/dep/srp/brownfields/

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 December 3, a panel of experts will discuss the benefits of rain gardens, how to build them, and how to develop and implement a successful rain garden program. Past Webcast topics include Climate Change, 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: January 21-22 - Bradford County  January 21-23 - PACD Winter Meeting, State College  March 18-19 - Lycoming County  http://www.mri.psu.edu/centers/cdgrs/calendar/calendar.html Sustainability Webinars The American Public Works Association is beginning a webinar series on sustainability issues, including "Retrofitting Green Design and Standards" on December 11, "Green Transportation and Smart Growth" on January 15, and "Low Impact Development for Public Works" on February 26. https://www.apwa.net/Education/web.asp  PA Westmoreland Conservation District Events  The Westmoreland Conservation District’s upcoming slate of programs offers a variety of informative and fun ways to learn more about conservation. While some are geared to specific audiences or an advanced level of technical expertise, anyone is welcome to attend. Upcoming events include: January 6-7 - Geographic Information Systems Workshop January 23 - Contractors’ Workshop http://www.wcdpa.com/documents/EdCalendarDr2.pdf  Michigan Decentralized Wastewater Workshop The Conservation Technology Information Center (CTIC) invites decision makers and planners of small communities to attend a workshop about technology options and management strategies for decentralized wastewater treatment. The workshop will take place January 12 at Michigan State University in East Lansing, Michigan. This workshop will inform small community planners about the advantages and disadvantages of a variety of decentralized wastewater treatment options as well as how to manage those systems while considering the local conditions. https://www.conservationinformation.org/?site=1&action=event&ID=259&day=12&month=1&year=2009

Link Of The Month

Watershed Forestry Resource Guide

The Watershed Forestry Resource Guide, a new online resource for all things related to forests and their role in watershed and stormwater management has been launched by the Center for Watershed Protection and the USDA Forest Service Northeastern Area. The website contains pages specific to forest planning and assessment; reducing stormwater runoff; forest-friendly development; and planting and maintaining trees. The site includes fact sheets, slideshows, how-to videos, training exercises, research papers, reports, and essential websites. A webinar to launch the Guide, released on December 2, will soon be posted on the site as well. http://www.forestsforwatersheds.org

Sustainable Site Guidelines Released for Public Comment

The Sustainable Sites Initiative has released the Guidelines and Performance Benchmarks Draft 2008 for public comment. The public comment period closes on January 20. This important milestone builds on the initial Standards and Guidelines: Preliminary Report released in November of last year. The new draft contains over 50 proposed prerequisites and credits ranging from site selection to sustainable maintenance practices. The metrics’ format will be similar to existing Leadership in Energy and Environmental Design (LEED) tools in structure. http://www.sustainablesites.org/report

Sanitary Survey Guidance Manual for Ground Water Systems

EPA has developed the Sanitary Survey Guidance Manual for Ground Water Systems to provide States, Tribes, and other primacy agencies with a brief review of the sanitary survey regulatory provisions of the Ground Water Rule (GWR). The manual describes the details of a comprehensive sanitary survey, addressing the minimum eight sanitary survey elements required under the GWR, and provides specific examples of what constitutes a significant deficiency. The manual also helps surveyors understand how each set of Safe Drinking Water Act regulations applies to sanitary surveys. http://www.epa.gov/safewater/disinfection/gwr/compliancehelp.html 

DRBC Releases First “State of the Basin” Report

The Delaware River Basin Commission (DRBC) and the Partnership for the Delaware Estuary (PDE) recently released the 2008 State of the Delaware River Basin Report (State of the Basin Report), as well as reintroduced PDE’s 2008 State of the Delaware Estuary Report (Estuary Report) which was released in July. Both reports discuss the current health of the Delaware River Basin by examining the status of certain environmental conditions, as well as trends and actions needed to better monitor and improve these conditions in the future. http://www.depweb.state.pa.us/news/cwp/view.asp?a=3&q=543385 

New Manual available for Stormwater BMP using Trees and Structural Soils in Highly Paved Areas

The Stormwater Management with Trees and Structural Soils project began in 2004 as a collaborative effort between the Urban Forestry and Urban Horticulture programs at Virginia Tech, the Urban Horticulture Institute at Cornell University, and the Department of Land and Water Resources at the University of California at Davis. The group developed a stormwater management technique that uses structural soils (load-bearing tree soils) under pavement as a stormwater reservoir in conjunction with trees. This approach allows designers to incorporate all the hydrologic elements, including storage, infiltration, and evapotranspiration. Various technology transfer items are now available for download including a 55-page manual, a powerpoint presentation, and information on four demonstration sites around the country. http://www.cnr.vt.edu/urbanforestry/stormwater