MY soul is awakened, my spirit is soaring
And carried aloft on the wings of the breeze;
For above and around me the wild wind is roaring,
Arousing to rapture the earth and the seas.

The long withered grass in the sunshine is glancing,
The bare trees are tossing their branches on high;
The dead leaves, beneath them, are merrily dancing,
The white clouds are scudding across the blue sky.

I wish I could see how the ocean is lashing
The foam of its billows to whirlwinds of spray;
I wish I could see how its proud waves are dashing,
And hear the wild roar of their thunder today!

 -An excerpt from “Lines Composed in a Wood on a Windy Day” written by Anne Bronte (1820-1849)

http://digital.library.upenn.edu/women/bronte/poems/pba-wood.html

  

Editors Note

The West Nile Virus is a growing concern.  Though state agencies are putting forth efforts to control this threat, there are simple things that we can do to decrease the spread and help protect ourselves. 
 

·   Empty any containers or items that could hold water after each rain event.

·   Clean out your roof gutters

·   Aerate small ponds or stock it with fish and/or tadpoles.

·   Protect yourself from being bitten.

·   Treat any standing water that does not have a natural balance.

 

Because of the balanced nature of most naturalized ponds/wetlands, they typically do not harbor mosquitoes due to the natural predators that live there and/or because the water is kept moving and does not go stagnant. 
 

If you would like to improve an existing water feature or are interested in adding one to your property, please contact us at www.fxbrowne.com.  We can design a stormwater basin, pond or wetland based on the specific conditions of your site.  When designed and maintained well, these features can be a great attribute to your property without the concern of infectious mosquitoes. 

 
More information on the West Nile Virus:

Pennsylvania’s West Nile Virus Control Program

http://www.westnile.state.pa.us/

CDC Epidemic/Epizootic West Nile Virus in the United States:  Guidelines for Surveillance, Prevention, and Control

http://www.cdc.gov/ncidod/dvbid/westnile/resources/wnv-guidelines-aug-2003.pdf

CDC Fact Sheet

http://www.cdc.gov/ncidod/dvbid/westnile/wnv_factsheet.htm

 
More information on mosquito habitat:

Rutgers – Larval Habitats of Mosquitoes

http://www.rci.rutgers.edu/~insects/habitat.htm

NDSU – Mosquito Management

http://www.ag.ndsu.edu/pubs/plantsci/pests/e472w.htm

Mosquito Biology for the Homeowner

http://www.entomology.cornell.edu/MedEnt/MosquitoFS/MosquitoFS.html
 

~ Lisen Cummings, Sustainable Environments Editor/Designer

Topic of the Month

Utilizing Wetlands for Stormwater Management

Wetlands are a natural solution to offset impacts caused by development.  They uptake nutrients, improve water quality, increase evapotranspiration, provide wildlife habitat, increase biological diversity, and are aesthetically pleasing.    Engineers are taking advantage of this natural BMP, and are using existing wetlands or creating new wetlands for stormwater management.

 

F. X. Browne, Inc. designed a constructed wetland out of an existing stormwater detention basin at their corporate headquarters in Lansdale.  The wetlands filter and absorb runoff from the parking lot, and have proven to be successful.  Feel free to view a slideshow on their homepage entitled "Using Constructed Wetland to Filter Parking Lot Stormwater Runoff."

 

Stormwater:  The Journal for Surface Water Quality Professionals has published an article in their July-August 2009 edition entitled "Wetlands for Stormwater Management".  This article details constructed wetlands designed by F. X. Browne, Inc. over the years.   Visit the site below to read this article and to learn more about them.

 

Wetlands for Stormwater Management, by Margaret Buranen, Stormwater, July-August 2009

http://www.stormh2o.com/forms/print-7447.aspx

 

If you are interested in restoring, enhancing or creating your own wetlands, F. X. Browne, Inc. can help!  We can design a beautiful constructed wetland to control stormwater runoff that will also enhance the aesthetic and ecological value of your property.

 

News Clips

Treating Urban Runoff with Constructed Wetlands

Constructed wetlands clean stormwater runoff by filtering the water through wetland plants, which uptake contaminants and nutrients.  The El Modena project is a good example of this type of Best Management Practice (BMP), and is an environmental alternative to conventional systems. 

By Megan Monson, WaterWorld

http://www.waterworld.com/index/display/article-display/351744/s-articles/s-urban-water-management/s-volume-3/s-issue-1/s-features/s-treating-urban-runoff-with-constructed-wetlands/s-QP129867/s-cmpid=WaterWorldStormwaterEnlJune182009.html

MIT Researchers Discover Why Concrete Breaks Down

New research performed at the Massachusetts Institute of Technology could increase the density of concrete by 87% by adding a waste product from aluminum production.  This process could make concrete structures last longer.

By Ariel Schwartz, CleanTechnica.com, June 17, 2009

http://cleantechnica.com/2009/06/17/mit-researchers-discover-why-concrete-breaks-down/

Upper Mississippi Floodplain Becomes Wetland of International Importance

Portions of the Upper Mississippi River and the largest national wildlife refuge in the Midwest have been designated as a Wetland of International Importance under the Ramsar Convention on Wetlands.

Environment News Service, June 4, 2009

http://www.ens-newswire.com/ens/jun2009/2009-06-04-093.asp

Delaware Valley Smart Growth Alliance Recognized Projects: April 2009

In April 2009, two projects have been recognized as good examples of smart growth development.  The Kardon Ponds project in Chester County, Pennsylvania; is a 47-acre brownfields infill site.  The Zurbrugg Mansion Redevelopment in Burlington County, New Jersey, is 34 unit mixed-use development.

http://www.delawarevalleysmartgrowth.org/projects.htm

Hybrid American Chestnut Trees Are Carbon Storage Champions

Researchers at Purdue University say that a new hybrid of the American Chestnut tree are excellent at trapping carbon from the atmosphere.  They grow faster and larger than most hardwoods, which mean they can trap a larger amount of carbon.  The American Chestnut has struggled from an introduced Asian fungus blight, which nearly wiped out the entire species.

Environment News Service, June 11, 2009

http://www.ens-newswire.com/ens/jun2009/2009-06-11-092.asp

Shredded Tires on Play Surfaces Could Be Toxic, EPA Admits

EPA documents show that more research is needed on tire crumb, recycled tires that are ground up for playground surfaces.  The tires contain toxic ingredients such as arsenic, cadmium, chromium, mercury and hydrocarbons.  Other concerns are toxins that can enter the lunges from particulates, fibers, volatile organic compounds and latex.  EPA currently promotes the use of tire crumbs in playgrounds.

Environment News Service, June 4, 2009

http://www.ens-newswire.com/ens/jun2009/2009-06-04-091.asp

 

New Version of LEED Tightens Energy Uses, Mandates Monitoring

The new LEED 3.0 version has tightened energy reduction standards and requirements to monitor and report how much energy a building uses.

By Dan Meisler, Ann Arbor Business Review, June 11, 2009

http://www.mlive.com/businessreview/annarbor/index.ssf/2009/06/new_version_of_leed_tightens_e.html

NASA, Japan release Most Complete Topographic Map of Earth

Utilizing detailed measurements from NASA’s Terra spacecraft, a new digital topographic map of Earth has been released, and covers more of our planet than ever before.  This new map provides the most complete global digital elevation data, and can be used for many applications.

June 29, 2009
http://www.nasa.gov/home/hqnews/2009/jun/HQ_09-150_ASTER_Topographic_Map.html

 

 

 

Policy Update

Delaware River Basin Partners Announce Enhanced Protections for Wildlife and Water

The Flexible Flow Management Program governs New York City and the Delaware Basin reservoir diversions and releases.  Two agreements were made between Pennsylvania, New York City and other states within the Delaware River Basin.  The first agreement (for this summer only) protects trout by increasing cold water releases.  The second agreement reduced rapid increase or decrease in reservoir release rates.

PA DEP Daily Update, May 29, 2009

http://www.depweb.state.pa.us/news/cwp/view.asp?a=3&q=546969

 

Strong Support for Wetlands

On June 10, the House Interior appropriations Subcommittee approved President Obama’s request for more than $52 million for the North American Wetlands Conservation Act (NAWCA).  Since NAWCA started in 1989, over 23 million acres of wetlands and waterfowl habitat have been conserved.  Every dollar provided from the federal government must be matched by another source, making this a good investment in our environment.

Erosion Control Magazine, June 10, 2009

http://www.erosioncontrol.com/the-latest/wetlands-restoration-funding.aspx

 

FEMA Provides $5 Million In Grants To Reduce Flood Risks Along Delaware River 

The Department of Homeland Security’s Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) is providing $5.1 million to elevate 24 homes and to acquire and demolish four others throughout Bucks, Leigh, and Pike Counties. 

www.fema.gov, June 19, 2009 Release Number R3-09-013

http://www.fema.gov/news/newsrelease.fema?id=48840

Water Quality Monitoring Network Formed – River Alert and Information Network (RAIN)

 By utilizing a $75,000 grant from the PA DEP, RAIN will develop a water quality monitoring network and source water protection program for the Monongahela River.  They will utilize a computer network to monitor the temperature and quality of water at 13 locations along the river.

http://www.ahs2.dep.state.pa.us/newsreleases/default.asp?ID=5535

http://www.3rain.org/

 

New York's Right to Strictly Regulate Ballast Water Validated

The New York State Supreme Court has upheld the state’s authority on regulating ballast water in state waters at a stricter standard than federal regulations.  Ballast water is dangerous because it has the potential of harboring aquatic invasive species.  Invasive species reproduce at a rate that can overwhelm native species, causing population declines.

Environment News Service, June 3, 2009

http://www.ens-newswire.com/ens/jun2009/2009-06-03-092.asp

 

DOT Secretary Ray LaHood, HUD Secretary Shaun Donovan and EPA Administrator Lisa Jackson Announce Interagency Partnership for Sustainable Communities

The Partnership for Sustainable Communities has stated livability principles to be utilized as a basis for interagency coordination.  These livability principles consist of more transportation choices, equitable/affordable housing, economic competitiveness, supporting existing communities, coordinating policies/leverage investment, and valuing communities/neighborhoods.

US Department of Transportation, Office of Public Affairs, June 16, 2009

http://www.dot.gov/affairs/2009/dot8009.htm

 

 

Green Guide Quizzes This site provides over 20 quizzes for testing yourself to see how eco smart you really are.  Topics include food, travel, sustainable living, houses and more!  http://www.thegreenguide.com/quizzes?source=email_gg_20090624

 

Grants and Awards 

Fund for Wild Nature

The fund for Wild Nature provides funding for campaigns focused on saving and restoring native plant species and ecosystems. The deadline is November 1, 2009.

http://www.fundwildnature.org/proposal.html

 

Foundation For Pennsylvania Watersheds Grants

The Foundation for Pennsylvania Watersheds is now accepting applications for grants to protect healthy, natural streams, clean up pollution, and restore degraded wildlife habitat. The next round of applications are due August 21, 2009. The Foundation for Pennsylvania Watersheds awards grants to 501(c)3 nonprofit citizen groups. The primary service area is from the Ohio boarder to the mainstem of the Susquehanna River. http://www.pennsylvaniawatersheds.org/?page_id=20 

 

EJ Small Grants Program

This grant program provides support to communities that work together on local solutions for environmental or public health issues.  It assists communities in creating collaborative partnerships.

http://www.epa.gov/compliance/environmentaljustice/grants/ej-smgrants.html

 

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

 

Small Business Low-Interest Rate Loans

The Small Business Pollution Prevention Assistance Account (PPAA) Loan Program provides low-interest rate loans for small business projects that reduce waste, pollution or energy use.  The 2% fixed interest loans can fund 75 percent of the project cost to a maximum of $100,000.  For more information, www.depweb.state.pa.us, keyword: PPAA. “ http://www.depweb.state.pa.us/energindependent/cwp/view.asp?a=3&q=543714&enintechNav=|37014|

 

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.

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.

www.conserveland.org/ceap

 

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

 

Growing Greener Plus - PA DEP Watershed & Flood Protection Grants

PA DEP is accepting applications for grants under the Growing Greener Plus program.  Applicable projects should protect watersheds from nonpoint source pollution or restore damaged waterways.  Deadline to apply is July 17, 2009.

http://www.ahs2.dep.state.pa.us/newsreleases/default.asp?ID=5514

 

Growing Greener - Watershed Grants

The PA DEP is providing “grants for acid mine drainage abatement, mine cleanup efforts, abandoned oil and gas well plugging and local watershed-based conservation projects. These projects can include: watershed assessments and development of watershed restoration or protection plans; implementation of watershed restoration or protection projects (stormwater management wetlands, riparian buffer fencing and planting, streambank restoration (especially FGM), agricultural BMPs); construction of mine drainage remediation systems; reclamation of previously mined lands; and demonstration/education projects and outreach activities.”

http://www.depweb.state.pa.us/growinggreener/cwp/view.asp?a=3&q=481344

 

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

 

Upper Delaware Council – Technical Assistance Grant (TAG) Program

Funding is provided to Upper Delaware Towns, Townships, and County governments.  Projects should be focused on implementing the River Management Plan for the Upper Delaware Scenic and Recreational River.  Applications due July 31, 2009 by 4:30pm.

http://www.dcnr.state.pa.us/wrcf/grants/index.aspx

 

Climate Showcase Communities Grants – EPA

Ten million dollars worth of grants will be available to local and tribal governments to assist communities in establishing and implementing climate change initiatives. 

Proposals are due July 22, 2009 at 4:00 p.m. EDT.  The grants are expected to be awarded in January 2010. 

http://epa.gov/cleanenergy/energy-programs/state-and-local/showcase.html

 

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

 

WWEMA/WWD 2009 Student Scholarship

The Water & Wastewater Equipment Manufactures Association (WWEMA) and Water & Wastes Digest (WWD) is providing a $1,000 student scholarship for a student accepted to a college or university in this area of study.  Applicants must have a parent employed by a WWEMA-member company.  An application can be requested by e-mail at wwdeditor@sgcmail.com or by calling 847.391.1011.

 

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

 

EPA – FY 2009 National Wetland Program Development Grants RFP

Grants are provided for projects that support state/tribal/local government wetland programs that address one or more National Priority Areas (state/tribal technical and meeting support, regulation, monitoring and assessment, voluntary restoration/protection, water quality standards for wetlands).  Requests for proposals are due July 15, 2009 at 7:00 p.m. EDT.

http://www.epa.gov/owow/wetlands/pdf/HQrfp09.pdf

 

NY DEC – Landowner Incentive Program (LIP) Grassland Protection Project

The NY DEC is providing $300,000 in grants to private landowners to enhance and restore critical grassland habitat.  This program will help at-risk species that depend on grassland habitat to survive.  The deadline to submit a pre-application is August 1, 2009.

http://www.dec.ny.gov/environmentdec/54805.html

 

NJ DEP – Local Government Greenhouse Gas Reduction Grant Program

The NJ DEP is providing $2.5 million in grants to municipal and county governments, public school districts, county colleges and other local government agencies to calculate and reduce their carbon footprints as well as efforts that reduce the need to drive.  Projects that create green infrastructure such as green buildings, rooftop gardens, resource conservation, programs that market locally grown foods, and public sustainability programs will also be considered.  Applications are due July 31, 2009.

http://www.nj.gov/dep/opsc/ghggrant.html

 

The Nature Conservancy’s 2009 Photo Contest

Submit your picture showing the beauty of nature.  Subjects can including land, water, plants animals and/or people in nature.  Applicants are encouraged to show a wide range of habitats (forest, meadows, lakes, rivers, deserts, rainforests, marine and coral reefs, etc) around the world.  Your picture, if selected, could be included in the 2011 Nature Conservancy’s calendar.  Submission deadline is September 30, 2009.   

http://support.nature.org/site/PageServer?pagename=contest_ph6&autologin=true

$250 Grants for Growing Greener Stories

 

DEP Division of Fish and Wildlife’s Endangered and Nongame Species Program (ENSP) - Two Video Reports

One video features the red knot, a small shorebird as they travel to breeding grounds in the Arctic.  Another video features the recovery of Bald Eagles in New Jersey.  Links can be found at http://www.njfishandwildlife.com/ensphome.htm.

 

USGS Landsat 7 Archive

Users can download standard-format scenes at no charge.  Previous imagery from Landsat 1 through Landsat 5 is also available at no charge.

http://landsat.usgs.gov/

 

NOAA’s nowCOAST Web Portal

This site compiles weather related data and provides it as a geo-referenced map overlay in real time.   The latest update allows users to view cumulative rainfall in various time increments, up to 24 hours.  If using GIS, you can connect to an ArcIMS server and have the data streamed to your desktop.

http://nowcoast.noaa.gov/

 

Photo Slideshow - How Climate Change Threatens Coral Reefs

This photo slideshow features coral reefs, their importance, what’s threatening them and how we can preserve and restore these precious natural features.  It is narrated by Rod Salm, a conservancy marine scientist.

http://www.nature.org/popups/features/art28658.html

To celebrate World Ocean’s Day, this site features great information on our oceans and their habitat.

http://www.nature.org/initiatives/marine/features/art28542.html

 

Eastern Pennsylvania Birding and Wildlife Guide

This free publication provides information to find, identity and enjoy eastern Pennsylvania’s wildlife.  It highlights sites for birding and recreational opportunities such as hiking and biking. 

http://blog.delawareandlehigh.org/2009/06/03/birding-guides-now-available/

http://www.schuylkillriver.org/EastPA_BirdingWildlife_Guide.aspx

 

LandScope America:  Open Space Maps and Data

This online resource provides maps, data, tools, resources, photos and stories about America’s open spaces to inspire conservation. 

http://www.landscope.org/

 

Sustaining Rural Places Toolkit

This website provides many tools for those interested in conservation easements, public participation, land use planning and watershed information.

http://www.sbcouncil.org/Publications/Sustaining-Rural-Places-Toolkit

 

The Golf Course Water Resources Handbook of Best Management Practices

This handbook details the environmental benefits that can be obtained through using Best Management Practices (BMP’s). 

http://www.pecpa.org/gchandbook

 

National Parks Guide

National Geographic has created this guide on 58 national parks, providing photo galleries, maps, quizzes, travel tips and more.

http://travel.nationalgeographic.com/places/parks/index.html?source=email_inside_20090625

 

 

 

 

 

F. X. Browne, Inc.  – Environmental Consulting

F. X. Browne, Inc.
 Engineers – Planners – Scientists
31 Years of Excellence & Innovation

SERVICES

Lake and Water Quality Studies
Watershed Management Programs
Bioengineering Projects
Stormwater Management
Watershed Inventories
Water Quality Monitoring
Laboratory Services
Water Quality & Watershed Modeling
Open Space Planning
Water & Wastewater Planning and Design
Low-Impact Development
Geographic Information Systems
Public Education and Seminars
Wetlands Consulting Services

Corporate Office: Lansdale, PA
Pocono Office: Marshalls Creek, PA
New York Office: Saranac Lake, NY

For more information, call us at (215) 362-3878 or visit: http://www.fxbrowne.com