REAP Could Benefit Farmers, Waterways

The bipartisan Resource Enhancement and Protection Act of Pennsylvania (REAP) is a legislative proposal that would support essential pollution reduction projects on Pennsylvania farms. 

REAP would provide state tax credits to help farmers and businesses finance a variety of conservation practices. REAP would give qualifying farmers a state tax credit equal to 50 to 75 percent of the cost of eligible conservation practices — up to $150,000 per farm. This tax credit is a dollar-for-dollar tax reduction that can be applied to business and individual state taxes. Farmers could use the tax credit to reduce their own tax bill (carrying it over for up to 15 years) or sell it to another taxpayer for cash. REAP would also allow a business to help finance a project on a private farm and, in return, receive the tax credit. Two REAP bills have been introduced: HB 100 and SB 690. Over 50 conservation groups have publicly announced their support for REAP. http://www.cbf.org/REAP. 

Delaware River Citizens Concerned About Flooding

The Delaware River Basin Commission’s proposed Flexible Flow Management Plan (FFMP), a long awaited measure that local folks hope will protect them from future floods, is stirring up controversy.

The FFMP is the proposed permanent replacement for Delaware River Basin Commission Resolution 2006-18 (the reservoir reduction program in effect). It will go into effect in July if approved by the governors of Pennsylvania, New York, New Jersey, Delaware, and New York City. To mitigate the impact of flooding, the resolution says, “it is necessary to consider measures including, but not limited to, additional reservoir releases ..to manage discharges, programs of releases by the operators of other impoundments, and open space preservation and restrictions on construction within floodplains.” What the plan does not include is stated precautions on spilling of the New York City reservoirs and PPL’s Lake Wallenpaupack, which residents farther downstream believe could prevent the kinds of floods that have occurred in the last three years. 

Members of the Delaware Riverside Conservancy circulated a petition to urge the Delaware River Basin Commission to pass a resolution to immediately keep the levels of New York City reservoirs and Lake Wallenpaupack to 80 percent. Recent resolutions have allowed the reservoirs to be filled as much as 100 percent. “After 50 years of hurricanes, northeasters, we experienced no flooding until the recent resolutions were passed, and then we experienced three floods in 21 months, with reservoirs filled to 100 percent capacity.” says Nancy Shappell, secretary of the Conservancy. Due to the enormous amount of comments concerning the FFMP, DRBC is delaying a vote on the plan until July. http://drconline.org/. 

NJ DEP Announces New Water Quality Initiatives, Releases Updated Land Use Data

NJ DEP announced two new water-quality initiatives to mark the 37th anniversary of Earth Day, as well as releasing new information showing land use changes and development trends throughout New Jersey.

Under the first water quality initiative, more than 900 miles of waterways and 1,300 acres of reservoirs that supply drinking water in 11 counties to millions of New Jerseyans will receive Category One protection from the dangers of development. Along with recommending Category One protection for high-quality waters, DEP also advanced a major regulatory proposal that will address the impacts of septic systems on groundwater, and establish new standards for wastewater management planning. Both sets of proposed regulations will be published in the May 21 edition of the New Jersey Register. Following a 60-day public comment period, final rules will be adopted. http://www.state.nj.us/dep/newsrel/2007/07_0023.htm 

The DEP also recently released the results of a high-resolution aerial photograph study comparing the current results with data from previous years. The results indicate that New Jersey is losing open space at the rate of 15,000 acres a year, roughly the same rate as reported between 1986 and 1995. DEP will use the findings from the new study to develop strategies to curb overdevelopment. Among the initiatives that are being considered are increased flood hazard control measures, sustainable growth planning, and regulatory protections for threatened and endangered species. The land use data have been incorporated into the Department’s interactive mapping tool, i-MapNJ. http://www.nj.gov/dep/gis/lulc02shp.html

Poetic Justice for One Illegal Dumper

One illegal trash dumper in Westmoreland County, PA, found themselves in a veritable quagmire recently. 

PA CleanWays of Westmoreland County and the Sewickley Creek Watershed Group recently targeted an illegal dumpsite for cleanup. Volunteers from both groups and the public works department from South Huntingdon Township removed 21 tons of various household trash, shingles and other construction debris from this site. Later in the week, as one of the public works department employees who helped with the cleanup was on his way to work, he noticed a dump truck stuck in the mud at the cleanup site. He called the State Police and the township. Apparently the dump truck was in the process of dumping a new load of shingles. According to Scott Painter from South Huntingdon Township, the dumper was fined by the State Police, the Department of Environmental Protection, South Huntingdon Township and had to pay to have his dump truck towed. http://www.paenvironmentdigest.com/newsletter/default.asp?NewsletterArticleID=6717

Policy Update

Grant Programs 
(Click on a grant for more information)

Wildlands Conservancy Native Plant Sale

The Wildlands Conservancy will hold its annual Native Plant Marketplace in May at the Pool Wildlife Sanctuary. Over 100 types of species of native trees, shrubs, ferns, grasses, perennials and vines will be available at reasonable prices, with gardening experts on hand to help with selections and to answer questions. Native Plant Sale Dates and Hours: May 4 - Members' Day - 9 a.m. - 6 p.m.; May 5 - 9 a.m. - 3 p.m.; May 6 - 9 a.m. - 3 p.m.; May 12 - 9 a.m. - 3 p.m.; May 13 - 9 a.m. - 3 p.m. Literature, materials and educational programs related to the importance of planting native plants will also be available from related government agencies and other entities. http://wildlandspa.org/calendar/plant_sale.html

Tulpehocken, Quittapahilla Creek Watershed Grants

The Pennsylvania Fish and Boat Commission announced that $109,400 is now available through a grant process for stream restoration, habitat enhancement and recreational enhancement activities on streams located in the Tulpehocken and Quittapahilla Creek watersheds. Applications are due June 25. Only project proposals located within the Tulpehocken and/or Quittapahilla Creek watersheds will be considered. These monies can be used for stand-alone projects or to supplement other funding for larger projects that are designed to improve aquatic habitat, water quality, or recreational use. Examples of acceptable activities include fishery habitat restoration or enhancement; fish stocking; fishing access; maintenance or creation of facilities to encourage, improve or expand recreational use of the fishery; or studies related to these issues. http://sites.state.pa.us/PA_Exec/Fish_Boat/newsreleases/2007/grants_tulpe_quitta.doc 

PADEP Composting Infrastructure Development Grants 

The PADEP is now accepting applications for Composting Infrastructure Development Grant Program. Applications are due June 28. For-profit business entities and nonprofit organizations are eligible for grants on a competitive basis to increase the quantity of yard and/or food wastes collected and processed in the Commonwealth. DEP will award grants of up to $100,000 to any one project.  http://www.depweb.state.pa.us/landrecwaste/cwp/view.asp?a=1338&q=469423

EPA Targeted Brownfields Assessment Grants- Upper Schuylkill River

Targeted Brownfield Assessments (TBAs) funding is available for qualified Upper Schuylkill River Watershed acid mine drainage impacted mine-scarred lands having redevelopment potential. This source of direct funding can be used by a municipality or redevelopment authority to facilitate the cleanup and reuse of formerly contaminated (brownfields) properties. http://www.epa.gov/brownfields/facts/tba_0403.pdf 

Events 
(Click on an event for more information)

PA Stormwater Manual Training Sessions The PA DEP will be conducting two-day training sessions on the new Stormwater Best Management Practices (BMP) Manual during May. Dr. Frank Browne, P.E., President of F. X. Browne, Inc., is one of the  trainers selected by PA DEP to participate in the training sessions. The Stormwater BMP Manual is a technical reference guide of planning concepts and design standards that satisfy Pennsylvania’s stormwater management requirements when properly tailored and applied locally. The training sessions will highlight key concepts in the manual, including performance guidelines and standards, an inventory of proven BMPs, and a process for planning and applying them to construction sites. http://www.dep.state.pa.us/dep/deputate/watermgt/wc/Subjects/StormwaterManagement/Announcements/default.htm  EPA Watershed Webcasts EPA’s Watershed Academy sponsors monthly Webcasts, audio versions of which are available on their website. Past Webcast topics include TMDLs and trading through the National Estuary Program, the Nonpoint Education for Municipal Officials (NEMO) Program, Brownfields Redevelopment, Watershed-based NPDES Permitting, Integrating Wetlands into Watershed Protection; Sustainable Financing for Watershed Groups; Phase II Stormwater; Low Impact Development Strategies, Tools, and Techniques for Sustainable Watersheds; and Eight Tools for Watershed Protection in Developing Areas.  http://www.epa.gov/watershedwebcasts PA Dirt and Gravel Road ESM 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: May 30-31 - Westmoreland County June 26-27 - Clarion / Armstrong Counties  http://www.mri.psu.edu/centers/cdgrs/calendar/calendar.html Stormwater Education Social Marketing Webcast EPA’s Office of Wastewater Management will host a Webcast, A Tool for More Effective Stormwater Education and Outreach Programs, on May 9. Nancy Lee, nationally noted expert on communications and social marketing, will discuss how social marketing techniques can be integrated into stormwater outreach and education programs to help change citizen’s behavior to help prevent stormwater pollution. http://cfpub.epa.gov/npdes/outreach.cfm?program_id=0&otype=1  PA Land Conservation Conference The Pennsylvania Land Conservation Conference will be held in State College on May 10-12. This year's conference will feature a keynote presentation by Larry Schweiger, President of the National Wildlife Federation entitled, "Good Planets Are Hard to Find," on the issue of global climate change. This is Pennsylvania's premier training, networking and inspirational event for those involved with private and public land conservation. http://conserveland.org/conferences/2007/index  PA Wild Resource Festivals Two Wild Resource Festivals are set for May 12 at Moraine State Park and June 9 at French Creek State Park to celebrate the 25th anniversary of the Wild Resource Conservation Fund. The festivals feature the best Pennsylvania research and conservation work on wild plants and non-game wildlife. More than 30 presenters at each festival will cover such topics as raptors, invasive plants, flying squirrels, and crayfish. Hands-on demonstrations, guided walks and exhibits, and informal presentations make the one-day festivals a great experience for kids of all ages.http://www.dcnr.state.pa.us/wrcf/07fest/index.html National River Rally 2007 The River Network's 2007 National River Rally will take place May 18-22 in the beautiful Columbia River Gorge. Over 500 river and watershed protection advocates will come together for four days of education, inspiration and celebration. Over 100 workshops are planned. Nonprofit staff and volunteers, tribal, agency and corporate representatives working on freshwater issues are encouraged to attend. http://www.rivernetwork.org/  PA Environmental Professionals Conference The theme of the 2007 Annual Conference of the PA Association of Environmental Professionals will be "The Legacy of Rachel Carson and the State of the Environment in Pennsylvania." The conference will be held in State College on May 16-18. Participants will explore current ecological, regulatory and pollution prevention issues in Pennsylvania from a variety of perspectives. To mark the 100th anniversary of Rachel Carson's birth in Springdale, PA, the Association will feature events that examine her role in challenging others to think differently about environmental issues. http://www.paep.org/  Southwestern PA Smart Growth Conference  “Focusing Growth for Regional Prosperity” will be the theme of the Seventh Annual Southwestern PA Smart Growth Conference in downtown Pittsburgh on May 18. Attendees will hear progress reports and provide input to the on-going work of the three Smart Growth Community Committees—Leveling the Field for Redevelopment, Promoting Regionalism and Funding Public Transportation. This year’s conference picks up from past conferences in serving again as a public comment session to the Southwestern Pennsylvania Commission’s process for updating the region’s Long Range Transportation and Development Plan. http://www.sustainablepittsburgh.org/2007_Conference/main.html  Annual NEIWPCC Nonpoint Source Conference The 18th Annual New England Interstate Water Pollution Control Commission (NEIWPCC) Nonpoint Source Pollution Conference - "Seeking New Solutions to Old Problems: The Nonpoint Source Program at 20 Years," will be held on May 21-23 in Newport, RI.  www.neiwpcc.org/npsconference National Watershed Conference-WI The National Watershed Coalition (NWC) will host the tenth National Watershed Conference in La Crosse, Wisconsin on May 20-23. The theme of the conference is "Total Watershed Awareness-Extending the Legacy."  http://watershedcoalition.org:80/index.html WV MS4 Stormwater Workshop The U.S. EPA is sponsoring a "Getting in Step with Phase II" stormwater workshop focusing on MS4 construction site stormwater controls, post-construction stormwater management, and pollution prevention / good housekeeping to be held in Charleston WV on May 21-22. This workshop is designed specifically for public agency (MS4) stormwater program managers and staff. An optional session for newcomers to the Phase II stormwater permit program is scheduled prior to the workshop, on May 21. http://cfpub.epa.gov/npdes/courseinfo.cfm?program_id=0&outreach_id=200&schedule_id=967 PA Invasive Aquatic Species Workshop The John Heinz National Wildlife Refuge in Philadelphia is hosting a workshop May 24-25 on using Hazard Analysis and Critical Control Point analysis to help control invasive aquatic species. HACCP planning is a methodology adapted from the food industry to identify risks and focus procedures to prevent the spread of aquatic invasive species during a variety of aquatic field activities. Biologists, technicians, hatchery and aquaculture staff would find this workshop very useful. The workshop is free and the registration deadline is May 14. For more information, send email to: Michael_Goehle@fws.gov . http://www.fws.gov/northeast/heinz/  50th Annual Great Lakes Conference  The 50th annual International Association for Great Lakes Research Conference will be held on May 28 - June 1 at the Pennsylvania State University. The theme of the 2007 Conference is 50 years of Great Lakes Research: Past, Present, and Future. http://www.iaglr.org/conference/program.php PASPGP-3 Training Session The new Pennsylvania State Programmatic General Permit-3 (PASPGP-3) includes the regulation of wetlands within subdivisions and deed restrictions. The Army Corps of Engineers and the PA DEP is offering a training on this portion of the PASPGP-3 for environmental consultants and engineers who work with the Chapter 105/Section 404 processes. The training will be held on May 30 in Harrisburg, PA. Please contact Claudia Merwin at cmerwin@state.pa.us.  Chesapeake Bay Environmental Education Workshop A June 4 workshop titled "Incorporating Ecological Forecasting into Environmental Education" will provide environmental science educators with the opportunity to learn from experts about the research, science and technology that goes into forecasting the Chesapeake Bay's summer ecological conditions. Participants will learn to be effective in promoting an understanding of the Chesapeake Bay ecosystem and what can be done to improve its condition. Topics include: dissolved oxygen forecast and how it affects the bay; harmful algal blooms in the Potomac River; and implications of the summer forecast on the bay's fisheries. http://chesapeakebay.noaa.gov/docs/ESTCflyer.pdf  Great Green America Fest On July 13-15 the First Annual Great Green America Fest is scheduled to take place at Mount Hope Winery, in Lancaster County, PA. The festival is designed to promote sustainable living, healthy outdoor recreation, and reserving our native wildlife and plants. http://www.greatgreenamericafest.com/  EPA 2007 Fish Forum EPA and the Maine Center for Disease Control and Prevention are co-sponsoring the 2007 Fish Forum on July 23-26 in Portland, ME. Health and environmental officials will join other participants to talk about issues related to assessing and managing health risks associated with the consumption of contaminants in fish. Topics will include sampling and analysis of contaminants of emerging concern; risk assessment, toxicology, and chemical profiles; risk management and communication; health benefits; and biomonitoring. http://fishforum.rti.org/

Link Of The Month

New and Improved BASINS 4.0

The U.S. EPA has released a new version of “Better Assessment Science Integrating Point and Nonpoint Sources” (BASINS), its acclaimed watershed management program, making it easier to use and more readily available. Unlike earlier releases, BASINS 4.0 runs on non-proprietary, open source, free geographic information system software, making the tool universally available to anyone interested in the system. Once installed on a personal computer, BASINS 4.0 gives users access to large amounts of point and nonpoint source data, which they can use to assess or predict flow and water quality for selected streams or entire watersheds, including developing total maximum daily load (TMDL) allocations. http://www.epa.gov/waterscience/basins/  

Watershed Outreach Training Module Posted

EPA's Watershed Academy recently posted a free, updated online training module on "Getting In Step: A Guide to Conducting Watershed Outreach Campaigns." This module offers a tested step-by-step system to help local governments, watershed organizations and others maximize the effectiveness of public outreach campaigns to help solve nonpoint source pollution problems and protect local waterways. http://www.epa.gov/watertrain/gettinginstep/  Approximately 50 other free online Watershed Academy training modules are available at: http://www.epa.gov/watertrain/ .

PA Stream Classification Publication Available

What do Exceptional Value and High Quality stream classifications mean? A new publication by the Pennsylvania Campaign for Clean Water outlines how the High Quality and Exceptional Value stream designations affect things like land development, sewage infrastructure, stormwater management, logging, agriculture, mining, and several other land-use impacts. “Effects of Special Protection Designation” is available on the Coldwater Heritage website. http://www.coldwaterheritage.org/resources.htm 

PA Water Resources Report Released

Pennsylvania Governor Rendell released a report detailing the positive effect Pennsylvania’s innovative $1.4 billion investment in drinking water and wastewater infrastructure is having on the state’s economy, the health of its citizens, and the protection of its environment. The report, “Making Pennsylvania’s Water Resources Safer,” reviews the issues facing Pennsylvania’s municipal water systems and provides details of the more than 500 drinking water and wastewater projects that have been funded since 2003. http://www.ahs.dep.state.pa.us/newsreleases/default.asp?ID=4479