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F. X. Browne, Inc. |
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Sustainable Environments |
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July 2010 |
"In
Wilderness is the preservation of the world."
–Henry David
Thoreau
Editors Note
Have a “Green” Lawn
Having a
beautiful, lush lawn is the American dream for a summer filled with
walking barefoot in the grass, dancing in sprinklers, and
entertaining friends and family with a picnic or barbeque.
Unfortunately, most lawns are planted with non-native grasses that
require large amounts of water, pesticides and fertilizers. Here
are some helpful ideas to make your lawn more “green” and better for
the environment.
Ø Mow your grass at a height of three inches. This will give your grass more leaf surface to take in more sunlight, develop deeper roots, prevent weeds, retain soil moisture, and be more drought and insect tolerant. Never cut more than a third of the grass length.
Ø Allowing grass clippings to decompose naturally on your lawn reduces the need for chemical pesticides and/or fertilizers. This will save you money and time. It is estimated that 20 to 40 percent of landfill space is taken up with yard waste. If you still wish to bag your clippings, ask your Township if they have a compost drop-site.
Ø If you would like to improve your soil, use organic matter like compost, manure or grass clippings. If your soil is compacted or clay you can aerate it before adding organic amendments.
Ø Reduce your mowing and maintenance by replacing grass with native plants or a vegetable garden. Native ground covers are a great low-maintenance option. If you have a green thumb, plant attractive perennials that will increase your property value. You could plant a theme garden for butterflies, hummingbirds, birds, or any type of wildlife you prefer. Meadows of wildflowers and grasses are attractive and bring a variety of beneficial wildlife. Using plants that are native to your area require less maintenance, pesticides, herbicides and insecticides.
Ø If you live in the woods, you know how difficult it is to grow a lush lawn. A moss garden/lawn is a great option, and feels even better under foot. You can buy or harvest moss, soak it in yogurt or beer (for the yeast) and spread it on loose soil. Soon, you will have a green carpet of soft moss. In the fall, lay down netting for easy leaf removal.
Ø For areas near your house, hook up a rain barrel to your down spout to use for irrigation. This will cut down on your water bill and reduce stormwater runoff.
~ Lisen Cummings, Sustainable Environments Editor/Designer
Feature Article
Deepwater Horizon Oil Spill
In addition to tragically losing the lives of 11 workers, The Deepwater Horizon oil spill off the coast of Louisiana is gearing up to be one of the largest ecological disasters of our lives. We started this feature article in the May edition of Sustainable Environments, and have provided updates in each edition since then. To view these articles, click on the Previous Newsletters link at the top of the newsletter on the main page.
As of July 20, 2010, approximately 17,500 National Guard troops have been authorized (1,644 are active), 42,500 personnel are currently responding to protect the shoreline/wildlife and cleanup the coastlines, over 5,300 vessels are responding, 3.47 million feet of containment boom and 7.48 million feet of sorbent boom have been deployed, nearly 34.5 million gallons of oil-water mixture have been recovered, approximately 1.84 million gallons of dispersant have been deployed (1.07 million on surface and 771,000 subsea), over 411 controlled burns have been conducted, and 17 staging areas have been set up to protect vital shoreline. Approximately 631 miles of the Gulf Coast shoreline is currently oiled (364 miles in Louisiana, 110 miles in Mississippi, 69 miles in Alabama, and 88 miles in Florida). Approximately 83,927 square miles of federal waters are closed to fishing, with 65 percent open.
The article below features Michael Martin, who was sent to the Gulf by F. X. Browne, Inc. to rescue oiled birds. To view the video, visit http://www.wcax.com/global/video.asp?clipId=4910143&autostart=true.
Adirondack Scientist Helps With Gulf
Cleanup
Harrietstown, New York June 30, 2010
Michael Martin sits in his office at Cedar Eden Environmental on
Route 86 in Harrietstown. He just returned from a two week mission to the Gulf
of Mexico. Martin is freshwater scientist who was hired to help with the
disaster down south.
"It really makes your heart sink when you see this oil out there just floating
free," Martin said.
He worked 12-hour days with several other people, rescuing waterfowl from the
water and nesting islands around Grand Isle, La., about 50 miles west of the
gusher on the ocean floor.
"Most of the birds were alive; they were moderately soaked but could still fly.
But they would tire very easily," Martin explained. "Once we identified them we
would chase them and scoop them in a net and bring them to a triage center where
they would receive immediate care and then shipped to another facility for
long-term rehabilitation."
Martin and his crew rescued hundred of birds during the two week stay. He
recalls one mission in particular.
"I think the biggest adventure was when we found this white pelican, it was
unable to fly. It tried its darndest to fly; it got its wing out, paddles its
feet, but it could never get in the air," he said.
While the trip to the save birds may have been exhausting, Martin says the
efforts are worth it.
"If they remain out there, even if they are lightly to moderately oil soaked,
they will eventually die, either from cleaning their feathers or eventually
their inability to fly," he said.
Martin hopes to return to the Gulf of Mexico in the near future to assist with
the disaster cleanup.
Source: Matt Henson, WCAX Channel 3 News
CONTACT INFO
Deepwater Horizon
Incident Joint Information Center
(985) 902-5231 and (985) 902-5240
Report oiled shoreline
or request volunteer information:
(866)-448-5816
Submit alternative
response technology, services or products:
(281) 366-5511
Submit your vessel as a
vessel of opportunity skimming system:
(281) 366-5511
Submit a claim for
damages:
(800) 440-0858
Report oiled wildlife:
(866) 557-1401
Gulf Response
Involvement Team (G.R.I.T.): Volunteers Interested in Assisting in Oil Clean-Up
in Louisiana Should Sign Up and Stand By
http://gulfresponse.org/
Volunteer Florida:
www.volunteerflorida.org.
Florida Gulf Recovery Jobs:
www.floridagulfrecoveryjobs.com or 1-877-362-5034.
INFORMATION SOURCES
The BP website
provides detailed information on their response, including press releases, fact
sheets, photos, maps and more.
http://www.bp.com/productlanding.do?categoryId=40&contentId=7061696
To file a claim with BP, visit
www.bp.com/claims or call 800-440-0858.
In addition, www.disasterassistance.gov has
been enhanced to provide a one-stop shop for information on how to file a claim
with BP and access additional assistance—available in English and Spanish.
The Environmental
Protection Agency (EPA) has launched a website on the impacts of the spill
and their response.
http://www.epa.gov/bpspill/
Restore
the Gulf.gov, a new
federal website, provides information and resources related to the BP Deepwater
Horizon oil spill and recovery. This website will replace the existing Deepwater
Horizon Response Website.
http://www.restorethegulf.gov/
The Deepwater Horizon
Response website provides information on the response from the U.S. Coast
Guard and other responding agencies.
http://www.deepwaterhorizonresponse.com/go/site/2931/
The White House Deepwater BP Oil Spill Website
http://www.whitehouse.gov/deepwater-bp-oil-spill/
The National Park Service provides
updates about park closures, resources at risk, and NPS actions to protect parks
and wildlife.
http://www.nps.gov/aboutus/oil-spill-response.htm
The Fish and Wildlife
Service provides updates about response and the status of national wildlife
refuges.
http://www.fws.gov/home/dhoilspill/
Mapping the Response to
BP Oil Spill in the Gulf of Mexico
This website offers the latest data on the oil spill’s trajectory with fishery
area closures, wildlife data, locations of oiled shoreline, locations of
deployed research ships in an interactive map. It was developed by NOAA with
the EPA, U.S. Coast Guard, and the Department of Interior. It contains data
from Homeland Security, the Coast Guard, the Fish and Wildlife Service, EPA,
NASA, U.S. Geological Survey, and the Gulf states.
http://www.geoplatform.gov/gulfresponse/
NASA Satellite Imagery:
Keeping Eye on the Gulf Spill provides satellite imagery of the oil spill.
http://www.nasa.gov/topics/earth/features/oil-creep.html
The National Oceanic and
Atmospheric Administration (NOAA) website provides up-to-date information,
fact sheets, trajectory maps, and more.
http://response.restoration.noaa.gov/topic_subtopic_entry.php?RECORD_KEY%28entry_subtopic_topic%29=entry_id,subtopic_id,topic_id&entry_id(entry_subtopic_topic)=809&subtopic_id(entry_subtopic_topic)=2&topic_id(entry_subtopic_topic)=1
For daily updates on fishing closures, visit http://sero.nmfs.noaa.gov.
NOAA has launched this federal website with data and information
http://www.geoplatform.gov/gulfresponse/
NOAA Models Long-Term
Oil Threat to Gulf and East Coast Shoreline
Deepwater Horizon Response Website, July 2, 2010
https://www.piersystem.com/go/doc/2931/732603/
To learn more about the Deepwater Horizon Statistical Modeling, visit
http://response.restoration.noaa.gov/dwh.php?entry_id=815
NOAA Fact Sheet: Hurricanes and the Oil Spill
http://gulfseagrant.tamu.edu/oilspill/facts_hurricane.htm
NOAA Gulf of Mexico Oil Spill Fact Sheet,
April 2010
http://gulfseagrant.tamu.edu/oilspill/facts_general.htm
NOAA Science Missions: BP Deepwater Horizon
Oil Spill
http://www.noaa.gov/sciencemissions/bpoilspill.html
Link to the full NOAA
Ship Thomas Jefferson Deepwater Horizon Response Mission Report, Interim Project
Report-Leg 2, June 3-11, 2010
http://www.noaa.gov/sciencemissions/PDFs/tj_deepwaterhorizon_responsemissionreport_june3_11_2010final.pdf
CNN’s Interactive Oil
Spill Tracking Map shows the past and
present movement of the spill.
http://www.cnn.com/2010/US/04/29/interactive.spill.tracker/index.html
A Ten-Year
Study of Shoreline Conditions in the Exxon Valdez Spill Zone, Prince William
Sound, Alaska
By David S. Page and Edward S. Gilfillan
http://www.bowdoin.edu/faculty/d/dpage/html/evos10yr.shtml
Our Ocean Planet:
Oceanography in the 21st century – An Online Textbook (Oil Spills)
By Robert Stewart
http://oceanworld.tamu.edu/resources/oceanography-book/oilspills.htm
The Living Green Online
Magazine provides news articles,
videos, maps, and more
http://www.livinggreenmag.com/gulf_spill.html
This website shows the
magnitude of the BP Horizon Oil Spill.
Enter your city to see how this spill would affect you personally.
http://www.ifitwasmyhome.com/
Calculating the Impact
of the Spilled Oil
This online calculator makes brings home the impact of the Deepwater Horizon
Spill. Though spill estimates by BP were originally 5,000 barrels per day,
scientists are now estimating approximately 35,000 to 60,000 barrels each day.
As of July 16, 2010, the amount of oil that is estimated to have spilled (if
refined to fuel in a typical US refinery) could have fueled 155,000 cars, 12,900
trucks and 216 containership days for a year. Visit this website to get the most
up-to-date estimates.
University of Delaware
http://www.ceoe.udel.edu/getinvolved/oilSpill.aspx
The American Society of
Civil Engineers (ASCE) Monitors the Gulf Oil Spill Disaster
http://www.asce.org/PPLContent.aspx?id=2147488665
Quiz: What
You Don't Know About Oil Spills
National Geographic
http://environment.nationalgeographic.com/environment/energy/great-energy-challenge/oil-spill-quiz/?source=email_gg
Oil Spill Educator
Resource
The National Wildlife Federations’ online Eco-Schools USA resource is provided
to help parents and educators learn more about the BP oil spill. The resource
contains oil spill and wetland activities and information, a guide on how to
talk with children, and expert answers on the spill.
http://www.nwf.org/Global-Warming/School-Solutions/Eco-Schools-USA/Become-an-Eco-School/Special-Report.aspx
RESPONDING TO OIL SPILLS
IN COASTAL MARSHES: THE FINE LINE BETWEEN HELP AND HINDRANCE
HAZMAT Report 96-1, December 1995, By Rebecca Z. Hoff, Hazardous Materials
Response and Assessments Division, National Oceanic and Atmospheric
Administration
http://response.restoration.noaa.gov/book_shelf/965_HelpHind.pdf
Gulf of Mexico
Research Plan: Deepwater
Horizon Oil Spill Rapid Research Needs Assessment
http://gulfseagrant.tamu.edu/oilspill/GMRP_oil_spill_research.htm
The Gulf of Mexico oil
spill website, hosted by the GOM Sea
Grant programs provides links to a wide variety of information including fact
sheets, maps, reports, and more!
http://gulfseagrant.tamu.edu/oilspill/index.htm
NEWS ARTICLES
Here are some interesting articles detailing the tragedy and efforts to date to correct the problem. They are arranged chronologically.
Timeline: Gulf of Mexico
Oil Spill
Reuters, June 16, 2010
http://www.reuters.com/article/idUSTRE65F05V20100616
NOAA Ship Thomas
Jefferson Continues Deepwater Horizon Spill Study Mission
ScienceDaily,
June 17, 2010
http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2010/06/100616133850.htm
Lawmakers Accuse BP
Chief of Evasion Over Oil Spill
By Christopher Doering and Timothy Gardner, Reuters, June 17, 2010
http://www.reuters.com/article/idUSN1416392020100617
Transcripts of
Fact-Finding Joint Investigation Available for May 26 - 29, 2010
Deepwater Horizon
Response Website, June 17, 2010
https://www.piersystem.com/go/doc/3043/670403/
VIDEO: Gulf Residents
Concerned About Oil Spill's Health Impacts
By Erika Brekke, onearth, June 17, 2010
http://www.onearth.org/multimedia/video/gulf-residents-concerned-about-oil-spills-health-impacts
Feds Probe Gulf Spill
Health Risks: House Committee Heard Charges of BP Interference with Worker
Protection
By Janet Raloff, ScienceNews, June 17, 2010
http://www.sciencenews.org/view/generic/id/60373/title/Feds_probe_Gulf_spill_health_risks
Factbox: Major Gulf
Deepwater Operations Affected by Moratorium
Reuters, June 17, 2010
http://www.reuters.com/article/idUSTRE65F6LL20100617
Gulf Oil Spill:
Mississippi River Hydrology May Help Reduce Oil Onshore
ScienceDaily, June 18, 2010
http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2010/06/100617120720.htm
Initial Observations
from the NOAA Ship Thomas Jefferson
Deepwater Horizon Response Website, June 21, 2010
https://www.piersystem.com/go/doc/2931/678723/
ExxonMobil CEO Says Oil
Industry “Not Well Equipped” For Deep Water Spill
By BC Upham, triplepundit.com, June 21, 2010
http://www.triplepundit.com/2010/06/exxonmobil-ceo-says-oil-industry-not-well-equipped-for-deep-water-spill/
Administration Sends
Third Bill to BP
Deepwater Horizon Response Website, June 21, 2010
https://www.piersystem.com/go/doc/2931/683903/
Lawsuit Seeks $19
Billion in Clean Water Act Penalties From BP
From the Center for Biological Diversity, Environmental News Network, June 21,
2010
http://www.enn.com/press_releases/3399
Methane in Gulf
"astonishingly high": U.S. scientist
By Julie Steenhuysen, Reuters, June 22, 2010
http://www.reuters.com/article/idUSTRE65L6IA20100622
Judge Blocks White House
Ban on Drilling
By Jennifer A. Dlouhy, Washington Bureau, The Houston Chronicle, June 23, 2010
http://www.chron.com/disp/story.mpl/business/7074803.html
Administration’s Joint
Analysis Group Releases First Scientific Report on Subsea Monitoring data from
Gulf Spill
Deepwater Horizon Response Website, June 23, 2010
https://www.piersystem.com/go/doc/2931/690999/
Voyages of the NOAA Ship
Thomas Jefferson
By David A. Gabel, Environmental News Network, June 23, 2010
http://www.enn.com/top_stories/article/41465
Link to the full NOAA Ship Thomas Jefferson
Deepwater Horizon Response Mission Report, Interim Project Report-Leg 2, June
3-11, 2010
http://www.noaa.gov/sciencemissions/PDFs/tj_deepwaterhorizon_responsemissionreport_june3_11_2010final.pdf
NOAA Opens More Than
8,000 Square Miles of Fishing Closed Area in Gulf of Mexico
Deepwater Horizon Response Website, June 23, 2010
https://www.piersystem.com/go/doc/2931/692927/
Suspension of Lower
Marine Riser Package Containment Cap Operations
Deepwater Horizon Response Website, June 23, 2010
https://www.piersystem.com/go/doc/2931/691031/
Factbox: How a Relief
Well Works
Reuters, June 25, 2010
http://www.reuters.com/article/idUSTRE65H5FI20100625
Factbox: BP'S Increased
Capacity to Handle Oil, Next Steps
Reuters, June 25, 2010
http://www.reuters.com/article/idUSTRE65H5OB20100625
Reseachers Predict
Larger-Than-Average Gulf 'Dead Zone'; Impact of Oil Spill Unclear
ScienceDaily, June 28, 2010
http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2010/06/100628124611.htm
Oil Spill Hits
Mississippi Shore
From Tom Bergin and Leigh Coleman, Reuters, Environmental News Network, June 28,
2010
http://www.enn.com/top_stories/article/41479
NOAA Expands Fishing
Closed Area in Gulf of Mexico
Approximately 80,228 square miles are closed, which is approximately 33.2
percent of Gulf of Mexico federal waters.
Deepwater Horizon
Response Website, June 28, 2010
https://www.piersystem.com/go/doc/2931/719127/
Use Of Respirators for
Responders
Deepwater Horizon Response Website, July 1, 2010
https://www.piersystem.com/go/doc/2931/731603/
Coast Guard and EPA Send
Directive to BP on Oil Spill Waste Management Plan
Deepwater Horizon Response Website, July 1, 2010
https://www.piersystem.com/go/doc/2931/731331/
Florida State
Investigates How Fast Microbes Can Break Down Oil In Gulf Beach Sands
Pollution Online, July 2, 2010
http://www.pollutiononline.com/article.mvc/Florida-State-Investigates-How-Fast-Microbes-0001?user=2361275&source=nl:28020
NOAA Expands Fishing
Closed Area in Gulf of Mexico
The closed are is 81,181 square miles or approximately 33.5% of the Gulf of
Mexico federal waters.
Deepwater Horizon
Response Website, July 4, 2010
https://www.piersystem.com/go/doc/2931/737643/
Oil Spills Raise Arsenic
Levels in the Ocean, Says New Research
ScienceDaily, July 5, 2010
http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2010/07/100702100144.htm
Tar Balls Along Texas
Coast are from Deepwater Horizon; How They Arrived Unclear
Deepwater Horizon Response Website, July 5, 2010
https://www.piersystem.com/go/doc/2931/740443/
Oil Reported in Lake
Pontchartrain
Deepwater Horizon Response Website, July 5, 2010
https://www.piersystem.com/go/doc/2931/740343/
New Heavy Oil Recovery
Device Improves Oil Recovery Efforts in the Gulf, Brings Work to Local Shipyards
and Machine Shops
Deepwater Horizon Response Website, July 5, 2010
https://www.piersystem.com/go/doc/2931/738983/
Tar Balls in Texas Mean
Oil Hits all 5 Gulf States
By Juan A. Lozano, Associated Press, July 6, 2010
http://news.yahoo.com/s/ap/20100706/ap_on_bi_ge/us_gulf_oil_spill
Long-Term Fate of Gulf
Oil Spill: Computer Simulations Show Oil Reaching Up the Atlantic Coastline and
Toward Europe
ScienceDaily, July 6, 2010
http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2010/07/100706103408.htm
EPA Fired
Oil-Degradation Expert Concerned about Deepwater Oil Rigs
From
www.sludgefacts.org, Environmental News Network, July 7, 2010
http://www.enn.com/press_releases/3422
How Fast Can Microbes
Break Down Oil Washed Onto Gulf Beaches?
ScienceDaily, July 8, 2010
http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2010/07/100707222312.htm
Letter from National
Incident Commander Admiral Thad Allen to BP Chief Managing Director Bob Dudley
Deepwater Horizon Response Website, July 8, 2010
https://www.piersystem.com/go/doc/2931/766263/
Letter from BP Chief
Managing Director Bob Dudley to National Incident Commander Admiral Thad Allen
Deepwater Horizon Response Website, July 9, 2010
http://www.deepwaterhorizonresponse.com/posted/2931/Ltr_to_Admiral_Allen_with_attachments_09_07_10.770167.pdf
Appeals Court Rejects
U.S. Request to Restore Drilling Moratorium
By Rebecca Mowbray, The Times-Picayune, July 8, 2010, Updated July 9, 2010
http://www.nola.com/news/gulf-oil-spill/index.ssf/2010/07/appeals_court_rejects_us_reque.html
BP to Test New Cap to
Stem Oil Flow
By Kristen Hays, Reuters, July 13, 2010
http://www.reuters.com/article/idUSTRE65O5TA20100713
Q+A: How Does BP's New
Cap Work?
By Chris Baltimore and Kristen Hays, Reuters, July 13, 2010
http://www.reuters.com/article/idUSTRE66C50920100713
BP Relief Well Blowout
Preventers Needed Fixes: Salazar
By Kristen Hays and Anna Driver, Reuters, July 13, 2010
http://www.reuters.com/article/idUSTRE66C6D120100713
Administration Sends
Fourth Bill to BP
Deepwater Horizon Response Website, July 13, 2010
http://www.deepwaterhorizonresponse.com/go/doc/2931/778879/
Team Develops Non-Toxic
Oil Recovery Agent
ScienceDaily, July 15, 2010
http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2010/07/100714151749.htm
Gulf of Mexico Oil
Spill: Well Integrity Test Shows Oil Stopped: BP Says Oil Stops Leaking in Test
for First Time in 87 Days
By Bradley Blackburn and David Muir, ABC World News, July 15, 2010
http://abcnews.go.com/WN/gulf-oil-spill-bps-cap-success-oil-stops/story?id=11173330
BP Gulf Well Cap Works
So Far
By Kristen Hays and Ross Colvin, Reuters, July 16, 2010
http://www.reuters.com/article/idUSTRE65O5TA20100716
Transcript - PressBrief with National
Incident Commander Admiral Thad Allen July 16, 2010
Deepwater Horizon Response Website, July 17, 2010
http://app.restorethegulf.gov/go/doc/2931/789331/
Statement by National
Incident Commander Admiral Thad Allen On Well Integrity Test
Deepwater Horizon Response Website, July 17, 2010
http://www.deepwaterhorizonresponse.com/go/doc/2931/790207/
Letter from National Incident Commander
Admiral Thad Allen to BP Chief Managing Director Bob Dudley
Deepwater Horizon Response Website, July 18, 2010
http://www.piersystem.com/go/doc/2931/791591/
Oil Seeping From Gulf Floor Near Well, but Coast Guard Allows Cap to Stay in
Place Another 24 Hours
By Mark Schleifstein, The Times-Picayune, published July 18, 2010, Updated July
18, 2010
http://www.nola.com/news/gulf-oil-spill/index.ssf/2010/07/oil_seeping_from_gulf_floor_ne.html
Louisiana Constructing
Islands in the Gulf to Aid in Oil Cleanup
By David A. Fahrenthold, The Washington Post, July 19, 2010
http://www.washingtonpost.com/wp-dyn/content/article/2010/07/18/AR2010071802838.html?hpid=topnews
DISPERSANTS
Oil dispersants are chemicals that break down oil into small drops. This is used to prevent the oil from reaching the surface of the water or the shoreline. Though dispersants are toxic, they are generally less toxic than oil and biodegrade more quickly.
On May 15, 2010, the Coast Guard and EPA approved the use of dispersants underwater, at the source of the Deepwater Horizon leak. The EPA’s Dispersant Monitoring and Assessment Directive for Subsurface Dispersant Application (issued May 10) required BP to implement a monitoring and assessment plan for the use of dispersants. Addendum 1 (issued May 14) required a more thorough oil analysis to determine whether the plume is toxic to aquatic life. Addendum 2 (issued May 20) required BP to use a less toxic and more effective dispersant. The EPA is posting results from ongoing monitoring of BP’s use of underwater dispersants at http://www.epa.gov/bpspill.
For more information on dispersants, the EPA directive, and BP’s response to the directive, visit EPA’s website at http://www.epa.gov/bpspill/dispersants/
Questioning the
Effectiveness of Oil Dispersants in Gulf Oil Spill
ScienceDaily, June 17, 2010
http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2010/06/100616122130.htm
EPA Releases
First Round of Toxicity Testing Data for Eight Oil Dispersants
The U.S. EPA released results from the first round of toxicity testing on eight
oil dispersants. Results showed that none of the dispersants (including Corexit
9500, which is currently being used in the Gulf) displayed biologically
significant endocrine disrupting activity. All of the dispersants alone (not
mixed with oil) had similar impact on aquatic life. However, JD-2000 and
Corexit 9500 were the least toxic to small fish and JD-2000 and SAF-RON GOLD
were the least toxic to mysid shrimp. The EPA will conduct additional research
before making a final recommendation. The next phase of testing will study the
acute toxicity of multiple concentrations of Louisiana Sweet Crude Oil and
different combinations of Louisiana Sweet Crude Oil with the dispersants for two
test species.
To view the first round of test results. visit
http://www.epa.gov/bpspill/dispersants.
EPA News Release, June 30, 2010
http://yosemite.epa.gov/OPA/ADMPRESS.NSF/d0cf6618525a9efb85257359003fb69d/2b73ee902b54e4f585257752006591fd!OpenDocument
Deepwater Horizon
Dispersant Use Meeting Report (May 26-27, 2010)
Report Issued by: Coastal Response Research Center, University of New Hampshire,
June 4, 2010, Revision 3
http://www.crrc.unh.edu/dwg/dwh_dispersants_use_meeting_report.pdf
Dispersants and Your
Health
Available from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention
http://gulfseagrant.tamu.edu/oilspill/dispersants_health.htm
PHOTOS
NASA’s Latest Images
http://www.nasa.gov/topics/earth/features/oilspill/index.html
EPA’s Photostream
http://www.flickr.com/photos/usepagov
The Multimedia section
of the Deepwater Horizon Response website provides photo, video and audio
releases.
Follow the link below and click on
News/Info, Multimedia, and then Multimedia Releases.
https://www.piersystem.com/go/site/2931/
Gulf Oil Spill Slideshow
Photos captured by photographer Bridget Besaw,
www.nature.org
http://www.nature.org/popups/features/art31814.html
PHOTO RELEASE:
Responders move sea turtle eggs
Deepwater Horizon Response Website
https://www.piersystem.com/go/doc/2931/729855/
Gulf Spill Pictures:
Toxic Oil Found Just Under Beaches
National Geographic
http://news.nationalgeographic.com/news/2010/07/photogalleries/100705-gulf-oil-spill-beaches-florida-nation-pictures/?source=email_inside#oil-under-pensacola-beach-students-digging_22938_600x450.jpg
PHOTO RELEASE: Baby
Pelicans Transferred To Miami to Continue Recovery
Deepwater Horizon Response Website
http://www.deepwaterhorizonresponse.com/go/doc/2931/771819/
PLANTS AND WILDLIFE
The oil spill will negatively impact the plants, wildlife and ecosystems in its path. The Gulf of Mexico is home to 10 species of threatened sharks, 6 species of endangered turtles, manatees, whales and fish within its deeper waters. Dozens of species of fish and shellfish also lay their eggs on the surface of the water. Oil spills affect the smallest and largest marine life, and threaten life up and down the food chain. For more detailed information, read the articles below.
Oiled birds being sent to treatment facilities are examined for blood values, weight, and the extent of oiling. Many are dehydrated when they arrive. They are allowed to rest and recover until they are stable enough to withstand the washing process. It can take about 45 minutes to an hour to wash a bird. They use about 300 gallons of water and Dawn detergent. The wastewater has to be disposed of in accordance with regulations. Cleaned birds recover until they are waterproof and able to be released. Federal bird identification bands are attached and the birds are released in a safe location.
Consolidated Fish and
Wildlife Collection Report
This report provides information on
fish and wildlife collected in the Deepwater Horizon/BP incident impact area.
It is updated each day at noon.
http://www.deepwaterhorizonresponse.com/go/doctype/2931/55963
Distribution and
Abundance of Fishes and Invertebrates in Gulf of Mexico Estuaries Volume I: Data
Summaries
ELMR
Report Number 10,
September 1992, U.S. Department of Commerce National Oceanic and
Atmospheric Administration National Ocean Service
http://ccma.nos.noaa.gov/publications/biogeography/ELMRGulfMexVol1.pdf
Fish Stocks in the Gulf
of Mexico Fact Sheet
April 2010
http://gulfseagrant.tamu.edu/oilspill/facts_fishstocks.htm
Economic Impacts to
Fisheries and Coastal Habitat
April 30, 2010
http://gulfseagrant.tamu.edu/oilspill/economic.htm
Oil-spill Response Plan
to Protect Sea Turtle Nests and Hatchlings Released
Deepwater Horizon Response Website, June 26, 2010
https://www.piersystem.com/go/doc/2931/714499/
Lawsuit Launched to
Force BP and Coast Guard to Protect Turtles From Burning Alive
From the Center for Biological Diversity, Environmental News Network, June 30,
2010
http://www.enn.com/press_releases/3416
U.S. Fish and Wildlife
Service Develops Strategy to Help Waterfowl and other Migratory Birds Weather
the Gulf Coast Oil Spill
Deepwater Horizon Response Website, June 30, 2010
https://www.piersystem.com/go/doc/2931/725231/
Delta Bulrush Plant
Could Help Ease Oil Spill Crisis, Botanist Says
ScienceDaily, June 29, 2010
http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2010/06/100628112111.htm
VIDEO RELEASE: An oiled
gannet gets cleaned at the Theodore Oiled Wildlife Rehabilitation Center
Deepwater Horizon Response Website
https://www.piersystem.com/go/doc/2931/673243/
VIDEO: Gulf Coast
Pelicans Fight for Survival
By Erika Brekke,
www.onearth.org, June 29, 2010
http://www.onearth.org/multimedia/video/gulf-pelicans-fight-for-survival
Endangered Sea Turtle
Nests to Receive Special Transportation
Deepwater Horizon Response Website, July 1, 2010
https://www.piersystem.com/go/doc/2931/730547/
Unified
Area Command Continues to Build a Sea Turtle Observer Program for On-Water Oil
Clean-up
Deepwater Horizon Response Website, July 2, 2010
https://www.piersystem.com/go/doc/2931/734531/
Using Sound Science,
Fish and Wildlife Service Addresses Urgent Habitat Needs for Birds and Other
Wildlife Along the Gulf Coast
Deepwater Horizon Response Website, July 7, 2010
https://www.piersystem.com/go/doc/2931/763611/
Protecting Wild Dolphins
During the Gulf Oil Spill
Deepwater Horizon Response Website, July 8, 2010
https://www.piersystem.com/go/doc/2931/765851/
Two New Species of
Pancake Batfishes Discovered from Area Engulfed by Oil Spill
ScienceDaily, July 8, 2010
http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2010/07/100708111206.htm
State and Federal
Wildlife Agencies, Other Partners, Move to Safeguard Sea Turtle Nests; FedEx
Providing Transportation to Florida’s Space Coast
Deepwater Horizon Response Website, July 9, 2010
https://www.piersystem.com/go/doc/2931/770415/
New ”Walking” Fishes
Discovered in Gulf Oil-Spill Zone
By Susan Milius, ScienceNews, July 14, 2010
http://www.sciencenews.org/view/generic/id/61109/title/New_%E2%80%9Dwalking%E2%80%9D_fishes_discovered_in_Gulf_oil-spill_zone
Effects of Oil on
Wildlife
Oiled Wildlife Care Network
http://www.owcn.org/about-oiled-wildlife/effects-of-oil-on-wildlife
The Oil Spill’s Effects
on Wildlife
By Haeyoun Park, Xaquin G.V., Graham Roberts, Erin Aigner and Shan Carter, The
New York Times, July 14, 2010
http://www.nytimes.com/interactive/2010/04/28/us/20100428-spill-map.html?ref=us
Gulf of Mexico Oil Spill
Resources: The Louisiana Marine Mammal and Sea Turtle Rescue Program (LMMSTRP)
http://www.auduboninstitute.org/gulf-oil-spill-resources
State and Federal
Biologists Closely Monitoring Oiled Birds on Raccoon Island
Deepwater Horizon Response Website, July 16, 2010
http://www.deepwaterhorizonresponse.com/go/doc/2931/789139/
Scientists Ask Public to
Report Banded Birds to Help Scientific Research
Deepwater Horizon Response Website, July 18, 2010
http://www.deepwaterhorizonresponse.com/go/doc/2931/791335/
News Clips
America's Most Endangered Rivers: 2010 Edition
American Rivers has
released their 2010 edition of the America’s Most Endangered Rivers report. The
ten rivers across the U.S. with the most critical and near-term threats were
stated to be the Upper Delaware River (PA/NY), Sacramento-San Joaquin River
Delta (CA), Gauley River (WV), Little River (NC),
Cedar River (IA), Upper Colorado River (CO), Chetco River (OR), Teton River
(ID), Monongahela River (PA/WV), and the Coosa River (AL).
To view the report, visit
http://www.americanrivers.org/our-work/protecting-rivers/endangered-rivers/.
Making Lake and Stream Conservation More Effective
Scientists from Michigan
State University have developed a new approach that makes management and
conservation of freshwater lakes, streams and wetlands more effective. The
approach is called landscape limnology, and considers all freshwaters together
as they interact with each other and the world. This provides a broader
understanding of freshwater resources, which helps with managing and protecting
these resources. Landscape limnology combines data from geographical information
systems (GIS), satellites, aerial photos, with data collected in the field.
They then evaluate the data including land use, soils, geology, fish population
numbers, and or nutrient levels to create models to determine the best
management and conservation strategies. The goal is to see freshwater resources
as part of a complex landscape rather than viewing an isolated entity.
ScienceDaily, June 5, 2010
http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2010/06/100602193421.htm
Aquatic Life Declines at Early Stages of Urban Development, Research Finds
A new study by the U.S. Geological Survey shows that the number of native fish and aquatic insects declines at low levels of development, even those considered protective for stream communities. It shows that pollution sensitive aquatic insects can decline by one third when impervious cover reaches 10 percent of a watershed area. The main factors that affect these communities includes rapid rise and fall in stream flow, changes in temperature, and contaminants found in stormwater such as fertilizers and insecticides.
ScienceDaily, June 4, 2010
http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2010/06/100603172215.htm
To listen to the USGS
Corecast Episode 127, visit
http://www.usgs.gov/corecast/details.asp?ep=127
To view the full report, the key findings, and podcasts, visit
http://water.usgs.gov/nawqa/urban/
Beachwood's BASF Creates New Crack-Resistant Concrete
BASF Construction Chemicals has created a concrete that is virtually crack-proof, called “ZERO-C”. It can be used for restoration construction, driveways, sidewalks, balconies, and many other projects. It costs about five percent more than what is currently on the market. High-performance concrete can crack within a few days as it shrinks and cures. ZERO-C has resisted cracking for more than 120 days after being poured.
By
Janet Cho, The Plain Dealer, Cleveland.com, May 27, 2010
http://www.cleveland.com/business/index.ssf/2010/05/basf_in_beachwood_says_its_new.html
USGS Science Helps Disaster-Struck Communities Understand Flash Flooding
Over 20 people died in a flash flood on June 11 along the Little Missouri River in Southwest Arkansas, in which waters rose over 20 feet in just five hours. The USGS sent a team of scientists to study the flood and understand what happened and why. This information will help emergency management and the National Weather Service protect and educate the public on flash flooding, which are caused by intense storms that dump large amounts of rain in short periods of time. Scientists are surveying the high water marks and the geometry of the river to run hydraulic models to estimate peak flow rates of the flood.
ScienceDaily, June 17, 2010
http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2010/06/100616135050.htm
Pictures: Arkansas Flash Flood
Aftermath
http://news.nationalgeographic.com/news/2010/06/photogalleries/100615-arkansas-flash-flood-flooding-nation-pictures/?source=email_gg#arkansas-flooding-little-missouri-minivan_21622_600x450.jpg
EPA Approves New York State’s List of Impaired Waters
The 2010 list of waters in
New York State that are impaired or threatened by pollutants has been approved
by the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA). An impaired water body does
not meet water quality standards and a threatened water body is expected to be
impaired within two years. The list is helpful in setting priorities for
addressing water pollution. The Clean Water Act requires states to assess and
report on the quality of their waters every two years. The Long Island’s South
Shore Estuary, shore areas of Lake Ontairo, and water bodies contiguous with the
lands of several Native American Nations were added to the 2010 list.
For a complete list of impaired waters in New York state, visit
http://www.epa.gov/region02/water/waterbodies.
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The Foundation for Pennsylvania Watersheds and the Green Team has launched the Renew Growing Greener Campaign. Visit their website below to learn more about this movement, read the Renew Growing Greener Fact Sheet, and to provide an individual support letter or an organizational support letter. In the past four years alone, Growing Greener has protected over 33,700 acres of family farmland, conserved over 42,300 acres of threatened open space, improve public recreation through 234 community park projects, and restored over 1,600 acres of abandoned mine land. Show your support for this program! http://www.renewgrowinggreener.org/
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Policy Update
EPA to Initiate Rulemaking to Reduce Harmful Effects of Sanitary Sewer Overflows
The U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) is initiating a rulemaking to protect the U.S. from sanitary sewer overflows (SSOs) and basement backups. These overflows are dangerous because they discharge untreated wastewater that contain bacteria, viruses, suspended solids, toxics, trash, and pollutants into our waterways. Overflows can also contaminate beaches, shellfish beds, drinking water and other sensitive environments. EPA is considering modifying the existing regulations to (1) establish a standard National Pollutant Discharge Elimination System (NPDES) permit conditions for publicly owned treatment works permits that address collection systems and SSOs; and (2) clarify the regulatory framework to applying NPDES permit conditions to municipal satellite collection systems. They may also address questions about peak wet weather flows at municipal wastewater treatment plants. The EPA will hold public listening sessions. The public can submit written comments on the potential rule until 60 days after publication in the Federal Register on May 26, 2010.
EPA News Release, May 27, 2010
http://cfpub.epa.gov/npdes/home.cfm?program_id=4
EPA Proposes New Permit Requirements for Pesticide Discharges
On April 9, 2009, a court decision found that pesticide discharges to waterways were pollutants, therefore requiring a permit. The U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) is proposing a new permit requirement to decrease the amount of pesticids discharged into waterways. The proposed permit would require operators to use the lowest effective amount of pesticides, prevent leaks and spills, calibrate equipment and monitor and report adverse incidents. Additional requirements are added to those who exceed an annual treatment area threshold. The draft permit covers mosquito and other flying insect pest control, aquatic weed and algae control, aquatic nuisance animal control, and forest canopy pest control. The permit will be finalized in December and will take effect on April 9, 2011. Public comments are accepted 45 days after publication in the Federal Register on June 4, 2010.
EPA News Release, June 2, 2010
http://cfpub.epa.gov/npdes/home.cfm?program_id=410
EPA Proposes Updating Drinking Water Rule to Better Protect Public Health
The U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) is proposing to revise a national primary drinking water regulation to protect against waterborne pathogens in the distribution systems of public water systems. These pathogens can cause symptoms such as abdominal pain, kidney failure, hepatitis or chronic concerns. The EPA is proposing to revise the 1989 Total Coliform Rule to incorporate recommendations from a federal advisory committee. The revised rule will require water systems to take action when monitoring results are positive for microbial contamination, and find and fix any pathways leading to microbial risk. Incentives of reduced monitoring will be provided for better system operation. It will also improve public notices of failures. Public comment will be accepted for 60 days following publication in the Federal Register.
EPA News Release, June 17, 2010
http://www.epa.gov/safewater/disinfection/tcr/index.html
EPA Supports Superfund “Polluter Pays” Provision
The U.S. Environmental Protection Agency sent a letter to Congress in support of reinstating the lapsed Superfund “polluter pays” taxes, which provides a stable source of revenue for the Superfund program. Superfund is the federal program that studies and cleans up abandoned hazardous waste sites. The “polluter pays” taxes would bear the cost of cleanup from those who manufacture or sell hazardous substances. The Superfund taxes expired on December 31, 1995. Since then, taxpayers have been covering the costs. Their proposal states that these taxes would be reinstated for a period of ten years starting in January 2011.
EPA News Release, June 21, 2010
http://yosemite.epa.gov/opa/admpress.nsf/d0cf6618525a9efb85257359003fb69d/
6e61eb7ab20b163c8525774900592657!OpenDocument
For more information on the Superfund program, visit http://www.epa.gov/superfund/
EPA Proposes Requiring the Use of Sufficiently
Sensitive Test Methods for NPDES Permit Applications and Reporting
The U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) is proposing minor amendments to its Clean Water Act (CWA) regulations. They are proposing that only “sufficiently sensitive” analytical test methods be used when completing an NPDES application or when complying with monitoring requirements in an NPDES permit. The goal is to clarify existing NPDES application, compliance monitoring, and analytical methods regulations. They are accepting public comments for 45 days after publication in the Federal Register on June 23, 2010.
For more information, visit http://cfpub.epa.gov/npdes/.
EPA
Releases the Fiscal Year 2011 National Water Program Guidance
The Fiscal Year (FY) 2011 National Water Program Guidance has been
released by the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA). It defines
the environmental and public health goals and program strategies for the
National Water Program for FY 2011. It includes new sections on
children’s health, the Urban Waters Initiative, climate change, and the
San Francisco Bay Delta Estuary. To view the guidance, visit
http://www.epa.gov/water/waterplan/fy11.html.
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North America has about 500 different species of ladybugs. Cornell University needs help with their Lost Ladybug Project to document the distribution of ladybugs, especially our rare native ones. Just take a photo, document the time, location, and habitat and upload your data online. For more information on the project and tips for finding, identifying, collecting, photographing and submitting your ladybug encounters, visit http://www.lostladybug.org/. You might even spot the rare native nine-spotted ladybug!
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Grants and Awards
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
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
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 Historical and Museum Commission Grants Page
The PHMC offers many grants covering topics such as Historical Markers, Technical Assistance, Certified Local Governments, and more.
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.
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.
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
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
EPA Wetland Grants Database (WGD)
The WGD is a database provides information on Wetland Program Development Grants such as project descriptions, grant amounts, final reports, geolocational information, case studies, and more. They also have a “Model Products” section that highlights valuable products. It is meant to be a learning tool for applicants to learn from what others have done. To view the database, visit http://iaspub.epa.gov/pls/grts/f?p=101:1 and click on the link that says, "Click here for Public Access (read-only)."
USDA Encourages Farmers Within Chesapeake Bay Watershed to Signup for Conservation Program
The Chesapeake Bay Watershed Initiative (CBWI) is providing technical and financial conservation assistance for Pennsylvania agricultural producers located within the Chesapeake Bay watershed. The focus is on controlling erosion and minimizing excess nutrients and sediments entering the Chesapeake Bay. Practices include crop residue management, crop nutrient management,
cover crops, buffers, and streamside fencing to keep livestock out of streams and protect fish and wildlife habitat. Applications will be accepted and evaluated throughout the year on a monthly basis. The applications will be evaluated, ranked, and prioritized based on the effectiveness to control erosion and reduce sediment and nutrients in the Chesapeake Bay. First, contact your local NRCS or Conservation District for assistance. The application and information can be found by visiting www.pa.nrcs.usda.gov/programs/cbwi/index.html.
USDA’s NRCS Grants to Protect Private Forest Land in Pennsylvania
The USDA’s Natural Resource Conservation Service (NRCS) is providing grants in Adams, Adams, Armstrong, Beaver, Bedford, Berks, Blair, Cambria, Centre, Huntingdon, Mifflin, Snyder and York Counties to protect Pennsylvania’s forest land through the Healthy Forests Reserve Program (HFRP). The HFRP grants will be focused on protecting and improving critical habitat for the Indiana bat (Myotis sodalist), a federally listed endangered species. Applications will be accepted on a continuous basis until funding is exhausted.
http://www.pa.nrcs.usda.gov/programs/HFRP/index.html
EPA – National Environmental Education Training Program
The U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) will award one cooperative agreement of about $10 million to provide resources for teaching students about environmental issues for the next five years. Grant applications are due July 26, 2010. For more information, visit http://www.epa.gov/education/educate/solicitation.html
Sprout Fund Spring Program – Grants for Biodiversity Projects
Supported by The Pittsburgh Foundation, small grants of up to $20,000 are provided for environmental projects that promote biodiversity in Allegheny county, Westmoreland County, and the surrounding communities of Southwestern Pennsylvania. Applications are due September 24, 2010. For more information, visit http://www.sproutfund.org/spring/
USDA – Healthy Forests Reserve Program (HFRP)
The U.S. Dept. of Agriculture's Natural Resources Conservation Service (NRCS) is providing funds to protect forested land preferred by the Indiana bat, which is a federally listed endangered species. Funding will go to projects in 12 Pennsylvania counties that protect and improve critical habitat. Applications will be accepted continuously until the available $1.1 million is exhausted. For more information, visit http://www.pa.nrcs.usda.gov/programs/HFRP/index.html.
Pennsylvania Fish and Boat Commission Photo Contest
Submit your photos that highlight Pennsylvania fishing and boating activities. Categories include seasonal fishing and/or boating, family fishing and/or boating, young anglers and/or boaters, waterway scenics (impoundments), waterway scenics (flowing waters), and reptiles/amphibians/invertebrates. Winners will receive a certificate, the limited edition magazine 75th anniversary patch, the limited edition 2008 nongame species patch and the limited edition 2006 nongame species patch, and may appear in a future issue of Pennsylvania Anger & Boater. You can submit multiple entries, but are limited to two per category. Submissions are due by December 31, 2010.
http://www.fish.state.pa.us/anglerboater/photocontest/2009photocon/2010photo_entry.pdf
Maryland Department of Natural Resources Photo Contest
Submit your photos of Maryland’s water, wildlife, farms, fields, parks, animals, insects, forests and protected areas. The entry fee is $10 for three photos and $3 per additional photo, with no limits on the amount you can submit. The photos will be judged in the following categories: birds, wildlife, insects, scenic, flora, outdoor recreation. The grand prize winner will receive $500.00, a 2011 Maryland State Park Passport, a lifetime subscription to the Maryland Natural Resource magazine, and five copies of the 2011 DNR Calendar. Winners will have their photos published in the Maryland Natural Resource 2010 winter issue and the 2011 Maryland Natural Resource Calendar. Entries must be postmarked by August 31, 2010.
http://dnr.maryland.gov/photocontest/
Nature Conservancy’s 5th Annual Digital Photography Competition
The Nature Conservancy is seeking nature photos showing the diversity of life on Earth through land, water, plants, animals and people. Submit your photos through Flickr or mail them. The winner’s photo will be featured in the 2012 Nature Conservancy calendar and on their website. The contest is open to anyone age 18 and older. Photos must be submitted by October 4, 2010. For more information, visit http://my.nature.org/photography/rules.html
2010 Share the Experience Photo Contest
This contest is sponsored by the National Park Foundation and Olympus. Enter your photo of a national park or federal recreation land to win some great prizes. Entries are due December 31, 2010. For more information, visit http://nationalparks.promo.eprize.com/experiencecontest2010/
Earth Science Week 2010 Photography Contest “We Depend on Energy”
Any resident of the United States can enter one photo in this contest. The theme “We Depend on Energy” should be integrated into your photo by showing how we rely on energy resources. Entries must be submitted by October 15, 2010. For more information, visit http://www.earthsciweek.org/contests/photography/index.html
Earth Science Week 2010 Visual Arts Contest “Energy on Earth”
Any resident of the United States in grades K-5 can enter one photo in this contest. The theme “Energy on Earth” should be integrated into your poster. Entries must be submitted by October 15, 2010. For more information, visit http://www.earthsciweek.org/contests/visualarts/index.html
Earth Science Week 2010 Essay Contest “How Energy Powers the Planet”
Any resident of the United States in grades 6-9 can enter one photo in this contest. The theme “How Energy Powers the Planet” should be integrated into your poster. Entries must be submitted by October 15, 2010. For more information, visit http://www.earthsciweek.org/contests/essay/index.html
2010 New Jersey Governor’s Environmental Excellence Awards
Nominations for this award are being accepted from individuals, organizations or businesses for people that deserve recognition. Applicants/projects must be located in New Jersey, be active within the past year, and be willing to share their project with others. Applications are due September 16, 2010. For more information, visit http://www.nj.gov/dep/eeawards/index.html
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Each fall,
hundreds of millions of monarch butterflies migrate to Mexico and
California for the winter. However, the monarch populations are
declining due to loss of habitat, loss of food sources, increased
use of genetically modified crops, and the increased use of
pesticides and herbicides. You can help by planting Monarch
Waystation Habitats. Monarch butterflies need milkweed plants for
spring and summer breeding in North America and nectar plants to
sustain their long journeys in the fall. Milkweed host and nectar
plants include Butterfly Weed, Showy Milkweed, Common Milkweed,
Swamp Milkweed, and Tropical Milkweed. General nectar plants
include, Cosmos, Joe Pye Weed, Floss Flower, Purple Coneflower,
Tithonia Torch, and Verbena. For more information, visit the Monarch
Watch website where they provide information on creating your own
Monarch Waystation.
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The Big Wild The Big Wild conservation organization is working to get the public involved with conservation and the importance of wilderness. It was founded by Canada’s Mountain Equipment Co-op and the Canadian Parks and Wilderness Society. They have provided an infographic that illustrates the need for conserving our wild spaces and the wildlife that lives there. For example, out of 7,090m3 of available water, 1,700m3 is used for consumption. For every 1 bald eagle, there are 5,035 humans. For every 1 grizzly bear, there are 9,260 humans. For every 1 orca, there are 210,000 humans. For more information and to view the infographic, visit http://www.thebigwild.org/infographic
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Link
Of The Month
Watershed Monitoring Through Google Earth
The Clean Watersheds Project is a watershed monitoring project that uses Google Earth Pro to store and share watershed data. The website is used to collect, post, and analyze data about watersheds in an effort to better understand how to maintain and improve them. If you’re interested in learning more about the project or by getting your local school involved, visit
http://cleanwatersheds.wikispaces.com/
BMP of the Month
BMP of the Month:
Dry Extended Detention Basin
A dry extended detention basin is an
impoundment or depression that temporarily stores stormwater. This
commonly used BMP holds and slowly releases stormwater to reduce the
peak rate of runoff. Water quality is improved through
settlement of suspended solids and through evapotranspiration.
Basins that are naturalized also provide wildlife habitat.
To view the Pennsylvania Stormwater Best
Management Practices Manual, visit
http://www.elibrary.dep.state.pa.us/dsweb/View/Collection-8305
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New Informative Maps |
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The latest map
from the North American Environmental Atlas provides information about marine
protected areas in Canada, Mexico and the United States. It provides details
about the protection status and those who are responsible for management of the
sites. There is also a new map viewer using Google Earth to see the Atlas’
marine ecosystems maps and data. To explore this information and to view an
introductory video, visit
http://www.cec.org/Page.asp?PageID=924&ContentID=2910&AA_SiteLanguageID=1 |
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The U.S.
Geological Survey (USGS) has released the most detailed national land cover and
vegetation map to assist conservationists in identifying areas with sufficient
habitat to support wildlife. The map was created by data from the Southwest
Regional Gap Analysis project (2004), the Southeast Regional Gap Analysis
Project (2007), the Northwest Regional Gap project, and the California Gap
project (2009). For areas without an Ecological System level Gap Project, the
Landfire Project data was used. The map has three levels of complexity. Level
one has eight classes (grassland, shrubland, forest, aquatic, sparse/barren,
recently disturbed, riparian, and human land use), Level 2 has 43 classes (which
includes elevation and climate) and Level 3 has 538 classes. To view the map,
visit
http://www.gap.uidaho.edu/landcoverviewer.html |
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The U.S.
Geological Survey (USGS) has been working on this map showing Level III and IV
ecoregions for every state in the nation. To view the newest New York map with
descriptive text, summary tables and pictures, visit
ftp://ftp.dec.state.ny.us/dfwmr/fieldnotes/625/ecoregionsmap.jpg.
To view information on ecoregions of other states in the U.S., visit
http://www.epa.gov/wed/pages/ecoregions/level_iv.htm |
Tools and Publications
EPA’s Office of Wetlands, Oceans and Watersheds (OWOW) Annual Report
The 2009 Annual OWOW Report has been released. The OWOW works to protect and restore marine and freshwater ecosystems in collaboration with many other organizations. This report details some of the OWOS most significant accomplishments in 2009. For more information and to view the report, visit
http://www.epa.gov/owow/org.html
USDA Releases CEAP for Upper Mississippi River Basin
The USDA Natural Resources Conservation Service (NRCS) released the Conservation Effects Assessment Project (CEAP) report for the Upper Mississippi River Basin. The project was focused on quantifying existing ecological services. Data was collected on soils, vegetation, nitrogen cycling, migratory birds, and amphibians from 88 different sites between 2006 and 2008. For more information and to view the report, visit http://www.nrcs.usda.gov/technical/nri/ceap/index.html
Highlands Regional Study: Connecticut and Pennsylvania 2010 Update
The USDA Forest Service has released a study detailing its inventory and evaluation of natural resources in the Highlands of Connecticut and Pennsylvania. The report also provides likely effects of land-use changes on these resources. Part 1 shows where high natural resource values were found and Part 2 analyses the pattern and rate of land use change to model future growth.
For more information and to view Part 1, visit http://www.na.fs.fed.us/highlands/regional/study_pt1.shtm
For more information and to view Part 1, visit http://www.na.fs.fed.us/highlands/regional/study_pt2.shtm
To view the technical reports, visit http://www.na.fs.fed.us/highlands/techreports/index.shtm
EPA Issues Report on
Water Pollution Control Needs for Next Two Decades
The U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) has released a new report
estimating that over $298 billion will be necessary for wastewater and
stormwater pollution control over the next 20 years. This includes $192 billion
for wastewater treatment and collection systems, $64 billion for combined sewer
overflow corrections and $42 billion for stormwater management. This report has
a $43 billion increase from the previous 2004 report mainly due to improved
reporting, aging infrastructure, population growth and stricter water quality
standards. To view the report, visit
http://www.epa.gov/cwns.
U.S. EPA Sourcebooks Explain Water Management Cycle
The U.S. Environmental Protection Agency's (EPA) online "Water Sourcebooks" are useful educational tools that contain 324 activities for grades K-12 related to the water management cycle and its effect on the environment. The activities include hands-on investigations, fact sheets, and reference materials. They are available in PDF format and can be printed or copied. For more information, visit
http://www.epa.gov/safewater/kids/wsb/
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Educational Videos |
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The U.S. Environmental Protection Agency’s (EPA) Office of Wetlands, Oceans and Watersheds (OWOW) is providing this new 11-minute video which highlights green builders in Philadelphia who are utilizing innovative technologies to improve the environment. Builders are capturing rainwater, reducing stormwater runoff and saving energy by utilizing cisterns, green roofs, porous pavers, solar panels, and Energy Star appliances. To view the video, visit http://www.epa.gov/owow/nps/lid/video.html This site also
features a 9-minute video entitled
“Reduce Runoff: Slow It
Down, Spread It Out, Soak It In,” that highlights rain gardens, green roofs and
rain barrels to help manage stormwater runoff. |
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http://www.ncsu.edu/wq/videos/stormwater%20video/SWvideo.html |
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Ha Ha Ha!!! Support the National Park Foundation! For every person who records their laugh on the Smile-izer, the Coca Cola Company will donate one dollar to the National Park Foundation (up to $50,000 dollars). You can upload as many laughs as you can muster. Check out this website for a fun and entertaining way to feel better and support a great cause. http://www.mycoke.com/htmls/smileizer/Smileizer
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F. X. Browne, Inc. – Environmental Consulting
F. X.
Browne, Inc.
Engineers – Planners – Scientists
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PA
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