EPA Releases First-Ever Baseline Study of U.S. Lakes

The U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) released a draft study which rated 56% of the lakes in the U.S. as good (the rest were fair or poor).  The National Lakes Assessment included 1, 028 lakes during 2007.  Twenty percent of the lakes had high levels of nitrogen and phosphorous, which causes algae blooms, weeds, and water discoloration.  An algal toxin, microscystin, was found in about 1/3 of lakes.  Lakeshore habitat was the most significant problem, and rated poor in 36% of the lakes.

To access the draft study, visit  http://www.epa.gov/lakessurvey
EPA News Release, December 18, 2009
Environment News Service, December 18, 2009
http://www.ens-newswire.com/ens/dec2009/2009-12-18-091.asp

New York Times:  More Thank 20% of U.S. Water Treatment Systems Contain Harmful Chemicals

A New York Times investigation has reported that over 20% of U.S. water treatment systems are in violation of the Safe Drinking Water Act and less than 6% of violators were punished.  The analysis was based on water system and regulators records nationwide.  The Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) is currently reforming their enforcement processes.

Water & Wastes Digest, December 9, 2009
http://www.wwdmag.com/index.cfm?fuseaction=showNewsItem&newsItemID=19729

New Green Building Report Focuses on the Role of Water, Rainwater Harvesting in Sustainable Design and Construction

This white paper details the importance of water harvesting in sustainable design and construction.  It states that 82% of the water consumed in the U.S. is used for irrigation.

Water Efficiency Journal, December 2, 2009
http://www.waterefficiency.net/the-latest/skyharvester-green-rainwater.aspx
To view the whitepaper “Green Buildings + Water Performance, visit http://www.skyharvester.com/download.php?obj_id=39&browser=true

Perennials, Wetland Plants Compared For Ability To Remove Harmful Nitrogen, Phosphorus

A research team studied the ability of four ornamental (Canna, Iris, Calla Lily, and Dwarf Papyrus) and three wetland plant species (Arrow Arum, Pickerelweed, and Bulltongue Arrowhead) to remove nitrogen and phosphorus from stormwater runoff.  The study showed promising results for Canna, which could be used as a mitigation plant in urban stormwater floating biofiltration treatment.  Canna is a perennial plant that can be harvested regularly, to remove biomass from the treatment system.  The amount of nitrogen and phosphorus removed from the NRS units were:
Canna             98.7%N, 91.8%P
Iris                   31.6%N, 38.5%P
Arrow Arum    31.5%N, 26.3%P

Water Online, December 15, 2009

SOURCE: American Society for Horticultural Science
http://www.wateronline.com/article.mvc/Perennials-Wetland-Plants-Compared-For-0001?VNETCOOKIE=NO

Challenges of Stream Restoration as a Stormwater Management Tool

As the third of this three-part series on stream restoration, this article focuses on the valuable experience of those who have worked on these projects.  The first part was featured in our May 2009 article, and the second part was featured in our September 2009 Sustainable Environments newsletter.  They can be found by clicking on the “Previous Newsletters” link at the top of this newsletter or by clicking “Newsletters” on the left side of the screen.

By Warren C. High, Stormwater Journal, November-December 2009
http://www.stormh2o.com/november-december-2009/challenges-of-stream.aspx

Green Roof Wind & Fire Design Guidelines: 
After Three Years, Half the Battle is Won

The International Code Council’s fire code committee has adopted guidelines on the size, vegetation, hydration and dead foliage for green roofs.  They also delegate green roof maintenance to the fire marshal, which will allow inspection at the beginning of green roof design.

By Kelly Luckett, LEED AP, GRP, The Green Roof Guy
Greenroofs.com, December 22, 2009
http://www.greenroofs.com/content/greenroofguy004.htm