Philadelphia: Going Green to Manage Stormwater

Philadelphia has been utilizing Best Management Practices (BMPs) to reduce the amount of stormwater runoff throughout the city, which causes sewage overflows into the Delaware and Schuylkill Rivers.  The Philadelphia Water Department (PWD) focuses on BMPs that reduce the volume and peak of stormwater runoff.  The city offers many challenges such as limited space and existing utilities.  This article details the steps and timeline that the city has taken to reduce stormwater runoff.  It also highlights many important BMPs within the city. 

By Margaret Buranen, Stormwater Journal, January-February 2010
http://www.stormh2o.com/january-february-2010/philadelphia-going-green.aspx

Plant Buffers May Limit Spread of Antibiotics in Animal Waste

Plant buffers are effective in protecting water quality, reducing erosion, and supporting wildlife.  Scientists at the University of Missouri Center for Agroforestry researched the effectiveness of utilizing buffers to trap and break down veterinary antibiotics in manure fertilizers.  Between 30% and 80% of antibiotics are excreted as waste, which is then utilized as fertilizer for crops.  The studies revealed that soils from plant buffers reduced concentrations of antibiotics.  Earlier studies showed that grass buffers can filter herbicides in surface runoff.

ScienceDaily, February 16, 2010
http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2010/02/100212172539.htm

 

Studies Reveal Why Drinking Water Wells Are Vulnerable To Contamination

New groundwater studies performed by the United States Geological Service (USGS) explain how, when, and what contaminants could reach public-supply water wells.  Factors that affect potential contamination include the chemistry of the aquifer, groundwater age, and direct paths within aquifer systems.  The USGS has studied the movement of contaminants in groundwater in four aquifers in California, Connecticut, Nebraska, and Florida.  This information will assist public-supply well managers in protecting drinking water sources. 

PublicWorks.com, February 12, 2010
http://www.publicworks.com/article.mvc/Studies-Reveal-Why-Drinking-Water-Wells-Are-0001?user=2361275&source=nl:26811&VNETCOOKIE=NO

Four More PA Streams Added to EPA's List of Cleanup Success Stories

The U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) has announced that four streams in Pennsylvania have been added to the list of restored waterbodies during 2009.  The 41.7 miles of streams have been restored through aggressive cleanup efforts by Pennsylvania.  The streams include Babb Creek in Tioga County, Gumboot Run in McKean County, Lloydville Run in Blair County, and Sterling Run in Centre County.  A list of success stories can be found on the EPA website. 
Pennsylvania Ag Connection, usagnet.com, February 10, 2010

http://www.usagconnection.com/state_headlines/state_story.php?tble=PA2010&ID=133

Susquehanna Commission Reports Nitrogen, Phosphorus and Sediment Amounts from Susquehanna River to Chesapeake Bay Continue to Decline

The Susquehanna River Basin Commission (SRBC) has announced that the water quality within the Susquehanna River Basin has improved.  They analyzed flow-adjusted trends data from 1985 to 2008 and found reductions in sediment and nutrient loads. They collect samples from 6 long-term stations and 17 additional stations. The findings can be found in the SRBC’s report Nutrients and Suspended Sediment Transported in the Susquehanna River Basin,

2008, and Trends, January 1985 through December 2008.
http://www.srbc.net/pubinfo/docs/WaterQualityNutrientTrends_Feb%202010.pdf

Rock Salt Threaten New Jersey Waterways After Onslaught of Snow and Ice

The blizzard in early February caused thousands of tons of rock salt and hundreds of thousands of gallons of sodium-based products to be applied to New Jersey’s roadways.  While used for motorists’ safety, salt has long-term effects on streams, groundwater, and eventually drinking water.  The DEP claims that approximately 60% of road salts infiltrates ground water.  Salt can damage plants, birds, and aquatic life. 

By Jim Lockwood and Lawrence Ragonese, Contributions by Brian T. Murray and Scott Fallon, nj.com, February 15, 2010
http://www.nj.com/news/index.ssf/2010/02/post_138.html