Surveys of Our Nation's Waters Will Document National and Regional Conditions

EPA, States, Tribes and other partners recently completed a national Wadeable Streams Survey, and will soon will embark on a Survey of the Nation's Lakes to provide regional and national estimates of the condition of our waterways. 

The Wadeable Streams Assessment (WSA) found that stream conditions vary widely across the diverse ecological regions of the country, and that streams in the West were in the best condition. Humans, the researchers found, have a significant impact on wadeable streams. A majority of streams showed evidence of human influence along the streams, such as dams, pavement and pastures. The most widespread stressors observed are nitrogen, phosphorus, and streambed sediments. Public comments will be accepted on the WSA accepted until June 30. http://www.epa.gov/owow/streamsurvey/ 

The WSA is part of a series of surveys to evaluate all of the nation’s waters. Coastal condition has already been evaluated. During the next five years, EPA will sample the condition of lakes, large rivers, and wetlands. Then the process will be repeated to provide ongoing comparisons of the state of the waters and determine possible future action. 

The Survey of the Nation's Lakes is scheduled to being during the summer of 2007 and is intended to be similar to the draft Wadeable Streams Assessment. EPA's Monitoring Branch worked together with 140 lakes experts from the North American Lake Management Society, including representatives from 45 States, to plan the Lakes Survey. The Survey will use a statistically valid approach which, like an opinion poll, randomly selects lake sites that represent the condition of all sites in regions sharing similar ecological characteristics. Survey participants will use consistent sampling and analytical procedures to ensure that the results can be compared across the country. http://www.epa.gov/owow/lakes/lakessurvey/

New Groundwater Pollution Model Developed

A Dutch researcher has developed mathematical models to calculate the natural degradation capacity of polluted groundwater. As a result, it can now be predicted whether a polluted area will become larger or smaller. 

Researcher Phil Ham has devised mathematical expressions to determine the size of a polluted groundwater plume and to assess the natural degradation capacity of contaminated sites. His analytical models calculate the reactive transport of dissolved matter in water through porous soil and the characteristics of the mixing processes. Such a scientifically-supported method had not previously been available. If it can be calculated whether a plume will decrease in size or remain stable, invasive and expensive remediation methods can possibly be avoided.  

Pollutiononline.com, Apr. 26, 2006
http://www.pollutiononline.com/content/news/article.asp?docid=0dfaa451-acb2-4696-8f81-f56b1d8bd1fa

NJ DEP Reports Widespread Water Pollution

Nearly one thousand waterbodies across New Jersey are too dirty for fishing or swimming, according to the latest impaired waters list released by the NJ DEP.

Under the federal Clean Water Act, New Jersey is required, every two years, to prepare and submit a list of Impaired Waters (303(d) List) to the U.S. EPA. The 2006 list of water pollutants include nutrients such as phosphorus; toxic heavy metals such as cadmium, mercury, and lead; pesticides; toxic chemicals including PCBs and dioxin; and pathogens such as fecal coliform bacteria. According to the NJ Sierra Club, the report shows that water quality in the northern counties is degrading as development moves westward from Middlesex, Essex and Hudson counties. The report shows the reverse is true in South Jersey, where waters are degrading in an easterly flow from the Philadelphia area toward the Pine Barrens and farming regions. DEP argues that water quality has not gone down and that the state is using new methods that set the pollution bar higher.

Several NJ environmental advocacy organizations criticized DEP's handling of the announcement, saying they were only given three days' notice of the public hearing. Consequently, DEP agreed to hold a second public hearing. The deadline for submitting written comments to DEP regarding the 2006 Integrated Waters List (which includes the 303(d) list) has been extended to June 16, 2006. http://www.state.nj.us/dep/wmm/sgwqt/wat/integratedlist/integratedlist2006.html

Two Innovative Approaches to Environmentally Friendly Farming

Two projects in the Chesapeake Bay watershed aim to modify farming practices to help improve water quality, at the same time helping to reduce costs. 

Precision Feeding is a new project coordinated by a Chesapeake Bay Foundation partnership. Cows' nutritional requirements fluctuate over time due to age, size, pregnancy and milk production. In addition, hay, silage and other feeds have inconsistent nutrient levels, due to diversity in soil type, weather, time of harvest, and many other factors. The Precision Feeding project will analyze the nitrogen and phosphorus levels in feeds on the farm, as well as in the milk and manure, and work with the farms' nutritionists to adjust the diets to meet the cows' needs more precisely. This is expected to lead to a 30 to 40 fold reduction in the nitrogen and phosphorus content of the farm's manure. The reductions will greatly reduce the farmers' manure management challenges and lead to lower nutrient contributions to local streams and, ultimately, the Chesapeake Bay. Precision feeding is already widespread in swine and poultry production, where feed inputs are provided by scientific analysis. CBF foresees the dairy initiative leading to adoption by about 4,000 Pennsylvania dairy farms, with reductions of approximately 24 million pounds nitrogen pollution and 9.5 million pounds of phosphorus pollution. http://www.cbf.org/site/News2?page=NewsArticle&id=14049&printer_friendly=1

In a second initiative, Churchville, PA farmer Lawrason Sayre made a key change in the way he runs his 300-acre beef cattle farm. Sayre converted his cows' feed from grain, a practice that requires significantly more fertilizer, herbicides and pesticides than grass, to a grazing system. Sayre's pastures are planted with clover, alfalfa and orchard grass. In addition to requiring less labor, the practice also saves money and is easier on the environment. By going to a grazing operation, Sayre has reduced the level of phosphorus runoff from their farm after a storm by about 75 percent, according to the USDA's research service. And the Sayres have increased their profitability by $15,000 a year. The farm is split up into 3-acre fields holding about 50 cows each, enclosed by a single strand of electric fence. The cows are moved every few days to a fresh field of pasture and a complete cycle of the farm takes about three weeks. The grass serves as a year-round cover crop. "Basically, we are a 300-acre buffer strip," Lawrason Sayre said. The Chesapeake Bay Foundation recently presented the Sayres with the 2006 Conservationist of the Year award.

Baltimore Sun, May 7, 2006

Towns Work Together to Restore Lake Hopatcong

A warm winter, lack of ice, and infrequent spring rains are already creating problems in Lake Hopatcong, NJ. With grants and education programs, the four lake towns -- Jefferson, Roxbury, Hopatcong and Mount Arlington --and the lake commission, are working to reduce the levels of phosphorus and other nutrients that enter the lake.

The effort includes new sewers, improved storm water management systems, plans to improve area septic systems, and a program to promote the use of low-phosphorus fertilizers. Workers from Jefferson and the Lake Hopatcong Commission recently planted 60 native trees and shrubs to transform a vacant lot into a small park and lake access point. The park will be a nice addition to the neighborhood, but more importantly, the plantings will reduce the impact of street and hillside runoff into the lake. In Netcong, volunteers will plant native trees and shrubs along 300 feet of lakeshore that is a favorite spot of ducks and geese. The plants will help reduce runoff, stabilize the bank and create a barrier to discourage the ducks and geese from congregating. 

Other local initiatives include waterfowl management, encouraging low-phosphorus fertilizer use, installing stormwater BMPs. and constructing a peat moss filter in an existing septic system at a Jefferson daycare to enhance the ability of the system to filter pollutants. http://www.dailyrecord.com/apps/pbcs.dll/article?AID=2006605220326 

Policy Update

The NJ House Interior and Environment Subcommittee recently reduced funding for the Clean Water State Revolving Fund by $199 million, a 22 percent reduction from its funding of $886 million last year.

The New Jersey Department of Community Affairs announced a Green Building Task Force to build on DCA's nationally recognized green programs and policy initiatives while continuing to break new ground in those efforts.

The U.S. Supreme Court rejected S.D.Warren's bid to exempt five hydroelectric dams it owns in Maine from the Clean Water Act. The Supreme Court’s decision upholds the authority of states to set conditions on the operations of hydroelectric dams that would affect river health and water quality, threaten fish and wildlife habitat, and diminish recreational and economic opportunities on rivers across the nation.

Pennsylvania has partnered with the federal government on a landmark drinking water protection study that will determine the occurrence and concentration of unregulated compounds, such as prescription and non-prescription chemicals, in the waters of central Pennsylvania.

EPA, all 50 states and Puerto Rico have invested almost $9.5 billion for nearly 4,400  drinking water improvement projects since 1996, according to the just-released Drinking Water State Revolving Fund (DWSRF) 2005 annual report.

The U.S. Army Corps of Engineers and EPA officially extended the public comment period for the proposed Clean Water Act Section 404 compensatory mitigation rule for an additional 30 days. The new public comment deadline is June 30, 2006.

PennDOT and the PA DEP have initiated a pilot study to apply an experimental blacktop mix to a section of Lower Powys Road in Hepburn Township, Lycoming County, PA

Grant Programs 
(Click on a grant for more information)

PFBC Boating Facilities Grants 

The PA Fish and Boat Commission is encouraging county and municipal governments interested in the planning, acquisition, development, expansion, or rehabilitation of public boating facilities to apply for funding through the Boating Facility Grant Program. Applications are due June 30. Applicants can seek grants for site acquisition, project design and engineering, development, expansion and major rehabilitation of recreational boat access facilities. Activities must benefit and directly support public recreational boating. Eligible construction projects include: boat ramps, courtesy floats, restrooms, access roads, parking areas, landscaping in direct relation to access development, transient tie-up floats, and signs. Successful applicants must agree to provide a 25 percent grant match and be willing to enter into a long-term agreement to keep the facility open to free public use for its useful life. http://www.fish.state.pa.us/Fish/promo/grants/boat_fac/00boatfac.htm 

NY Environmental Funding

NY DEC announced that applications are being accepted for proposed projects eligible for funding from the New York State Environmental Protection Fund (EPF), the Clean Water/Clean Air Bond Act (Bond Act), and the federal Land and Water Conservation Fund (LWCF). These funding sources provide State assistance for many community environmental projects. Grant applications and guidance documents have been developed for the following programs: Park, Historic Preservation and Heritage Areas System Grant Programs administered by OPRHP; Environmental Restoration Program administered by DEC; Hudson River Estuary Grant Program administered by DEC; Brownfield Opportunity Areas (BOA) Program administered jointly by DEC and DOS; and Local Waterfront Revitalization and Quality Communities Programs administered by DOS. http://www.dec.state.ny.us/website/environmentdec/2006a/envirgrants032306.html 

PA Small Wind Power Systems Available

PEDA and Southwest Windpower, the world’s largest producer of small wind turbines, are inviting Pennsylvania municipalities, public authorities and school districts to apply to participate in the PEDA Small-Scale Community Wind Project. Successful applicants will receive one of the Southwest Windpower small-scale wind systems and basic installation at no charge. Recipients must pay the fee to connect to the grid, as well as any cost above basic installation (for example, if special ground work is needed to prepare the site). The recipients also will provide public outreach and education. The wind energy systems will be mounted in the ground on 35-foot towers and generate 1.8 kilowatts of electricity each, enough to meet the needs of a typical home. The units are valued at $10,000 each. http://www.ahs.dep.state.pa.us/newsreleases/default.asp?ID=3883 

NJ Farmland Preservation Grants

The NJ State Agriculture Development Committee is soliciting applications for the preservation of high-priority farms under two state acquisition programs. The SADC's Direct Easement Purchase Program enables landowners to capitalize on the development potential of their land by selling their development rights. They retain ownership of the land but agree to deed restrictions that permanently protect the land from non-agricultural development. The SADC's Fee Simple Program buys farmland outright from willing landowners. Those farms then are resold at public auction with deed restrictions permanently preserving them for agricultural use. http://www.state.nj.us/agriculture/sadc/p032806.doc 

PA Innovative Water and Wastewater Grants

The Pennsylvania Innovative Water and Wastewater grant program helps Pennsylvania municipalities, municipal authorities and public school districts finance improvements to existing sewage facilities and drinking water systems using new or innovative technologies. Grants of up to $500,000 will be available through Growing Greener to make physical improvements to existing drinking water and sewage treatment facilities, and sanitary and combined sewer collection/conveyance systems. The deadline for submitting grant applications to the PA DEP is June 30. Preference will be given to the following new or innovative projects: nutrient reduction technologies in watersheds where nutrient removal has been identified by DEP as a priority; water reuse and conservation technologies; holistic approaches to treatment of drinking water for arsenic; cost-effective treatment of groundwater under the direct influence of surface water. http://www.dep.state.pa.us/dep/deputate/watermgt/WSM/WSM_TAO/InnovTech/Grants.htm

PA Wild Resource Conservation Grants 

The PA DCNR’s Wild Resource Conservation Program (WRCP) is accepting applications through June 30 for Wild Resource Conservation Grants. Projects must directly or indirectly preserve or enhance habitat for Pennsylvania’s native flora and non-game fauna or increase understanding by the public or by scientists of biota, their habitat and their interactions. Eligible applicants include counties, municipalities, non-profit organizations, educational institutions, conservation districts and municipal authorities. The Program has scheduled a series of eight workshops during May and June across the state to encourage applications. http://www.dcnr.state.pa.us/wrcf/2006grant/instructions.aspx 

Delaware Estuary Watershed Grants

The National Fish and Wildlife Foundation, in cooperation with the Partnership for the Delaware Estuary, is providing grant funds under the 06 Delaware Estuary Watershed Grants Program. Grants of $10,000 to $50,000 will be awarded on a competitive basis. Maximum amounts will be awarded for projects that provide physical restoration of habitat and/or demonstrate innovative or regional approaches for improving the Delaware Estuary Watershed. Projects must be located in the boundaries of the Delaware Estuary. Applications must be postmarked by July 17. http://www.nfwf.org/programs/delaware.cfm

PA Community Conservation Grants

$70 million is now available to communities and non-profit organizations through the Community Conservation Partnerships Program, which is administered through the PA Department of Conservation and Natural Resources (DCNR). The grants can be used to help fund community recreation, open space, land trust, rails-to-trails, rivers, conservation, and recreation projects. In addition, DCNR is offering a series of workshops around the state during the month of June to help interested applicants with the application process. The deadline to submit applications is September 29. http://www.dcnr.state.pa.us/brc/grants/

EPA Watershed Webcasts

On June 28, EPA’s Watershed Academy will sponsor their monthly Webcasts. Charlie MacPherson from Tetra Tech and Christopher Conner from EPA’s Chesapeake Bay Program will provide an overview of social marketing principles and then outline the steps needed to make audiences aware of an issue, recognize audiences’ underlying motivations, and encourage behavioral change. Audio versions of this and other past Webcasts are available on the website. http://www.epa.gov/watershedwebcasts

PA Dirt and Gravel Road Maintenance Workshops

The Center for Dirt & Gravel Roads and Penn State University will be holding their Environmentally Sensitive Maintenance (ESM) Training. The ESM training provides basic knowledge and tools necessary to maintain roads in a more cost-efficient and environmentally sensitive manner. The training is directed towards Municipalities, the Bureau of Forestry, and others entities responsible for unpaved road maintenance.Workshops will be held on the following dates and locations:

• June 13 & 14 - Sullivan County

• July 12 & 13 - Butler / Beaver / Lawrence / Armstrong Counties

 http://www.mri.psu.edu/centers/cdgrs/education_training/esm_training/esm_training.html  

EPA Stormwater Webcasts

EPA is announcing a new series of webcast training sessions for municipal stormwater managers. Designed for those unable to attend out-of-town or multi-day workshops, this series will provide a mix of basic and advanced topics in two-hour blocks. Webcasts will be scheduled approximately every other month from through September. http://www.epa.gov/npdes/training Future topics and tentative dates are:

Stormwater Utilities 201 - July 12 
Illicit Discharge Detection and Elimination (IDDE) 101 (with the Center for Watershed Protection) - September 13  

Pennsylvania One Call Outdoor Safety Days

PA One Call will hold an Outdoor Safety event at the Schnecksville Fire Company fairgrounds near Allentown, PA, on 
June 29. This free event will offer opportunities for education and fun in areas of underground safety and damage prevention. Outdoor demonstrations include locating, ground penetrating radar, soft excavation technology and techniques, trench shoring and a live trench rescue drill. There will also be a backhoe rodeo, educational breakout sessions and exhibitors offering the latest in underground safety. There will be plenty of freebies including lunch, door prizes, and a free excavation safety guide. A similar event is scheduled at the Cranberry Township Public Works facility north of Pittsburgh on September 14. http://www.pa1call.org/WebSite/Events/2006_programs/2006_PA_Safety_Days.htm 

NJ Stream Restoration Conference

The Annual Conference of the Mid-Atlantic Sections of the American Water Resources Association will be held in Branchville, NJ on June 14-16. The title of the conference is "Stream Restoration and Protection in the Mid-Atlantic Region."  http://awra.org/state/new_jersey/mac2006/

National Environmental Justice Advisory Council Meeting

The next meeting of the National Environmental Justice Advisory Council (NEJAC) is scheduled for June 20-22 in Washington, DC.  The NEJAC has been asked to provide advice and recommendations about what mechanisms will most effectively:

• ensure continuation of timely, relevant and cogent public policy advice on environmental justice issues/concerns;

• enable impacted communities to continue to raise concerns to government agencies;

• support continued partnership-building and problem-solving capacity among EPA's regulatory partners and other environmental justice stakeholders;

• and promote opportunities for training and sharing lessons learned for all stakeholders involved in the environmental justice dialogue. 

A public comment period will be available. Members of the public who wish to participate in the public comment period are encouraged to pre-register by Wednesday, June 14.http://www.epa.gov/compliance/environmentaljustice/nejac/meetings.html 

Izaak Walton League Webcasts

The Izaak Walton League is holding a free four-part Webcast training series entitled "Alternative Practices for Highway Stormwater Management," covering the latest techniques available to help transportation agencies save money, comply with water regulations, and improve water quality. These techniques also can help highway department personnel manage stormwater quantity and quality while using existing rights of way and providing easy access for maintenance crews. This series will provide valuable information to design engineers, planners, regulators, students, maintenance supervisors, construction engineers, and consultants. http://www.iwla.org/index.php?id=169 Webcasts will be held on the following dates:

• Planning Highway Projects Using Alternative Practices for Stormwater Management (June 15, 1-2:30pm EDT)

• Alternative Practices for Highway Stormwater Management: Design, Construction and Maintenance – Part One (September 21, 1-2:30pm EDT)

• Alternative Practices for Highway Stormwater Management: Design, Construction and Maintenance – Part Two (October 26, 1-2:30pm EDT)

PA Game Commission Wildlife Workshops for Teachers

The Pennsylvania Game Commission is announcing a series of  wildlife education workshops for educators and Scout and youth group leaders during June and July. The four programs, all of which are Act 48 approved for educators, are: WILD About Elk, WILD About Peregrine Falcons, WILD About the Susquehanna, WILD About Birds. Project WILD is one of the most widely-used conservation and environmental education programs among educators of students from kindergarten through 12th grades. http://www.pgc.state.pa.us/pgc/cwp/view.asp?Q=168024&A=11

Capacity-Based Planning in the NJ Highlands Workshop

On June 22, the Association of New Jersey Environmental Commissions will be holding a workshop, Capacity-Based Planning in the Highlands, at the Morris County Cultural Center in Morristown. The workshop will provide an update on the concepts, methodologies and policies being considered by the Highlands Council in developing the Regional Master Plan (RMP) for the Highlands Region. http://www.anjec.org/html/workshops.htm#highlands

PA Watersheds Data System Workshops 

Two free workshops sponsored by the PA Organization for Watersheds and Rivers remain in the workshop series to train volunteers and professionals in the use of the data system. The purpose of the PA Watersheds Data System is to serve as a tool for watershed groups to help them store, manage, and share their data. http://www.pawatersheds.org/datasystem.asp The workshops will be held on the following dates and locations:

• June 17 at Duquesne University, Pittsubrgh (RSVP by June 14).

• July 8 at Keystone College, Wilkes-Barre  (RSVP by July 5).

PA Property Management for Cleaner Streams Workshops 

The Partnership for the Delaware Estuary, in affiliation with the Philadelphia Water Department, Pennypack Environmental Center and Bucks County Conservation District, are hosting two workshops in June entitled “Property Management for Cleaner Streams.” These programs are designed to facilitate projects such as creating native meadows, enhancing riparian buffers, educating the public about stormwater, implementing “responsible-housekeeping” practices and more. Funding for projects is available and priority will be given to organizations represented at the workshop. Those seeking to register should do so one week before the workshop. Meeting this deadline entitles registrants to a free native plant. One attendee will also win a rain barrel for use in reducing stormwater-runoff pollution. http://www.delawareestuary.org/newsandevents/otherevents.asp Workshops will take place at the following times and locations:

• June 8,  Northampton Township Building, Richboro, PA. 

• June 21, Pennypack Environmental Center, Philadelphia, PA.

Online Environmentally-Sensitive Development Course

The Conservation Leadership Network is hosting an online course on "The Practice of Environmentally-Sensitive Development." Through presentations, case studies and interactive exercises, this course provides advice to members of the development community and others interested in practical, cost-effective ways to apply the principles and techniques of environmentally sensitive development to the real-estate industry. Course topics include: project planning, design and financing, project marketing, construction and green building and conservation subdivision design. This 8-week course is offered from June 19-August 20. http://www.conservationfund.org/pagespinner.asp?article=2682&back=true. 

Wetlands 2006 International Symposium

The Association of State Wetland Managers will be  holding their annual wetlands symposium, Wetlands 2006, on August 28-31 in Traverse City, Michigan. This year's symposium is entitled, Applying Scientific, Legal, and Management Tools to the Great Lakes and Beyond. The symposium will include presentations, posters and discussion on activities on the scientific, legal and management tools relevant to sustaining and restoring wetlands and watershed functions in the Great Lakes area, as well as projects describing, "lessons learned" from other parts of the United States and Canada. http://www.aswm.org/calendar/wetlands2006/wetlands2006.htm

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