Lake and Watershed News

The PA DEP has just announced the opening of the 2005 PA Growing Greener Grant Program. Please visit http://www.dep.state.pa.us/growgreen/defaultdep.htm for application forms, or contact F. X. Browne, Inc. at info@fxbrowne.com for questions about the program or assistance with the grant application or implementation process.

Although Growing Greener 2 was not approved by the Pennsylvania legislature in 2004, PA Governor Rendell and many other proponents are pushing for funding authorization of the program to be included on the spring ballot. Without this program, many watershed groups may be turned down for funding in 2005 or have their grants substantially reduced. Please contact the PA legislators to let them know how important funding for watersheds is to the health of the waters of the Commonwealth. For more information on Growing Greener 2, visit http://www.growinggreener2.com/. For a list of PA legislator contact information, visit http://www.legis.state.pa.us/cfdocs/legis/home/find.cfm.

The boxes are opened, the wrapping paper is strewn about the living room, and the excited squeals have subsided. Now comes the hard part: figuring out what to do with all the gifts and discarded wrappings! Here are a few tips on how to Reduce, Reuse, and Recycle this post-holiday season.

Reduce your household clutter (and the strain on your wallet) by only buying or replacing items that are truly needed. Perhaps that older computer, stereo component, or appliance can squeak out one more year? Look into refurbishing items before replacing them. For example, computers are generally considered to have a hardware life of at least 7 years, but a useful life of only three years. The main reason for this is software upgrades. As computer users get new software, they find that they need more powerful computers to run it well. One way to extend the life of your computer is to upgrade your software deliberately and only as needed. Another is to buy computers that are upgradeable -- with plenty of room to add expansion cards, storage capacity, memory etc. to extend the life of the computer. Visit http://www.techsoup.org/howto/articlepage.cfm?articleid=554&topicid=0 for tips on how to keep your older computer alive.

Computers and appliances aside, household waste reduction should start at the store. When buying groceries or household items, look for brands that come in bulk containers and use less packaging. Buy a reusable metal or cloth coffee filter instead of using paper filters. Only buy items that you will actually use. Inventory your refrigerator and cupboards before going shopping to avoid having to throw things away. Compost your kitchen and yard waste. More waste reduction tips can be found on the PA DEP website at http://www.dep.state.pa.us/dep/deputate/airwaste/wm/recycle/reduce/reduce.htm

Well, there’s always the re-gift. There’s nothing wrong with passing along a gift that you know you’ll never use to someone who would really appreciate it to avoid such items ending up in a landfill. The key phrase here is “never used!” Or, consider donating unwanted gifts to charities. Did you get a new computer for the holidays? Why not donate your old one to a worthy cause such as schools, people with disabilities, or nonprofit organizations? Blindly dumping old computer equipment upon schools and nonprofits can be more of a problem than a blessing because old or broken computers are expensive to dispose of. It's best to donate to nonprofit or school-based refurbishers. Visit http://sharetechnology.org/ to find a refurbisher near you. For nonprofits interested in buying used and refurbished computers, visit http://www.techsoup.org/products/recycle/index.cfm#find.

Another way to “reuse” household waste, as almost any good scout leader can tell you, is to save items like paper towel rolls, egg cartons, or popsicle sticks for children’s craft projects. I’m not talking about washing used toothpicks, but there are many everyday items that can be reused. Visit the US EPA’s “Reuse Household Items A to Z” website for some good, if slightly anal retentive, ideas: http://www.epa.gov/grtlakes/seahome/housewaste/src/reuse4.htm.

In 1998, about 21 million personal computers became obsolete in the United States. Discarded electronics and their components may include batteries, mercury-containing switches, capacitors containing PCBs, cadmium plated parts, PVC plastics, brominated flame retardants, and lead-containing cathode ray tubes. The heavy metals found in electronics can poison groundwater and damage the nervous and reproductive systems of people and animals. To find out where to recycle a computer or buy a recycled computer visit http://www.techsoup.org/products/recycle/index.cfm.

Besides electronic waste, other types of household waste can be reduced by recycling. Most municipalities have some sort of recycling services available. Many townships also have Christmas tree recycling programs. Visit http://pennsylvania.earth911.org/master.asp?s=ls&cat=1&serviceid=100 to find one near you.

For municipalities interested in initiating a recycling program, F. X. Browne, Inc. can assist through all aspects of recycling programs for residential, institutional, and commercial units. F. X. Browne, Inc. recycling services include, but are not limited to, grant application and documentation preparation, determination of recycling options for small businesses, implementation of hauler registration programs, and design and preparation of educational materials. For more information, contact F. X. Browne, Inc. at info@fxbrowne.com.

Most of the Federal government’s 1.8 million employees have a personal computer. Given a three-year life cycle, the government discards approximately 10,000 computers each week. In November, the White House and 11 federal departments and agencies, including the Departments of Defense, Energy and the Interior, and the Environmental Protection Agency signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) to increase the demand for green electronics and to promote the sustainable management of electronic assets throughout the federal government.

http://www.federalelectronicschallenge.net/

To establish effective communications and the ability to interchange stream related information with other state, federal and environmental organizations, PA DEP will be standardizing its water identifiers by moving to the National Hydrography Dataset (NHD).

Over the past 25 years, DEP has built computer systems around its current DEP Stream Code File. Since the information in this file was developed for use in Pennsylvania it is not a national standard and communication with the federal government and the department’s business partners, both within and outside of Pennsylvania, is limited. In the near future, the Stream Code file will become obsolete and will be replaced with the NHD’s identifiers.

The November 23 oil tanker spill on the Delaware River could have long-term devastating effects on the river ecosystem.

57 miles of shoreline are oiled in Pennsylvania and New Jersey and the cleanup process is a daunting task The oil from the spill soaked nooks and crannies along the entire river, and in some places has sunk to the bottom. The images of oil-caked birds struggling to survive in the aftermath are heartbreaking, but wildlife officials say they are bracing for what could be years of instability for the Delaware's inhabitants, including fish, mammals, and the insects that many other animals depend upon for food. The migrating shad that spawn upstream of the spill site could be the best indicator yet of how devastating the oil spill will be for the future of the ecosystem. When the juvenile shad attempt to leave the river for the ocean next fall, they will eat and rest in the river's shallow banks, and are a major source of food for birds and predatory fish. What affects the young shad will affect the entire food chain.

F. X. Browne, Inc. has been honored recently by three different awards for their work in watershed restoration and protection and the design of an innovative wastewater treatment facility.

· The Central Avenue Wastewater Treatment Facility in Burlington Township, New Jersey, received the 2004 New Jersey Environmental Excellence Award for Innovative Technology. Designed by F. X. Browne, Inc. and the first of its kind in the

U.S.

, this innovative 3.65 million gallon per day Phased Isolation Ditch treatment plant saved the township $4 million in construction costs and continues to save thousands of dollars each year in operations and maintenance costs.

· F. X. Browne, Inc.’s client, the Twin and Walker Creeks Watershed Conservancy of Shohola, Pike County, received the 2004 Environmental Partnership Award from Northeastern Pennsylvania Environmental Partners for promoting a better understanding of their watershed and its ecosystem, and protecting, restoring, and enhancing the watershed through proper management and stewardship. F. X. Browne, Inc. prepared the watershed management plan for the Twin Walker Creeks Watershed, and conducts an annual water quality monitoring program for the Conservancy’s volunteer monitors.

· The Crosswicks Creek/Doctors Creek Greenway Plan developed by F. X. Browne, Inc. received an award from the Association of New Jersey Environmental Commissions (ANJEC) for its multi-municipal cooperative approach. The plan, which was developed with the combined support of six municipal environmental commissions, identifies preservation and management strategies to protect water quality and scenic, historic and recreational resources.

A new report from the Environmental Education Association of Washington concludes that students in schools using environmental education (EE) consistently score higher on standardized tests than students in schools without it.

In addition, the study showed young people exposed to environmental education tend to improve their overall grade-point average, stay in school longer, receive higher-than-average scholarship awards and display more responsible behavior in school and in the community. They also are generally better prepared for the job market. http://www.eeaw.org/EE%20Report/2004_WAEE_Report_Card.pdf

The Chesapeake Bay Program reopened 352 miles of spawning habitat in the tributary states of Maryland, Pennsylvania, Virginia and District of Columbia this year to migratory fish.

Fish passages helped migratory fish, like shad, reach freshwater spawning habitat over more than 1,000 miles of tributaries currently blocked by dams, culverts and other obstructions. The additional fish passages opened during 2004 helped the Chesapeake Bay Program surpass their five-year goal of reopening 1,357-miles of river habitat to fish. http://www.chesapeakebay.net/status.cfm?sid=114

The PA DEP is accepting applications for watershed restoration and protection grants for the seventh year of Growing Greener. The deadline to apply is March 4. For the upcoming grant round, DEP will invest in projects that seek to address nonpoint source pollution, such as abandoned mine drainage, urban and agricultural runoff, atmospheric deposition, on-lot sewage systems and earth-moving activities. http://www.dep.state.pa.us/growgreen/defaultdep.htm

F. X. Browne, Inc. has a solid history and success rate in assisting municipalities and nonprofit organizations apply for and implement Growing Greener grant projects. For more information on Growing Greener, or assistance with a grant project, please contact info@fxbrowne.com. Visit our website at http://www.fxbrowne.com for case studies of Growing Greener projects that F. X. Browne, Inc. has implemented in the past.

New York State Department of Environmental Conservation (DEC) is requesting grant proposals for projects aimed at improving fish and wildlife habitat and public access for hunting, fishing, trapping and other fish and wildlife related recreation and study. Eligible applicants include municipalities, not-for-profit corporations and individuals. Funds can be requested in amounts between $1,500 and $14,999. The grant application deadline is January 7. www.dec.state.ny.us/website/dfwmr/habstamp/

EPA is soliciting applications for the Fiscal Year 2005 Environmental Information Exchange Network Grant Program. The national Exchange Network facilitates the electronic reporting and exchange of environmental data. The grants will be provided to states and territories to develop the information management and technology capabilities they need to participate in the Network. The deadline for applications is January 15. http://www.epa.gov/Networkg.

The Pennsylvania Fish and Boat Commission is encouraging non-profit 501 (c) organizations and local governments within the Chesapeake Bay watershed to apply for funding through the Chesapeake Bay Small Watershed Grants Program. The Program seeks to support communities in developing and implementing watershed management plans and encourage innovative, locally-based programs or projects that improve water quality and restore important habitats within the Chesapeake Bay basin. The deadline for application is February 4. http://www.nfwf.org/chesapeake/index.htm.

The Lake Champlain Basin Program is accepting applications from governmental entities or organizations representing governments having jurisdiction in the Lake Champlain Basin (New York or Vermont) for watershed restoration projects. The grants would provide assistance with planning, designing and implementing projects that contribute to the protection and enhancement of water quality, water supply, ecosystem integrity and other water related issues while preserving and enhancing the economic and social character of the communities within the watershed. Rather than cash awards, the grant consists of U. S. Army Corps of Engineers services. A hardcopy and an electronic proposal must be received by February 11.

The Harbor Estuary Program 2005 HEP Mini-grant Program provides grants of up to $5,000 for projects that promote understanding of and participation in the protection and restoration of the NY-NJ Harbor Estuary. Proposed projects must include public involvement and education, take place within the core area of the Harbor Estuary Program, and address at least one of HEP's Targets and Goals. The proposal deadline is February 11. http://www.harborestuary.org/minigrants.htm

PA DEP is now accepting applications for 2005 Recycling Markets Infrastructure Development and Compost Infrastructure Development grants. Recycling Markets Infrastructure Development Grants can be used to purchase machinery or equipment that will result in increased consumption of recyclable materials recovered in the Commonwealth. The goal of the Compost Infrastructure Development grant program is to increase the quantity of organic materials collected and composted to further increase Pennsylvania’s recycling rate. Existing for-profit businesses and non-profit organizations are eligible for each of these programs. Both grant applications are due on March 4.

PA DEP is currently accepting applications for Resource Recovery Demonstration Grants from counties, municipalities and municipal authorities within Pennsylvania. Projects must be capable of demonstrating, for a minimum of two years, the production of energy or the recovery of materials from solid waste, except sewage sludge.

Government entities and nonprofit organizations in EPA Region 2 (NY, NJ, PR, VI) are invited to submit proposals for Wetland Program Development Grants by February 14. The goals of EPA's wetland program include increasing the quantity and quality of wetlands in the U.S. by conserving and restoring wetland acreage, and improving wetland health. The maximum grant amount is $250,000. http://www.fedgrants.gov/Applicants/EPA/OGD/GAD/R2WPDGFY05/Grant.html

The Great Lakes Coastal Wetlands 10th Annual Wetland Science Forum will be held on January 26-27 in Green Bay, WI. The conference will discuss a variety of issues related to coastal wetlands, including ecology, hydrology, threats, conservation strategies, and research needs. The conference program will include a keynote address, several sessions, panel discussions, working groups, and field trips. www.wiscwetlands.org/callforpresentations.htm

The Pennsylvania Association for Sustainable Agriculture (PASA) 14th annual Farming for the Future conference will be held February 3, 4, and 5 in State College, PA. This year’s theme is Reclaiming Health: Nourishing Our Families and Farms. www.pasafarming.org

The National Campaign for Sustainable Agriculture's annual meeting will be held on February 20-22 in Washington, DC. The meeting brings together a diverse group of farmers, activists and policy wonks of all shapes and sizes. http://www.sustainableagriculture.net/conf2005.php

Plan on joining the Center for Watershed Protection and River Network for the Watershed Protection Institute (WPI) on March 28 - April 1 in Shepherdstown, West Virginia. The WPI will train watershed leaders on practical watershed and site planning techniques to protect the health of less developed watersheds. http://www.cwp.org/wpi_wvabout.htm.

The PA Rural Water Association recently announced its training schedule through April 1. Workshops include water and wastewater management and certification courses. http://www.prwa.com/v1/training_schedule.htm

The Delaware Riverkeeper Network announces the 2005 Schuylkill Watershed Congress on March 5 at the Montgomery County Community College in Pottstown, PA. Field Trips will be held on March 6. Topics include progressive watershed planning, model projects, and innovative watershed protection strategies. http://www.delawareriverkeeper.org/Call4Presenters2005.pdf

The History of Snow Removal

According to the National Snow and Ice Data Center (NSIDC), the snow plow was invented in 1840. Prior to that time, urban snow removal involved individual citizens shoveling the streets for sleigh traffic. One of the first mentions of snow plow use comes from Milwaukee in 1862. The plow was attached to a cart pulled by a team of horses. Salt was first used to melt snow on roads in the 1800s, but citizens complained that it ruined clothes and shoes and made sleighing impossible. Motorized plows came into use in the U.S. early in the 20th century. More recently, devices that scoop up and melt snow, then drain off the water, have been put into use in some cities. One such snow melting machine currently being used in Toronto is capable to melting up to 136 tons of snow per hour.

http://nsidc.org/snow/shovel.html

The US Geological Survey (USGS) developed a new Nonindigenous Aquatic Species (NAS) Alert System to track the spread of invasive species nationwide. Users can report nonindigenous and invasive aquatic species, automatically receive email alerts, or perform searches on aquatic species. The system is flexible, allowing the user to search by geographic region or by nonindigenous species. http://nas.er.usgs.gov/AlertSystem

There are winter mornings when the cold without only adds to the warmth within, and the more it snows and the harder it blows, brighter the fire blazes.

- Emily Dickinson

EPA recently published a new document on water quality trading. Using a hypothetical river basin, The Water Quality Trading Assessment Handbook illustrates an analytical framework that can be used in any watershed to evaluate conditions and water quality problems and determine if water quality trading might be effective. Order paper copies of the handbook at no charge at ncepimal@one.net (please refer to the EPA document number EPA 841-B-04-001) or download the handbook at http://www.epa.gov/owow/watershed/trading/handbook

The Connecticut Department of Environmental Protection announced their new 2004 Stormwater Quality Manual. This is the first statewide manual to focus on site planning, source control and pollution prevention, in addition to standard stormwater treatment and erosion and sediment control practices. The manual is intended for use as a planning tool and design guidance document by the regulated and regulatory communities involved in stormwater quality management. http://www.dep.state.ct.us/wtr/stormwater/strmwtrman.htm.

The Center for Watershed Protection has released Manual #4: Urban Stream Repair Practices. This stream repair manual concentrates on practices used to enhance the appearance, stability, structure, or function of urban streams. An electronic version of the manual is available for free for a limited time at http://www.cwp.org/, with a hard copy becoming available for purchase soon.

To assist the 5,000 municipalities that are currently building programs to prevent and control stormwater pollution, US EPA has developed 17 case studies that highlight successful municipal approaches to the six minimum measures that are outlined in the NPDES Stormwater Phase II regulations. http://www.epa.gov/npdes/stormwater/casestudies

VHS copies of the Weather Channel’s "After the Storm" program are available now by sending an email to ncepimal@one.net. Please refer to EPA document number: EPA 840-V-04-001. This tape is intended for education and communication purposes in classrooms and conferences, and may also be aired on cable or other TV stations, as EPA now has the full rights to the program.

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