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F. X. Browne, Inc. |
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Sustainable Environments |
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January 2010 |
Winter Morning Poem
by Ogden Nash
Winter is the king of showmen
Turning tree stumps into snow men
And houses into birthday cakes
And spreading sugar over lakes
Smooth and clean and frosty white
The world looks good enough to bite
That's the season to be young
Catching snowflakes on your tongue
Snow is snowy when it's snowing
I'm sorry it's slushy when it's going
I like to walk on fresh fallen snow
The kind that whispers and speaks.
It sings a song as I walk along
With crackles and scrunches and squeaks.
Jackets and sweaters, Stockings and boots
Snug hats and mittens, Warm woolen suits
All bundled up and ready to go
Out of the house to play in the snow
Although I feel clumsy in all of these
clothes
I am so happy whenever it snows!
Editors Note
Happy New Year from F. X. Browne, Inc.!
A news release from the EPA on
January 8, 2010 warns that Radon is the second leading cause of lung
cancer in the United States. Radon is a colorless, odorless,
tasteless gas. Since we all have our windows and doors closed
during this cold spell, now is a great time to have your home tested.
While you can hire a certified professional radon tester, you can also
buy a radon testing kit at your local hardware store for about $25.
For more information, visit
http://www.epa.gov/radon.
~ Lisen Cummings, Sustainable Environments Editor/Designer
News Clips
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
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The first officially designated Pennsylvania Private Wild Plant Sanctuary was announced in June of 2009. The property is owned by Barbara and Mike Yavorosky and is situated along Panther Creek between Lackawanna and Wayne counties. The property has many amenities, including a 80 foot waterfall, undisturbed plant communities of rhododendron/hemlock and heath/birch barrens, wetlands, and many native plants. For more
information on the Pennsylvania’s Private Wild Plant Sanctuary
Program, visit
www.dcnr.state.pa.us/forestry/ wildplant/
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Policy Update
Limited EPA Study Finds Low Level of Concern in Samples of Recycled Tires from Ballfield and Playground Surfaces
The U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) released results of a limited field monitoring study measuring harmful pollutants artificial turf playing fields and playgrounds made from recycled tire material or tire crumb. Their study was limited, but found no harmful results. Air concentrations of particulate matter and lead were below levels of concern, as was air and surface wipe levels of zinc. Over 90% of lead was unavailable for absorption.
EPA News Release, December 10, 2009
For more information, visit http://www.epa.gov/nerl/features/tire_crumbs.html
To view “A Scoping-Level Field Monitoring Study of Synthetic Turf Fields and Playgrounds", visit http://www.epa.gov/nerl/documents/tire_crumbs.pdf
To view a Tire Crumbs fact sheet, visit http://www.epa.gov/nerl/documents/fs_tire_crumbs.pdf
The President’s Council on Environmental Quality Releases “Principles and Guidelines”
This
document is to aide federal agencies in formulating, evaluating, and
implementing water resource projects. This draft P&G highlights the
importance of the nation’s rivers, coasts and wetlands, and guides the
federal government to manage these resources. The public comment period
will be open for 90 days.
http://www.whitehouse.gov/administration/eop/ceq/initiatives/PandG
EPA Adopts New SDWA Enforcement Strategy: Agency Plans to Crack Down on SDWA Violators
Under a new Safe Drinking Water Act (SDWA) enforcement strategy, the EPA’s office of Enforcement and Compliance will focus their resources on water systems that have had recurring violations.
Water & Wastes Digest, December 11, 2009
http://www.wwdmag.com/index.cfm?fuseaction=showNewsItem&newsItemID=19746
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Grants and Awards
PA DEP Coastal Resources Management Program
2010 Coastal Zone Grants sub-grant awards are made to state and local agencies and incorporated nonprofit organization in the Delaware Estuary or Lake Erie Coastal Zones.
http://www.dep.state.pa.us/river/grants/crmgrants/crmgrants.htm
PA DEP Enactment of Ordinances and Implementation of Stormwater Management Plans
This program reimburses municipalities for costs associated with adopting or revising ordinances to comply with the Pennsylvania Stormwater Management Act.
http://www.depweb.state.pa.us/watershedmgmt/cwp/view.asp?a=1437&q=518836&watershedmgmtNav=|
Department of Conservation and Natural Resources Electronic Grants System
The Department of Conservation and Natural Resources provides eGrants, an electronic grants system that contains all available DCNR grants. Applications can be submitted online.
https://www.grants.dcnr.state.pa.us/index.aspx
Keystone Historic Preservation Grant Program
This grant is available to nonprofits and local governments for preserving, restoring, and/or rehabilitating historic resources. It is a competitive matching grant with a maximum award of $100,000. Application submission deadline is March 1, 2010.
http://www.artsnet.org/phmc/grants.htm#clg
Conservation Easement Assistance Program
Provided by the Pennsylvania Land Trust Association, this program assists with transaction costs for conservation easements, for a total of $5,000 per easement transaction. The program assists with completing conservation and trail easements, amending and restating older easements, establishing or updating baseline documentation and installing signs on eased properties.
Chesapeake Bay Watershed Initiative
Under the Chesapeake Bay Watershed Initiative (CBWI), eligible landowners can use available technical and financial assistance to address soil erosion, sedimentation, and excess nutrients in streams and waterways, as well as other related natural resource concerns such as air quality, wetlands, wildlife habitat, and forestry. Applications for CBWI will be accepted continuously and evaluated on a monthly basis. To apply, farmers must fill out an application form and contact their local NRCS office. Pennsylvania agricultural producers located within the Chesapeake Bay watershed may be eligible to apply.
http://www.pa.nrcs.usda.gov/programs/cbwi/index.html
Chesapeake Bay Trust Mini Grants
This program provides up to $5,000.00 for projects that focus on the Chesapeake Bay Trust's priorities. These grants are typically used for educational purposes, small projects, and public awareness initiatives. Grant applications will be considered until funds are exhausted.
http://www.cbtrust.org/site/c.enJIKQNoFiG/b.2028473/k.BBF6/Mini_Grant_Program.htm
Chesapeake Bay Innovative Nutrient and Sediment Reduction Project Grants
The National Fish and Wildlife Foundation, EPA and the Chesapeake Bay Program are providing grants for projects that support cost effective and sustainable approaches to reduce or eliminate pollution to the Chesapeake Bay and its tributaries. Grants between $200,000 and $1 million will be awarded. Applications must be submitted online using Easygrants by February 5, 2010.
American Water Environmental Grant Program
Grants are provided for projects that improve, restore or protect a watershed.
http://www.amwater.com/Ensuring-Water-Quality/environmental-grants-program.html
1675 Foundation
This foundation offers support to organizations for arts/culture,
education, the environment, health, human services and history. Priority is
given to Philadelphia and Chester
Counties. Grants ranging from $2,000 to $50,000 are available to organizations
that are tax exempt under IRS Code 501(c)(3) or public charities under
IRS Code 509(a). Applications are due March 1 and October 1 of each year.
http://www.1675foundation.org/guidelines.htm
Bridgestone Americas Trust Fund
This Trust provides charities with funding to support education,
the environment/conservation, or children’s programs.
http://www.bridgestone-firestone.com/trustfund.asp
William Penn Foundation Grants
This foundation provides grants that protect, conserve, and restore water resources that drain to the Delaware and Schuylkill Rivers.
http://www.williampennfoundation.org/info-url_nocat3569/info-url_nocat.htm
Maryland DNR Grants and Loans
Visit this site for a comprehensive list of Maryland Department
of Natural Resources Grants and Loans.
http://www.dnr.state.md.us/land/grantsandloans/index.asp
Maryland DNR Tree-Mendous Program – Trees for Schools Project
The Trees for Schools Project assists teachers and students in Montgomery County Public Schools to plant native trees in their school yards. Six-foot tall native trees are provided at no charge to the schools with educational fact sheets on how trees benefit the environment.
http://www.dnr.state.md.us/dnrnews/pressrelease2009/081809a.asp
The Maryland Urban and Community Forest Committee (MUCFC) Grants
The Maryland Urban and Community Forest Committee (MUCFC) is providing maximum grants of $1,500 to projects for tree planting and care. Grants are reviewed on or about September 15, February 15 and June 15.
http://www.dnr.state.md.us/forests/programs/urban/grantapp.pdf
PennVEST Loans – Pennsylvania Infrastructure Investment Authority
Loans are provided for drinking water, wastewater and stormwater loans, on-lot sewage disposal funds, and Brownfield redevelopment.
http://www.pennvest.state.pa.us/pennvest/cwp/browse.asp?A=4
Pennsylvania Pollution Prevention Assistance Program (PPAA) Loans
This program provides loans for small businesses to implement pollution prevention and energy-efficiency projects. Funding is provided at a 2% interest rate, up to a 10 year term for 75% of the project cost, up to a maximum of $100,000.00. This program may be used by businesses in Pennsylvania with 100 or less full-time employees for the acquisition and installation of machinery and equipment.
http://www.depweb.state.pa.us/enintech/cwp/view.asp?a=1413&q=503114
Pennsylvania Historical and Museum Commission Grants Page
The PHMC offers many grants covering topics such as Historical Markers, Technical Assistance, Certified Local Governments, and more.
http://www.artsnet.org/phmc/grants.htm#clg
NY DEC Grants
Visit this site for a comprehensive list of New York Department
of Environmental Conservation Grants and Loans.
http://www.dec.ny.gov/pubs/grants.html
USDA Rural Development Water and Waste Disposal (WWD) Loan and Grant Program for Rural Areas
This program provides loans, grants, loan guarantees and technical assistance for water, sanitary, waste and storm drainage facilities in rural areas and towns of 10,000 or less. Assistance is provided to public entities, non-profit organizations and federally recognized Indian tribes. Applications are accepted continually.
http://www.usda.gov/rus/water/program.htm
USDA Technical Assistance and Training Grants for Rural Areas
These grants are provided for identifying solutions for water and waste disposal problems, assist in preparing applications for water and waste grants, and improving operations and maintenance of existing facilities. Private non-profit organizations located in rural areas and towns of 10,000 or less are eligible. Applications accepted October 1 through December 31 every year.
http://www.usda.gov/rus/water/tatg.htm
USDA Solid Waste Management Grant Program for Rural Areas
These grants are provided to public bodies, private non-profit organizations and Native American tribes for reducing/eliminating pollution of water resources and improving planning/management of solid waste sties in rural areas. Applications accepted October 1 through December 31 every year.
http://www.usda.gov/rus/water/SWMG.htm
PA Resource Enhancement and Protection Program (REAP)
This program provides farmers and business with tax credits in exchange for Best Management Practices (BMPs) on agricultural operations to enhance production and protect natural resources. Applications will be accepted till fiscal year 2009-2010 appropriations are committed to projects.
http://www.agriculture.state.pa.us/agriculture/cwp/view.asp?a=3&q=145155
Gannett Foundation – Community Action Grants
Funds are granted to provide education/neighborhood improvement, economic development, youth development, community problem-solving, assistance to disadvantaged people, environmental conservation and cultural enrichment. Applications are due February 16 and August 17 of each year.
http://www.gannettfoundation.org/guidelines.htm
H2O PA – High Hazard Unsafe Dam Projects
Grants between $500,000 and $20,000,000 are provided to municipalities, municipal authorities, the Commonwealth and independent agencies for projects that repair, rehabilitate, or remove all or some of a high hazards unsafe dam.
H2O PA Water Infrastructure Projects Bonds
The Commonwealth Financing Authority has issued $400 million in bonds for projects that impact water, water infrastructure, wastewater systems, and high hazard dam projects. The bonds are designated as “Build AAmerica Bonds” under the American Recovery and Reinvestment Act of 2009. They are taxable bonds with an interest rate subsidized by the federal government. Applications are due July 1, 2010.
Visit http://www.newpa.com/find-and-apply-for-funding/commonwealth-financing-authority/index.aspx and search for H2O PA for more information.
New Jersey DEP Grants and Loans
Visit this site for a comprehensive list of New Jersey Department
of Environmental Protection Grants and Loans.
http://www.nj.gov/dep/grantandloanprograms/index.html
Members of the Earth Day Network Educator’s Network are eligible for grants from $500 to $3,500. They are looking for individuals who are involved with greening their schools. Activities include construction projects, implementing environmental education, performing civic action, and achieving policy reform.
http://www.earthday.net/files/newapp.pdf
Funding and technical expertise is provided for small dam and river barrier removals. Projects should have an economic benefit component, should enhance public safety, and should increase fish populations. Applications are due November 16, 2009.
Coldwater Heritage Partnership – Conservation Grants Program
Grants are provided to protect and conserve the health of Pennsylvania’s coldwater ecosystems. Grants average $6,000 and are designed to help organizations develop conservation plans to identify values and threats to coldwater ecosystems.
http://www.coldwaterheritage.org/grantapplication.htm
Pennsylvania Conservation Corps (PCC) Program
Grants are provided for projects related to conservation, recreation, historical preservation, graffiti removal, and the repair of institutional vandalism. Applications from political subdivisions and eligible nonprofits are due January 8, 2010. Applications from state agencies are due February 5, 2010.
http://www.dli.state.pa.us/landi/cwp/view.asp?A=145&Q=56094
Fish and Boat Commission – Sporting and Aquatic Education Grant Program
Grants are provided up to $5,000 to local governments, community groups and sportsman’s clubs providing fishing, boating and water safety and aquatic resource education programs. Funds can be sued for equipment, materials and costs associated with field trips. Applications are due January 30, 2010.
http://www.fishandboat.com/promo/grants/sportfishing/00sportfishing.htm
U.S. Fish & Wildlife – Great Lakes Basin Restoration Grants
The U.S. Fish & Wildlife Service is requesting pre-proposals for projects that restore fish and/or wildlife and their habitats within the Great Lakes Basin. Pre-proposals are due January 22, 2010.
http://www.fws.gov/midwest/Fisheries/glfwra-grants.html
Foundation for Pennsylvania Watershed Grants
Grants are provided to 501(c)3 nonprofit organizations only. The primary area ranges from the Ohio border to the Susquehanna River’s mainstem. Letters of inquiry for the spring round of grants are due February 27, 2010. Full proposals are due March 23, 2010. Letters of inquiry for the fall round of grants are due August 27, 2010. Full proposals are due October 1, 2010.
http://www.pennsylvaniawatersheds.org/?page_id=20
Five Star Restoration Matching Grants Program
Financial
assistance is provided to diverse local partnerships for wetland, riparian, and
coastal habitat restoration. Applications are due via Easygrants (www.nfwf.org/easygrants)
by February 11, 2010.
http://www.nfwf.org/AM/Template.cfm?Section=Charter_Programs_List&Template=/TaggedPage/TaggedPageDisplay.cfm&TPLID=30&ContentID=14123
Conservation Government Leadership Award
The PA Land Trust Association established this award to honor municipalities and counties involved in conservation. Nominations are due February 5, 2010.
http://conserveland.org/features/gov_leadershipaward
Richard C. Bartlett Environmental Education Award
This annual award is presented by the National Environmental Education Foundation to a high school teacher teacher who has integrated environmental education into his/her daily curriculum. The winner receives $5,000 and a trip to Washington D.C. Nominations are due January 15, 2010.
http://www.neefusa.org/bartlettaward.htm
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If you’re
looking for some online entertainment and love puzzles, it doesn’t
get much better than this. Pick and chose a puzzle from the many
themes like Flowers, Animals, Under the Sea, and more!
See how fast you can piece these puzzles together.
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Link
Of The Month
Wetlands Mapping Standard Webpage
The American Society of Wetland Managers (ASWM) has launched a new webpage
detailing information on the new Wetlands Mapping Standard, which was
adopted August 18, 2009. It was designed to guide wetlands digital mapping
projects and enhance the quality and consistency of wetlands data. To view
the webpage, visit
http://www.aswm.org/fwp/wetlands_mapping_standard/index.htm
To view the Wetlands Mapping Standard, visit http://www.fws.gov/wetlands/_documents/gNSDI/FGDCWetlandsMappingStandard.pdf
BMP of the Month
Soils Amendment & Restoration
This BMP consists of improving soils by restoring soil porosity and/or adding a soil amendment to improve infiltration and/or pollution removal. Typically, a combination of soil amendment and tilling the soil gives the best results. This BMP can reduce stormwater volumes, increase groundwater recharge, reduce peak rate control and improve water quality.
To view the Pennsylvania Stormwater Best Management Practices
Manual, visit
http://www.elibrary.dep.state.pa.us/dsweb/View/Collection-8305
Tools and Publications
EPA Guidance to Help Federal Facilities Better Manage Stormwater
The EPA has issued a report entitled “Technical Guidance on Implementing the Stormwater Runoff Requirements for Federal Projects under Section 438 of the Energy Independence and Security Act”. This guidance will assist federal development projects by reducing stormwater impacts and protecting water resources. It was created in response to new requirements brought on by the Section 438 of the Energy Independence and Security Act of 2007 (EISA) and an Executive Order signed by President Obama.
For more information, visit http://www.epa.gov/owow/nps/lid/section438/
To view the report, visit http://www.epa.gov/owow/NPS/lid/section438/pdf/final_sec438_eisa.pdf
EPA - Solid Waste and Emergency Response Discussion Online Forum
This online forum is open to the public, and is designed to improve communication between the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) and the general public. The first four topics include community involvement, Superfund metrics, toxic material reduction, and land revitalization. A new topic of discussion will be added each month.
EPA News Release, December 3, 2009
http://blog.epa.gov/oswerforum/
An Integrated Wetland Assessment Toolkit
The International Union for Conservation of Nature (IUCN) released this guide to assessing a wetland by its biological, ecological, developmental, and economic values. It outlines stems in performing an integrated wetland assessment.
To view the toolkit, visit http://cmsdata.iucn.org/downloads/iwa_toolkit_lowres.pdf
River Alert and Information Network for Remote Water Quality Monitoring System
The River Alert and Information Network (RAIN) has decided to monitor the water quality in the Monongahela River. They will monitor pH, conductivity and temperature at eleven locations along the Monongahela and its tributaries. They also operate water quality monitoring sites along the Allegheny River and the Ohio River.
Water quality monitoring data can be found by visiting http://www.3rain.org/.
U.S. EPA Releases Annual Enforcement Results and Mapping Tool
The U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) has released enforcement results for FY2009. They have also provided an interactive map that provides information by location on enforcement actions. Users can find information on specific facilities or see which facilities are near “impaired” waters.
US EPA News
Release, December 23, 2009
http://www.epa.gov/compliance/resources/reports/endofyear/eoy2009/index.html
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F. X. Browne, Inc. – Environmental Consulting
F. X.
Browne, Inc.
Engineers – Planners – Scientists
31 Years of Excellence & Innovation
SERVICES
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Watershed Management Programs
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PA
Pocono Office: Marshalls Creek, PA
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For more information, call us at (215) 362-3878 or visit: http://www.fxbrowne.com