How beautiful is the rain!
After the dust and heat,
In the broad and fiery street,
In the narrow lane,
How beautiful is the rain!

How it clatters along the roofs,
Like the tramp of hoofs
How it gushes and struggles out
From the throat of the overflowing spout!

Across the window-pane
It pours and pours;
And swift and wide,
With a muddy tide,
Like a river down the gutter roars
The rain, the welcome rain!

 

 -An excerpt from “Rain in Summer” written by Henry Wadsworth Longfellow

 http://famouspoetsandpoems.com/poets/henry_wadsworth_longfellow/poems/19708

  

Editors Note

In the April edition of Sustainable Environments, we profiled the Falcon Cam hosted by the PA DEP.  Since then, five fuzzy Peregrin Falcons have grown large enough to be banded for research purposes.  The banding event took place on May 27, 2009 and they found four female nestlings and one male.  The nestlings are expected to have fledged starting June 8, 2009.
http://www.dep.state.pa.us/dep/falcon/default.htm

Since then, we have found many more interesting sites where you can watch the lifestyles of many species of birds first-hand.

Cape Henlopen Osprey Cam – Delaware
http://www.dnrec.delaware.gov/Info/Pages/OspreyCam2009.aspx
Dunn Memorial Bridge Falcon Nest
http://www.dec.ny.gov/animals/7701.html
Cornell Lab of Ornithology (Owls, falcons, swifts, and flycatchers)
http://watch.birds.cornell.edu/nestcams/home/index
Wild Bird Watching
http://www.wild-bird-watching.com/livebirdcam.html
Sutton Center Bald Eagle Nest Camera 2009
http://www.suttoncenter.org/eaglecam.html
Blackwater Refuge – Cambridge Maryland (Eagle Cam)
http://www.friendsofblackwater.org/camhtm2.html
WildWatchCams (Eagle Cams)
http://wdfw.wa.gov/wildwatch/eaglecam/
Sioux Falls Bird Club
http://www.leifericson.org/sfbc/id24.html
Eagle Cam
http://www.wvec.com/cams/eagle.html

~ Lisen Cummings, Sustainable Environments Editor/Designer

Topic of the Month

Lake Dredging:  The Ultimate Face-Lift

Dredging, or lake deepening, has been described as the “ultimate face-lift.” By why is that?

 

During a dredging project, not only are accumulated sediments removed, but the accumulated nutrients such as phosphorus and nitrogen are removed as well. This prevents the nutrients from recycling back into the water column, fueling algae blooms and excessive plant growth. Aquatic weeds that may have rooted in the shallow water as sediments accumulated are removed and any invasive species can  be eradicated. If the lake is drawn down during dredging, shoreline stabilization and drainage improvements can be more easily accomplished.

 

Lake dredging can be accomplished in one of two ways: mechanical dredging where the lake is drawn down and heavy machinery is used to manually scoop out the sediment, and hydraulic dredging where a dredging barge equipped with a cutter head and suction hose is used to dislodge and suck up the accumulated sediment and pump it to a disposal basin on shore. Sediment disposal options must be considered carefully as hydraulic dredging requires adequate area for a sediment dewatering basin close to the lakeshore. Even if mechanical dredging is employed, sediments must be trucked to an adequate disposal location. This can prove tricky if the sediments are contaminated.

 

Fall is a good time to begin dredging projects so that any potential adverse impacts to fish and wildlife species are minimized. Most species have completed their breeding process by that time and winter hibernation has not yet begun. However, it is important to keep in mind that planning for a dredging project may take up to a year. First, a dredging feasibility study must be completed that includes sediment testing, a bathymetric survey, and disposal site determinations. Extensive permitting is typically required before the design phase can begin.

 

Although dredging may be necessary to remove accumulated sediments from a lake, dredging is not the right solution for all lake problems. Dredging is very expensive and funding for dredging projects is not easily obtained without extensive water quality and watershed surveys. If the source or sources of sediment entering the lake from the surrounding watershed are not addressed, the sedimentation will continue to occur and the lake will need to be dredged again. It is preferable to complete a watershed survey of nonpoint source problem areas and develop a watershed management plan to determine other appropriate lake and watershed best management practices (BMPs) before dredging a lake.

 

F. X. Browne, Inc. has extensive experience in designing dredging projects, watershed assessments, and BMP design.

 

News Clips

 

A New Source of Methylmercury Entering the Pacific Ocean

A new source of methylmercury has been discovered in the waters of the eastern North Pacific Ocean.  Mercury can be transformed into methylmercury, which is highly toxic.  Methylmercury rises up the food chain to fish, and ultimately humans.  Scientists have made major steps in locating the source(s) of methylmercury.

USGS Toxic Substances Hydrology Program, May 1, 2009

http://toxics.usgs.gov/highlights/pacific_mercury.html

 

Report Says Pennsylvania's Geology Could Support Storing Carbon Dioxide Underground

The DCNR recently issued a report showing that Pennsylvania geology may prove useful in storing greenhouse gases beneath the earth.  The process involves capturing carbon dioxide, compressing it into liquid, cooling it, transporting it and injecting it into rock formations.

PA DEP Daily Update, May 5, 2009

http://www.depweb.state.pa.us/news/cwp/view.asp?a=3&q=546563

 

From Sandcastles to Solid Rock

A new treatment for sand has been found that can alter it’s consistency, and can make it as hard as marble.  By blending calcium solution, bacteria and other compounds, calcium carbonate (or calcite) is created.  There are many applications such as creating roads in the desert, mining, or bringing home your sand sculpture from the beach.

Science Network, By Shasta Calvo, May 6, 2009

http://www.sciencewa.net.au/index.php?option=com_content&task=view&id=2512&Itemid=587

 

New Recycling Program Offers 'Cash for Trash'

Chalfont Borough (Bucks County, PA) residents will soon be able to cash in their recyclables for discounts and coupons.  RecycleBank is a program that gives points for every pound of recyclables.

The Intelligencer, By Annie Tasker, April 30, 2009

http://www.phillyburbs.com/news/local/the_intelligencer/the_intelligencer_news_details/article/27/2009/april/30/new-recycling-program-offers-cash-for-trash.html

 

Pavement Sealcoat Contributes Toxins to Stormwater Runoff

It’s a common practice to sealcoat pavement to make it look newer and shinier.  This may have dire consequences on the environment, as it contributes polyaromatic hydrocarbons (PAH’s) to streams through stormwater runoff.

Environment News Service, April 29, 2009

http://www.ens-newswire.com/ens/apr2009/2009-04-29-094.asp

 

Filling in the Cracks: How to Preserve Concrete with Bacteria

Studies are being conducted on the use of bacteria in preserving concrete.  The mineral-producing bacteria can seal and waterproof cracks.

The Economist, April 30, 2009

http://www.economist.com/science/displaystory.cfm?story_id=13570058

 

Greenworks Philadelphia: The Greenest City in America.

Mayor Michael Nutter has set a goal to be the greenest city in America by 2015 and has launched Greenworks Philadelphia.  He has set goals to reduce energy costs, reduce Philly’s environmental footprint, provide equitable access to neighborhoods, create competitive advantage from sustainability and to unite to building a sustainable future.

http://www.greenworksphila.org/

Nutter Envisions 'Green' City by 2015

Philadelphia Inquirer, By Marcia Gelbart, April 29, 2009

http://www.philly.com/inquirer/local/20090429_Nutter_envisions__green__city_by_2015.html

 

Gov. Rendell Says Pa. Will Operate Three Vital Delaware River Gauges to Keep Communities Safe

Governor Rendell is working to ensure that three river gauges on the upper Delaware River are kept through funding from the Clean Water Fund.  These gauges monitor flood conditions and water quality.

PA DEP Daily Update, April 29, 2009

http://www.depweb.state.pa.us/news/cwp/view.asp?a=3&q=546367

 

Green-Building Standards Tighten

The LEED (Leadership in Energy and Environmental Design) program has new standards and requirements.  Emphasis has been placed on density, energy use and building reuse.  The changes will make certification and accreditation more difficult.

Cincinnati.com, By Laura Baverman, April 29, 2009

http://news.cincinnati.com/article/20090429/BIZ01/904300336/1001/BIZ

http://www.usgbc.org/News/USGBCInTheNewsDetails.aspx?ID=4003

http://www.usgbc.org/ShowFile.aspx?DocumentID=4121

 

 

 

Upcoming Events

 

Managing Wet Weather with Green Infrastructure Webcasts
The 2009 schedule of webcasts on Managing Wet Weather with Green Infrastructure is at: http://www.epa.gov/npdes/outreach_files/webcast_flyer_green_infrastructure.pdf Webcasts are free. The flyer provides information on how to register.

• June 23, 2009 - Funding & Incentives

• June 23, 2009 - Brownfield Redevelopment

• July 28, 2009 - Retrofits: Green Streets

• July 28, 2009 - Operation & Maintenance

 

June 13-14, 2009 - Northeast PA Energy Solutions Expo
The Pocono Northeast Resource Conservation & Development (RC&D) Council and its partners are hosting the Northeast PA Energy Solutions Expo at the Luzerne County Fairgrounds in Dallas, PA.  The Expo will be focused on reducing energy consumption and finding local alternative and renewable energy options.  Presentations will include information on solar, wind, biomass, geothermal energy, biofuels, green building design, saving energy, energy audits, and transportation.  For more information, visit www.pnesolutions.org or contact the Pocono Northeast RC&D Council 570-282-8732 ext. 4 or sue@pnercd.org.

 

June 19-20, 2009 - Geologic Field Conference - PCPG
The Pennsylvania Council of Professional Geologist will be hosting their first Geologic Field Conference.  The focus will be on the Piedmont Physiographic Province located in southeastern Pennsylvania.  CEU credits are available.  Some of the highlights include a visit to Ringing Rocks and a Barbeque on Saturday.  For more information, visit the site below.
http://www.pcpg.org/schedule.asp

 

Policy Update

Bean Pushes Examination of Pharmaceuticals in Drinking Water

Tap water contains measureable amounts of prescription drugs and other complex chemical compounds.  The first step in solving this dilemma is to assess what effects these chemicals can have on the human body.  Congresswoman Bean amended a policy to require analysis of this issue.  The bill passed the House on 4/23/09

Water World Magazine, April 23, 2009

http://ww.pennnet.com/Articles/Article_Display.cfm?Section=ONART&PUBLICATION_ID=41&ARTICLE_ID=360225

 

LEED Public Comment

The LEED (Leadership in Energy and Environmental Design) for Neighborhood Development Rating System has a public comment period open from May 1 to June 14, 2009.  Submit your comments today.

http://www.usgbc.org/DisplayPage.aspx?CMSPageID=148

 

Gov. Rendell Proposes Help for Counties Battling West Nile; Warns Future Amounts Could be Less: Senate Republican Budget Proposal Could Slash Grants by 40 Percent

Governor Rendell is proposing a plan to help counties monitor and control mosquitoes to prevent future West Nile Virus outbreaks.  The plan would provide $4.6 million to 62 counties.  However, Senate Republicans are expected to slash the budget to $2.8million, or 40% less.

PA DEP Daily News Release, May 8, 2009

http://www.ahs2.dep.state.pa.us/newsreleases/default.asp?ID=5501

 

EP Extends Comment Period on Proposed Revisions to General NPDES Permit for Stormwater Discharges, Schedules Public Hearings

The PA DEP is proposing revisions to the General NPDES Permit for Stormwater Discharges from Municipal Separate Storm Sewer Systems (PAG-13).  The public comment period has been extended to July 6, 2009.  Public meetings will be held on June 16, 18 and 23.

PA DEP Daily Update, May 4, 2009

http://www.depweb.state.pa.us/news/cwp/view.asp?a=3&q=546486

 

2009 Legislative Accomplishments: Maryland
Maryland has enacted the Smart, Green, and Growing.  This legislation promotes a sustainable approach to development by focusing on transit-oriented development, local planning choices, and the impact of development on the environment.  Maryland has also continued it’s fully funded Program Open Space and has preserved over 21,000 acres.
http://www.governor.maryland.gov/environment.asp

EPA to Help Lead ‘New Era’ of Partnership, Accountability in Chesapeake Bay Restoration Efforts Thanks to President Obama’s Executive Order
President Obama has signed an executive order to create the Federal Leadership Committee for the Chesapeake Bay.  The EPA and several federal agencies will work together to protect and restore the bay. 
http://www.epa.gov/Region3/chesapeake/
http://www.whitehouse.gov/the_press_office/Executive-Order-Chesapeake-Bay-Protection-and-Restoration/

Grants and Awards 

 

 

Web Soil Survey 2.1 — New Features

The USDA NRCS has updated their Web Soil Survey 2.1 with better map layers, improved performance, large-scale maps, and more.
http://websoilsurvey.nrcs.usda.gov/app/NewFeatures.htm

Microbial and Sediment FilterMitt™ and FilterMitt™ Berm
Phase II Stormwater Products Inc. provides these erosion and sediment controls that consist of a compost blend with biodegradable fabric enclosure.  These products are useful for many applications and do not have to be removed after construction since they are made of biodegradable materials.
http://www.phaseiistormwaterproducts.com/filtermitt.html
http://www.phaseiistormwaterproducts.com/filtermittberm.html

Digital Field Guides Eliminate the Guesswork

The National Science Foundation has created a hand-held electronic field guide capable of identifying tree species based on the shape of their leaves.  The guide is specific to trees and shrubs in the northeast United States.

The New York Times, By Anne Eisenberg, May 9, 2009

http://www.nytimes.com/2009/05/10/business/10novel.html?_r=1&ref=science

DRBC Announces Flood Analysis Model Status Update
The Delaware River Basin Commission announced that a flood analysis model being developed for them by the USGS (US Geological Survey) will be released this summer. 
Pocono News.net, May 6, 2009
http://www.pocononews.net/news/May09/06/06May09-1.html

New Water Quality Standards Academy “Human Health Module” Online
The online module “Human Health Ambient Water Quality Criteria” has been released by the Water Quality Standards Academy Online (US EPA).
http://www.epa.gov/waterscience/standards/academy/supp/health/

Pennsylvania State Water Plan (Act 220 Implementation) Resource Center
This PA DEP site provides resources and documents that state the vision, goals and recommendations for sustainable water use. 
http://www.depweb.state.pa.us/watershedmgmt/cwp/view.asp?a=1426&q=486209

HEC-HMS v3.3

An updated version of the Hydrologic Modeling System (HEC-HMS) software has been recently updated by the US Army Corps of Engineers.  Revisions include the Delmarva Unit Hydrograph as a pre-defined runoff transformation function. http://www.hec.usace.army.mil/software/hec-hms/download.html?bcsi_scan_8A6565BC67B32CFF=0&bcsi_scan_filename=download.html

NY DEC “Help For Businesses”
The New York State Department of Environmental Conservation (DEC) is providing “Help For Businesses” on their website.  This site provides permitting guidance, promotes sustainability, and has links to other business-assistance programs. 
Environment DEC, May 2009
http://www.dec.ny.gov/environmentdec/53663.html
http://www.dec.ny.gov/chemical/884.html

Conserving Natural Areas and Wildlife in Your Community: Smart Growth Strategies for Protecting the Biological Diversity of New York's Hudson River Valley
This guidebook provides information for municipalities to protect natural resources and high quality wildlife habitat. 
Environment DEC, April 2009
http://www.dec.ny.gov/environmentdec/52791.html
http://www.dec.ny.gov/lands/50083.html

Hach Company Makes Water Analysis as Easy as a Mouse Click: Hach Water Information Management Solution(tm) version 7.0 Software Increases Data Accuracy and Provides Critical Alerts
This software can be utilized by drinking water, wastewater and industrial water facilities to capture data and create summary reports, charts and graphs.
Water Efficiency Journal, May 15, 2009 
http://www.waterefficiency.net/the-latest/hatch-software-analysis.aspx

“Poisoned Waters”

This documentary provides an investigation into America’s waterways and the pollution that is killing fish, causing mutations in frogs and threatening human health.

http://www.pbs.org/wgbh/pages/frontline/poisonedwaters/

 

 

 

 

 

F. X. Browne, Inc.  – Environmental Consulting

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

SERVICES

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

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

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