Be like the flower,
turn your face to the sun.

~  Kahlil Gibran

 

Editors Note

IXTOC 1 Oil Spill - 1979
Three decades ago on June 3, 1979 there was an oil spill in Mexico’s shallow Campeche Sound (known as the Ixtoc 1), which is now considered to be the second largest accidental oil spill in history.  The blowout occurred in 160 feet of water.  Over ten months, approximately 3.3 million barrels of oil spilled into the Gulf of Mexico before the blowout was capped in March 1980.  Unfortunately, scientists measured an 80 percent reduction in all combined species living in the intertidal zone. The good news is that aquatic life along the shoreline of Texas appeared to return to normal within three years, even though they were still finding tar balls and tar mats along the beaches.  See the links below for more information.

For an entertaining and mind-blowing comparison of the 1979 Ixtoc 1 and 2010 BP oil spills, see the Rachel Maddow clip “That Was Then, This Was Then” at

http://www.msnbc.msn.com/id/26315908/vp/37368377#37368377

 

One Historic Gulf Spill May Shed Light On Another

National Public Radio, June 2, 2010

http://www.npr.org/templates/story/story.php?storyId=127373398

 

Mexico's Ixtoc 1 Oil Spill a Distant Mirror to BP Disaster

By Tim Johnson, McClatchy Newspapers, The Seattle Times, May 22, 2010

http://seattletimes.nwsource.com/html/nationworld/2011931961_ixtoc23.html

 

IXTOC I, Bahia de Campeche, Mexico (June 3, 1979)

NOAA’s National Ocean Service, Office of Response and Restoration

http://www.incidentnews.gov/incident/6250

 

IXTOC I History Detail

http://www.industry-tac.org/media/technical_documents/in_situ_burning/nist_sp_
995_volume1_general_information/Case_Histories/NOAA/IXTOCI.html

 

Oil Spill Case Histories 1967-1991: Summaries of Significant U.S. and International Spills

NOAA/Hazardous Materials Response and Assessment Division, September 1992

http://response.restoration.noaa.gov/book_shelf/26_spilldb.pdf

 

~ 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.  To view the article, click on the Previous Newsletters link at the top of the newsletter.  We have built upon that last article, and are providing the latest news and information. 

 

As of June 16, 2010, approximately 17,500 National Guard troops have been authorized (1,611 have been activated), 31,000 personnel have been deployed, over 5,000 vessels are responding, 2.39 million feet of containment boom and 3.48 million feet of sorbent boom have been deployed, nearly 21.2 million gallons of oil-water mixture have been recovered, approximately 1.3 million gallons of dispersant have been deployed (885,000 on surface and 414,000 subsea), over 210 controlled burns have been conducted, and 17 staging areas have been set up to protect vital shoreline. Approximately 52.6 miles of the Gulf Coast shoreline is currently being impacted (34.8 miles in Louisiana, 0.9 miles in Mississippi, 9.9 miles in Alabama, and 7 miles in Florida).  Approximately 80,800 square miles of federal waters are closed to fishing, with 66 percent open. 

 

F. X. Browne, Inc. staff are presently working in the Gulf of Mexico assisting the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service to rescue oil-soaked birds.

 

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/

 

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

The Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) has launched a website on the impacts of the spill and their response.
http://www.epa.gov/bpspill/

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/

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

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 21^st 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 20,000 to 40,000 barrels each day.  As of June 15, 2010, the amount of oil that is estimated to have spilled (if refined to fuel in a typical US refinery) could have fueled 68,000 cars, 6,100 trucks and 3,100 ships 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

 

 

NEWS ARTICLES

Here are some interesting articles detailing the tragedy and efforts to date to correct the problem.  They are arranged chronologically.

Gulf Oil Spill: Do Chemical Dispersants Pose Their Own Environmental Risk?
By Andrew Moseman in Environment, Discover Magazine, May 6, 2010
http://blogs.discovermagazine.com/80beats/2010/05/06/gulf-oil-spill-do-chemical-dispersants-pose-their-own-environmental-risk/ 

Disaster Plans Lacking at Deep Rigs
By Ben Casselman and Guy Chazan, The Wall Street Journal, May 18, 2010
http://online.wsj.com/article/SB10001424052748703315404575250591376735052.html?mod=dist_smartbrief 

Suit Seeks to Halt Production at an Even Deeper BP Site
By Lise Olsen, Houston Chronicle, May 18, 2010
http://www.chron.com/disp/story.mpl/business/deepwaterhorizon/7009609.html

Gulf of Mexico Oil Spill in the Loop Current
ScienceDaily, May 19, 2010
http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2010/05/100519112721.htm 

NOAA Extends Fishing Closed Area to Portion of Loop Current as Precaution in Wake of Gulf of Mexico Oil Spill
ScienceDaily, May 19, 2010
http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2010/05/100518180608.htm

NASA's Aqua Satellite Sees Sunglint on Gulf Oil Slick
ScienceDaily, May 19, 2010
http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2010/05/100519151737.htm

BP’s Estimate of Spill Rate is Way Low, Engineer Suggests
By Janet Raloff, ScienceNews, May 19, 2010 
http://www.sciencenews.org/view/generic/id/59381/title/BP%E2%80%99s_estimate_of_spill_rate_is_way_low%2C_engineer_suggests

Gulf Oil Spill:  Fishing Ban Expanded; Endangered Turtles Threatened
By Andrew Moseman in Environment, Discover Magazine, May 19, 2010
http://blogs.discovermagazine.com/80beats/2010/05/19/gulf-oil-spill-fishing-ban-expanded-endangered-turtles-threatened/

Lawsuit Filed to Stop Interior Department From Issuing Offshore Drilling Permits Without Environmental Review
Environmental News Network, from the Center of Biological Diversity, May 19, 2010
http://www.enn.com/press_releases/3364

Are There Better Ways to Clean Up the Gulf Oil Spill?
By Sean Rosner, Mother Earth News, May 19, 2010
http://www.motherearthnews.com/healthy-people-healthy-planet/are-there-better-ways-to-clean-up-the-gulf-oil-spill.aspx?utm_content=06.07.10+HE&utm_campaign=HE&utm_source=iPost&utm_medium=email

Heavy Oil From Spill Reaches Louisiana Marshes
By Matthew Bigg, Reuters, Environmental News Network, May 20, 2010
http://www.enn.com/top_stories/article/41343

Experts Express Doubts on Sand-Berm Proposal
By James C. McKinley Jr. and John Collins Rudolf, The New York Times, May 21, 2010
http://www.nytimes.com/2010/05/22/us/22berms.html?ref=earth

AP Impact:  Bad Cement Jobs Plague Offshore Rigs
By Mitch Weiss and Jeff Donn, The Associated Press, May 24, 2010
http://www.google.com/hostednews/ap/article/ALeqM5jXPlR-dnGz8bZVGgYh2-O49Ve6xgD9FSVL204
BP Reduces Estimate of How Much Oil it is Capturing
By Matthew Bigg, Reuters, Environmental News Network, May 24, 2010
http://www.enn.com/top_stories/article/41354

Memorial Service Honors Workers Killed in Deepwater Horizon Explosion
By Holbrook Mohr, The Associated Press, May 25, 2010
http://www.nola.com/news/gulf-oil-spill/index.ssf/2010/05/memorial_service_honors_worker.html

DISASTER IN THE GULF: Experts Have Their Doubts on Well's Design
By Tom Fowler, Houston Chronicle, May 25, 2010
http://www.chron.com/disp/story.mpl/business/energy/7022355.html

Obama to Revamp Drilling Rules as Calls Grow to Take On BP
By Nicholas Johnston and Kim Chipman, Bloomberg, May 26, 2010
http://preview.bloomberg.com/news/2010-05-26/obama-to-revamp-drilling-rules-as-demands-grow-to-take-on-bp-after-spill.html

Undersea Forces from Hurricanes May Threaten Gulf Pipelines
ScienceDaily, May 27, 2010
http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2010/05/100526141852.htm

Flow Rate Group Provides Preliminary Best Estimate Of Oil Flowing from BP Oil Well
Deepwater Horizon Response website, May 27, 2010
https://www.piersystem.com/go/doc/2931/569235/

Controversial Salazar "Moratorium" on Gulf Drilling Was Only Verbal
From the Center for Biological Diversity, Environmental News Network, May 27, 2010
http://www.enn.com/press_releases/3374

Arctic Drilling: 6 Months is Not Enough
NRDC Switchboard Blog, Lisa Speer’s Blog, May 27, 2010
http://switchboard.nrdc.org/blogs/lspeer/arctic_drilling_6_months_is_no.html

Underwater Robot Sent to Study Deepwater Horizon Spill
ScienceDaily, May 30, 2010
http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2010/05/100528211158.htm

BP's Top Kill Effort Fails to Plug Gulf Oil Leak
By Ben Nuckols, Associated Press, Google.com, May 30, 2010
http://www.google.com/hostednews/ap/article/ALeqM5gIXWYBTpLtSayJtg41LKXpxSxVPAD9G0UUTG0

NOAA Expects Busy Atlantic Hurricane Season
ScienceDaily, May 31, 2010
http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2010/05/100530212148.htm

Oil Hitting Alabama's Dauphin Island
From Verna Gates and Kelli Dugan, Reuters, Environmental News Network, June 3, 2010
http://www.enn.com/top_stories/article/41390

Sundance Audience Award-Winning ‘Fuel’ Coming to DVD on June 22
Environmental News Network, June 3, 2010
http://www.enn.com/press_releases/3382

BP Refuses to Use Donated Hair Mats to Clean Up Oil Spill
By Cameron Scott, Inhabitat.com, June 3, 2010
http://inhabitat.com/2010/06/03/bp-refuses-to-use-donated-hair-mats-to-clean-up-oil-spill/ 

Obama Administration Sends $69 Million Bill To BP
Deepwater Horizon Response website, June 3, 2010
https://www.piersystem.com/go/doc/2931/587523/

BP Puts Containment Cap on Gushing Gulf Well Pipe
By Anna Driver, Reuters, Environmental News Network, June 4, 2010
http://www.enn.com/top_stories/article/41395

BP Faces Lawsuit for Polluting Gulf Waters: Citizen Suit to Hold BP Accountable
From the Center for Biological Diversity, Environmental News Network, June 4, 2010
http://www.enn.com/press_releases/3384

Scientists Skeptical About Rush to Build Sand Barriers
By Julie Cart, Lost Angeles Times, June 5, 2010
http://articles.latimes.com/2010/jun/05/nation/la-na-oil-spill-berms-20100606

5th UPDATE: BP Says 10,500 Bbl Oil Collected From Gulf Leak Sat
By Mark Long and Nicholas Winning, of Dow Jones Newswires, June 6, 2010
http://online.wsj.com/article/BT-CO-20100606-702869.html?mod=dist_smartbrief

Oil Spill Puts Commercially Significant Cold-Water Reefs in Peril
ScienceDaily, June 6, 2010
http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2010/06/100606004815.htm

Where Is the Oil Going?
By David A Gabel, Environmental News Network, June 7, 2010
http://www.enn.com/top_stories/article/41404

Multi-Billion Dollar Oil Pipeline Project Moving Through Kansas
By Kim Hynes, Eyewitness News 12, June 7, 2010
http://www.kwch.com/Global/story.asp?S=12609637

Gulf Oil Spill Could Widen, Worsen ‘Dead Zone'
Pollution Online, June 8, 2010
http://www.pollutiononline.com/article.mvc/Gulf-Oil-Spill-Could-Widen-Worsen-Dead-Zone-0001?user=2361275&source=nl:27806 

Polymer-Based Filter Successfully Cleans Water, Recovers Oil in Gulf of Mexico Test
ScienceDaily, June 8, 2010
http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2010/06/100607122446.htm

Subsurface Oil from Deepwater Horizon Spill in Gulf of Mexico, Say Researchers
ScienceDaily, June 9, 2010
http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2010/06/100609102703.htm 

Gulf gusher is far and away the biggest U.S. spill
By Janet Raloff, ScienceNews, June 9, 2010
http://www.sciencenews.org/view/generic/id/60115/title/Gulf_gusher_is_far_and_away_the_biggest_U.S._spill 

Transcripts of fact-finding joint investigation available for May 11 - 12, 2010
Deepwater Horizon Response Website, June 9, 2010
https://www.piersystem.com/go/doc/3043/621995/

BP Oil Isn’t the Only Source of Gulf's Deep Roaming Plumes: Some Subsea Plumes Don't Share the Chemistry of BP's Oil
By Janet Raloff, ScienceNews, June 9, 2010
http://www.sciencenews.org/view/generic/id/60081/title/BP_oil_isn%E2%80%99t_the_only_source_of_gulfs_deep_roaming_plumes

BP spill: Gulf is Primed to Heal, but . . . Microbial Degradation of Spilled Oil and Gas Comes at a Price
By Janet Raloff, ScienceNews, June 10, 2010
http://www.sciencenews.org/view/generic/id/60172/title/BP_spill_Gulf_is_primed_to_heal%2C_but 

Feds up Estimates of BP-Spill Rate: The National Flow-Rate Technical Group Pegs Likely Releases at a Minimum of 20,000 Barrels Per Day
By Janet Raloff, ScienceNews, June 10, 2010
http://www.sciencenews.org/view/generic/id/60162/title/Feds_up_estimates_of_BP-spill_rate 

Admiral Allen; Dr. McNutt Provide Updates on Progress of Scientific Teams Analyzing Flow Rates from BP’s Well
Deepwater Horizon Response Website, June 10, 2010
https://www.piersystem.com/go/doc/2931/627011/

Berms Getting Built, but Doubts Persist
By Jeffrey Ball, The Wall Street Journal, June 10, 2010
http://online.wsj.com/article/SB10001424052748703890904575297021162749634.html?mod=dist_smartbrief 

New Strain of Bacteria Discovered That Could Aid in Oil Spill, Other Environmental Cleanup
ScienceDaily, June 11, 2010
http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2010/06/100611141527.htm 

Kevin Costner’s Oil Extractor Ready to Take Action in the Gulf
By Karen Nelson, Matter Network, June 11, 2010
http://www.matternetwork.com/2010/6/kevin-costners-oil-extractor-ready.cfm

Predicting Amount of Oil in Contaminated Soils: Scientists Develop Faster Method for Testing Soils Around Oil Spills
ScienceDaily, June 11, 2010
http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2010/06/100609201310.htm

BP’s Letter Outlining Its Latest Plans for Oil Containment
Deepwater Horizon Response Website, June 13, 2010
http://www.deepwaterhorizonresponse.com/posted/2931/BP_Response_to_FOSC.657315.pdf

Scientists Locate 23-Mile Long Oil Plume Off Florida's Gulf Coast
ScienceDaily, June 14, 2010
http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2010/06/100614092604.htm 

NOAA, FDA Continue Ramping Up Efforts to Ensure Safety of Gulf of Mexico Seafood
FDA U.S. Food and Drug Administration, June 14, 2010
http://www.fda.gov/NewsEvents/Newsroom/PressAnnouncements/ucm215493.htm

3-D Models of BP Oil Spill in Gulf of Mexico Made Using Ranger Supercomputer
ScienceDaily, June 14, 2010
http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2010/06/100603155723.htm 

NOAA, FDA Continue Ramping Up Efforts to Ensure Safety of Gulf of Mexico Seafood
Deepwater Horizon Response Website, June 14, 2010
https://www.piersystem.com/go/doc/2931/658271/

Loop Current Will Determine Spill's Ultimate Fate: Oceanographers Track Newly Formed Eddy and Where it Might Carry Oil
By Alexandra Witze, ScienceNews, June 15, 2010
http://www.sciencenews.org/view/generic/id/60295/title/Loop_Current_will_determine_spills_ultimate_fate

NOAA Conducts Tests to Determine Fate of Whale Found Dead in Gulf of Mexico
Deepwater Horizon Response Website, June 16, 2010
https://www.piersystem.com/go/doc/2931/666791/ 

NOAA Expands Fishing Closed Area in Gulf of Mexico
Deepwater Horizon Response Website, June 16, 2010
https://www.piersystem.com/go/doc/2931/665431/ 

Legal Petition Filed to Reform Policy That Allows Oil Drilling to Evade Environmental Review
From the Center for Biological Diversity, Environmental News Network, June 16, 2010
http://www.enn.com/press_releases/3393

 

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/

 

PHOTOS

NASA’s Latest Images
http://www.nasa.gov/topics/earth/features/oilspill/index.html 

Pictures: Heavy Oil Seeping Into Louisiana Marshes
The National Geographic, May 19, 2010
http://news.nationalgeographic.com/news/2010/05/photogalleries/100519-gulf-heavy-oil-marsh-bp-shore-washing-up-pictures/?source=email_gg#gulf-oil-reaching-marshes-wide_20690_600x450.jpg

EPA’s Photostream
http://www.flickr.com/photos/usepagov

Oil Reaches Louisiana Shores
By Alan Taylor, The Big Picture, Boston.com, May 24, 2010
http://www.boston.com/bigpicture/2010/05/oil_reaches_louisiana_shores.html

Gulf Oil Spill; Coastal Impact
All Eyes, Tampabay.com
http://blogs.tampabay.com/photo/2010/05/gulf-oil-spill-coastal-impact.html

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/

Oil Spill in the Gulf Slide Show
On Earth
http://www.onearth.org/gulfspill

PIA13174: Leaking Oil Invades Louisiana Wildlife Habitats
NASA Photojournal, June 2, 2010
http://photojournal.jpl.nasa.gov/catalog/?IDNumber=pia13174

Photo Slideshow: 6 Animals That Could Be Hurt by the Gulf Oil Spill
National Wildlife Staff, May 6, 2010
http://www.nwf.org/News-and-Magazines/National-Wildlife/PhotoZone/Archives/2010/slideshow-oil-spill.aspx?s_src=20100608_WLO_June_Edition

Glee's "Somewhere Over the Rainbow" with Oil Spill Images
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=8jPjJPVdR4g

 

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

Oil Toxicity and Impacts on Sea Turtles:  Chapter 4
By Sarah Milton, Peter Lutz, and Gary Shigenaka
http://response.restoration.noaa.gov/book_shelf/40_turtle_chapter4.pd 

State Bird, Brown Pelican, Imperiled by Oil
By John Flesher, The Associated Press, May 19, 2010
http://www.wwltv.com/news/gulf-oil-spill/State-bird-brown-pelican-imperiled-by-oil-94243624.html
Oil Spill’s Effect on Wildlife Difficult to Tally
By Raja Abdulrahim and Julie Cart, Los Angeles Times, May 19, 2010
http://mobile.latimes.com/inf/infomo?view=page1&feed:a=latimes_1min&feed:c=nationnews&feed:i=53810871&nopaging=1

Update 1 – Over 300 Dead Birds Are Likely Gulf Spill Victims
By Steve Gorman, Reuters, May 24, 2010
http://www.reuters.com/article/idUSN2419427920100525

Scientists to Study Impact of Gulf Oil Spill on Marine Food Webs
ScienceDaily, May 25, 2010
http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2010/05/100524143425.htm

Oil Spill Threatens Toothy Marine Predator That Is Cultural and Historic Icon
ScienceDaily, May 27, 2010
http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2010/05/100527122154.htm

The Deepwater Horizon Disaster and Wetlands
The Swamp School, May 27, 2010
http://swampschool.org/the-deepwater-horizon-disaster-and-wetlands/

Spawning Habitat of Bluefin Tuna in Gulf of Mexico: Critical Area Intersects Deepwater Horizon Oil Spill
ScienceDaily, May 31, 2010
http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2010/05/100528210726.htm

How the Gulf Oil Spill Could Hurt Animals: The oil spill in the Gulf of Mexico threatens hundreds of species, and some of its effects may not be felt for months—or longer
NWF Staff, National Wildlife Federation, May 4, 2010
http://www.nwf.org/News-and-Magazines/National-Wildlife/Animals/Archives/2010/Oil-spill-species.aspx?s_src=20100602_NWM_Jun 

After the Oil Spill: New Research Sheds Light on Coral Susceptibility to Environmental Stress
ScienceDaily, June 1, 2010
http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2010/06/100601101548.htm

Ask the Conservationist:  Oil vs. Nature
The Nature Conservancy, June 2010
http://support.nature.org/site/PageServer?pagename=asktheconservationist_201006

A Crude Awakening: The Status of Sperm Whales in the Gulf of Mexico
By Cloe Waterfield, Living Green Online Magazine
http://www.livinggreenmag.com/climate_nature.html

NOAA Expands Fishing Closed Area in Gulf of Mexico
The closed area is now 88,502 square miles, approximately 37 percent of Gulf of Mexico federal waters. For more information, visit http://sero.nmfs.noaa.gov/.
Deepwater Horizon Response website, June 2, 2010
https://www.piersystem.com/go/doc/2931/584051/

NOAA Opens 430 Square-Mile Fishing Area in Gulf of Mexico
Deepwater Horizon Response website, June 7, 2010
https://www.piersystem.com/go/doc/2931/598083/

 

 

News Clips

 

Policy Update

EPA Releases Draft Dioxin Report for Public Comment
The U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) released a draft report entitled EPA’s Reanalysis of Key Issues Related to Dioxin Toxicity and Response to NAS Comments.  The draft addresses comments made by the National Academy of Sciences on the draft dioxin reassessment.  Dioxin is a general term for hundreds of chemicals that persist in the environment and are some of the most toxic environmental contaminants.  They are formed during combustion or burning. The draft report aims to protect the health of the American public.  Public comment period began on May 21, 2010 and ends August 19, 2010. 

To view the questions and answers, visit  http://www.fda.gov/Food/FoodSafety/FoodContaminantsAdulteration/Chemical
Contaminants/DioxinsPCBs/ucm077524.htm

To read the draft report, visit http://www.epa.gov/dioxin

To view the Federal Register Notice with details on the public comment process, visit http://www.gpo.gov/fdsys/pkg/FR-2010-05-21/html/2010-12280.htm

For more information on EPA’s Risk Assessment Process, visit http://epa.gov/riskassessment/basicinformation.htm#arisk

 

Governor Rendell Announces Land Lease Agreement that Meets Budget Targets, Greatly Minimizes Additional Disturbance to State Forests

The Department of Conservation and Natural Resources has finalized a natural gas lease agreement for Pennsylvania to meet revenue needs while attempting to protect Pennsylvania’s natural resources.  The Anadarko Petroleum Corp. has paid $120 million to access 32,896 acres surrounded by lands that already have lease agreements.  This minimizes the disturbance of the newly leased state forest lands, which cover 11 tracts in the Moshannon, Sproul and Tiadaghton state forests.

http://www.portal.state.pa.us/portal/server.pt/community/newsroom/14287?id=11297&typeid=2

For more information on gas drilling on state forest land, visit www.dcnr.state.pa.us and choose Gas Drilling under “Quick Links”

 

New Wilderness Advocacy Coalition Formed

The Pennsylvania Wilderness Coalition has been formed to advocate for wilderness designation on the Allegheny National Forest.  The coalition is made up of six conservation organizations, representing nearly 65,000 Pennsylvanians.  Wilderness designation is the highest level of protection for federal lands. 

Today, less than two percent of the Allegheny National Forest is permanently protected as wilderness. 

For more information, visit http://www.pawild.org/
 

Chesapeake Bay
Recently there have been some major policy changes to the Chesapeake Bay and its watershed.  Beginning with a executive order a year ago, we are now seeing progress for the protection and restoration of the Chesapeake Bay.  See below for policy changes, articles and tools related to the Chesapeake Bay.
 

New Federal “Strategy for Protecting and Restoring the Chesapeake Bay Watershed”
The new federal strategy for the Chesapeake was released on May 12, the one year anniversary from when President Obama issued an executive order requiring the strategy.  The new strategy focuses on protecting and restoring the 64 square-mile Chesapeake Bay watershed.  It includes regulations for restoring clean water, implementing conservation practices, conserving undeveloped land, and restoring oyster populations.  Milestones will be established every two years to make progress toward measurable environmental goals. 
EPA News Release, May 12, 2010
To view the strategy, visit http://executiveorder.chesapeakebay.net/
To view the full announcement, visit http://yosemite.epa.gov/opa/admpress.nsf/3881d73f4d4aaa0b85257359003f5348/
efdfab237bdc4c9a8525772100465d3d!OpenDocument

 

EPA Online Interactive Map Tool to Track Enforcement Actions in the Chesapeake Bay Watershed
The U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) has released this new tool for the general public to track federal air and water enforcement actions within the Chesapeake Bay watershed.  This resource is provided as part of the EPA’s draft Chesapeake Bay Compliance and Enforcement Strategy.
EPA News Release, April 28, 2010
To view the map, visit http://www.epa.gov/compliance/civil/initiatives/progress-chesapeakebay.html
For more information on the Chesapeake Bay Compliance and Enforcement Strategy, visit http://www.epa.gov/compliance/civil/initiatives/chesapeakebay.html
For the full announcement, visit http://yosemite.epa.gov/opa/admpress.nsf/d0cf6618525a9efb85257359003fb69d/
51c02ac2bb2b6ab88525771300640c61!OpenDocument

 

 

EPA Releases Land Management Guidance for Reducing Water Pollution to the Chesapeake Bay

The U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) released guidance to help federal facilities reduce pollution to the Chesapeake Bay.  These tools and effective practices will reduce water pollution from nonpoint sources such as agricultural lands, urban and suburban areas, and septic systems.  Everyone, not only federal agencies, can benefit from this information.

To view the guidance, visit http://www.epa.gov/nps/chesbay502/

 

Chesapeake Bay Settlement Has EPA Agreeing to Enforce Pollution Reduction Goals

The Chesapeake Bay Foundation settled a lawsuit against the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) hours before restoration strategy was released.  The lawsuit, brought in January 2009, was over the alleged slow page of cleanup efforts.  The settlement imposes legally enforceable steps on the EPA to ensure that pollutants are reduced in the Chesapeake Bay watershed.  Under the agreement, the EPA will require states to limit their Nitrogen Phosphorus, and sediment flow into the Bay. 

By Ashley Halsey III, The Washington Post, May 12, 2010

http://www.washingtonpost.com/wp-dyn/content/article/2010/05/11/AR2010051105212.html

 

 

2009 Bay Barometer

The Chesapeake Bay Program (CBP) has released the 2009 Bay Barometer, which shows that the Bay is still in poor condition, with an overall average health score of 45%.  The CBP partnership has implemented 45% of the health goals and 64% of the restoration goals needed to reduce pollution, restore habitats, manage fisheries, protect watersheds, and foster stewardship.  It also shows some slight improvements in water clarity, deep-water habitat, blue crabs and bay grasses. 

Chesapeake Bay Program News, April 2010
http://www.chesapeakebay.net/news_baybarometer09.aspx?menuitem=50520

To view the CBP’s “Bay Barometer: A Health and Restoration Assessment of the Chesapeake Bay and Watershed in 2009” visit http://www.chesapeakebay.net/content/publications/cbp_50513.pdf

 

EPA Online Map Tracks Chesapeake Bay Watershed Enforcement Actions
The U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) provides this online map showing the locations of federal air and water enforcement actions within the Chesapeake Bay watershed.  It targets geographic areas and pollution sources that contribute the highest amounts of nitrogen, phosphorus, and sediment that lead to the Chesapeake Bay. 

For more information, visit http://www.epa.gov/compliance/civil/initiatives/progress-chesapeakebay.html

 

 

2010 Great Backyard Bird Count Results   The Great Backyard Bird Count (GBBC) is used by scientists to examine changes or questions in a particular species and its habits.  More than 97,200 checklists were submitted by North American bird watchers this year from all 50 states in the U.S. and all 10 provinces and 3 territories in Canada.  Over 602 species were reported in 11.2 million individual bird observations.  http://www.birdsource.org/gbbc/science-stories/2010-results/

 

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.

http://www.portal.state.pa.us/portal/server.pt?open=512&objID=3748&&SortOrder=200&level=2&parentid=3741&css=L2&mode=2
 

NY DEC Grants
Visit this site for a comprehensive list of New York Department of Environmental Conservation Grants and Loans.
http://www.dec.ny.gov/pubs/grants.html

 

USDA Rural Development Water and Waste Disposal (WWD) Loan and Grant Program for Rural Areas

This program provides loans, grants, loan guarantees and technical assistance for water, sanitary, waste and storm drainage facilities in rural areas and towns of 10,000 or less.  Assistance is provided to public entities, non-profit organizations and federally recognized Indian tribes.  Applications are accepted continually. 

http://www.usda.gov/rus/water/program.htm

 

USDA Technical Assistance and Training Grants for Rural Areas

These grants are provided for identifying solutions for water and waste disposal problems, assist in preparing applications for water and waste grants, and improving operations and maintenance of existing facilities.  Private non-profit organizations located in rural areas and towns of 10,000 or less are eligible.  Applications accepted October 1 through December 31 every year.

http://www.usda.gov/rus/water/tatg.htm

 

USDA Solid Waste Management Grant Program for Rural Areas

These grants are provided to public bodies, private non-profit organizations and Native American tribes for reducing/eliminating pollution of water resources and improving planning/management of solid waste sties in rural areas.  Applications accepted October 1 through December 31 every year.

http://www.usda.gov/rus/water/SWMG.htm

 

PA Resource Enhancement and Protection Program (REAP)

This program provides farmers and business with tax credits in exchange for Best Management Practices (BMPs) on agricultural operations to enhance production and protect natural resources.  Applications will be accepted till fiscal year 2009-2010 appropriations are committed to projects.

http://www.agriculture.state.pa.us/portal/server.pt/gateway/PTARGS_0_2_24476_10297_0_43/http%3B/10.41.0.36/AgWebsite/ProgramDetail.aspx?name=Resource-Enhancement-and-Protection-(REAP)-&navid=12&parentnavid=0&palid=22&

 

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.

http://www.newpa.com/find-and-apply-for-funding/funding-and-program-finder/funding-detail/index.aspx?progId=190

 

H2O PA Water Infrastructure Projects Bonds

The Commonwealth Financing Authority has issued $400 million in bonds for projects that impact water, water infrastructure, wastewater systems, and high hazard dam projects.  The bonds are designated as “Build AAmerica Bonds” under the American Recovery and Reinvestment Act of 2009.  They are taxable bonds with an interest rate subsidized by the federal government.  Applications are due July 1, 2010.

Visit http://www.newpa.com/find-and-apply-for-funding/commonwealth-financing-authority/index.aspx  and search for H2O PA for more information.

New Jersey DEP Grants and Loans
Visit this site for a comprehensive list of New Jersey Department of Environmental Protection Grants and Loans.
http://www.nj.gov/dep/grantandloanprograms/index.html

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.

 

NY DEC Grants For Hudson Valley Landowners To Protect Endangered Bog Turtle Habitat

The Landowner Incentive Program (LIP) grants ranging from $5,000 to $50,000 are provided for private landowners who would like to enhance or restore a critical bog turtle habitat on their property.  A 25% matching fund must be provided by the landowner.  Bog turtles are “endangered” in New York and are federally listed as “threatened,” mainly due to loss of habitat.   First priority goes to projects located in their focus area.  Pre-application deadline is July 1, 2010.  A map of the focus areas can be found by visiting http://www.dec.ny.gov/pubs/48737.html

http://www.dec.ny.gov/press/63846.html

http://www.dec.ny.gov/pubs/48707.html

 

NJ DEP Division of Fish and Wildlife – Endangered and Nongame Species Program (ENSP)

The ENSP is seeking proposals for Landowner Incentive Program projects that focus on the enhancement of at least one rare species or its habitat.  A minimum 25% match is required.  For a list of New Jersey’s State endangered, threatened and species of concern visit www.njfishandwildlife.com/ensphome.htm.  Proposals are due by July 15, 2010. 

For more information, visit http://www.state.nj.us/dep/fgw/ensp/lip_prog.htm

 

DCNR Wild Resource Conservation Program – Protecting Non-Game Species

The Pennsylvania Department of Conservation and Natural Resources (PA DCNR) is providing grants to protect Pennsylvania’s non-game animals, native plants and their habitats.  Projects should be focused on identifying species and natural communities at risk from climate change, species inventory and monitoring, sustainable energy extraction and transport, and/or critical conservation needs.   Applications must be submitted through DCNR’s eGrants online grant application system.  Applications are due June 30, 2010.

http://www.dcnr.state.pa.us/wrcp/2010grants/index.aspx

 

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

 

PROP Recycling Festival Best Video Competition

The Pennsylvania’s State Recycling Association is hosting this event.  Use your talents and creativity to create a video about recycling and/or about your local recycling program.  A cash prize is provided for the “Best Video” and your video could be posted on the Internet.  Submissions are due by July 9, 2010.

For more information, visit http://www.proprecycles.org/Conference/2010/2010%20Conference.html and click on “3^rd Annual Recycling Film Festival” at the bottom of the page.

 

4th Annual Rachel Carson “Sense of Wonder” Contest

The U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) is hosting this creativity contest.  Categories include poetry, photography, essays and dance.  Entries should focus on instilling a sense of wonder for the environment for all generations and to inspire environmental stewardship. Form a team of two or more people from younger and older generations and submit team entries by June 16, 2010.  The public will have the opportunity to vote. Winners will be announced in October 2010.

http://www.epa.gov/aging/resources/thesenseofwonder/index.htm

 

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 75^th 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/

 

 

 

 

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