Greetings fly fast as we crowd through the door
And under the old roof we gather once more
Just as we did when the youngsters were small;
Mother's a little bit grayer, that's all.
Father's a little bit older, but still
Ready to romp an' to laugh with a will.
Here we are back at the table again
Tellin' our stories as women an' men.

by "Thanksgiving" by
Edgar Albert Guest (1881-1959)

Editors Note

In light of all of the flooding and devastation our country has seen this year, I realize that I have a lot to be thankful for. I wish you a safe and peaceful Thanksgiving shared with as many of your loved ones as you can stand! Happy Thanksgiving everyone, and thanks for your loyal readership.

Topic of the Month

Conservation Design Can Save Time and Money

Conservation design, also known as Low Impact Development (LID) is a means for developers to preserve open space, protect environmental features, and reduce costs. 

Low-Impact Development is a relatively new approach to development that incorporates stormwater management strategies and open space planning into the design process. The goal of LID is to try to mimic predevelopment site hydrology and vegetation. In a more traditional subdivision design, all of the available land within a tract is divided into roads and house lots, typically subject to minimum lot size requirements. LID involves clustering the homes on smaller lots and reducing the number of roads in order to preserve open space "common" areas within the development. Stormwater is infiltrated into the ground to the greatest extent possible rather than running off into surface waters. With these design techniques, natural drainage flows and infiltration are allowed to occur while the natural aesthetics of the site are preserved. Natural vegetation helps to filter stormwater and improve water quality. At the same time, wildlife habitat is maintained. 

Not only is conservation design good for the environment, it is also good for the wallet. Reducing the amount of paved surfaces (roads, driveways, cul-de-sacs, etc.) as well as gutters and storm drains saves costs. Rain gardens, constructed wetlands, naturalized stormwater basins, and vegetated swales require less maintenance than manicured stormwater detention ponds or lawns. In addition, incorporating LID features into the landscaping of area businesses and neighborhoods can potentially help the municipality meet their own stormwater management goals or permit requirements.

For more information on Low-Impact Development and conservation design, view F. X. Browne, Inc's instructive LID PowerPoint presentation. F. X. Browne, Inc. can assist individuals and municipalities in meeting all their stormwater management needs, from planning and design to implementation and post-construction monitoring. Please contact us at info@fxbrowne.com for more information.

News Clips

Can Going to the Beach Make You Sick?

According to the US EPA, more than 3.5 million Americans each year are afflicted by water-borne diseases. The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention reports that as many as 900 deaths each year are directly related to waterborne microbial infections.  

Leaking septic tanks, farm runoff, sewage drainage, and garbage dumping are the usual suspects for diseases caused by bodily contact with contaminated water. California alone dumps more than 44 billion tons of sewage sludge into the ocean each year. No wonder surfers, lifeguards, water-skiers, divers and swimmers are routinely exposed to toxic levels of E-coli and staph bacteria, causing everything from ear and skin infections to intestinal troubles. 

Even the seemingly innocent pastime of building sandcastles can cause illness. The Clean Beaches Council found five to 10 times more bacteria in the moist, sandy shoreline than in the water itself. Because bacteria can live longer in sand than in water, beaches along oceans, rivers, and lakes can pose serious health risks even in winter. Rain washes toxins and sewage into the waterways, increasing beach closures and raising incidents of bacterial and viral infections. 

So how can you protect yourself and your family? Health officials say prevention is key. Heed warnings of beach closures. Closures are listed by state, area, or beach on the EPA website at http://oaspub.epa.gov/beacon/beacon_national_page.main. When at the beach, avoid getting water in your mouth and wash well before eating that picnic lunch - even if the kids were just playing in the sand. 

From HealthNewsDigest.com Environment Oct 3, 2005

Pennsylvania announced stronger regulations for large-scale farming operations and new manure management requirements for all agricultural operations to protect Pennsylvania waterways.

The sweeping changes go beyond federal requirements, expanding the number of farming operations considered Concentrated Animal Feeding Operations (CAFOs) from 165 to 350, therefore requiring more operations to obtain permits. More than 5,000 farms soon will have full nutrient management plans as well as vegetative buffers or setbacks along the edge of streams to protect Pennsylvania waterways.

To enhance water resource protection and water quality, revisions were made that clarify and strengthen requirements related to agricultural operations, including provisions for manure storage facilities and land application of manure. Under the new regulations, CAFOs now are required to set up either a 100-foot setback or a 35-foot vegetated buffer from water bodies for manure application. Farms that import manure must meet the same setback and buffer requirements as the farm that produces the manure. http://www.dep.state.pa.us/dep/deputate/watermgt/wqp/wqp_wm/cafo_home.htm 

Recycling Pays Off For PA Township 

For one Pennsylvania Township, recycling not only helps the environment, it also helps their coffers. 

Upper Gwynedd Township in Montgomery County, PA, has participated in the PA DEP's Recycling Performance Grant Program for a few years now, but recently they participated in the Section 902 Municipal Recycling Program Grant as well and saw the recycling rate in their township increase by 20 percent. The DEP grant awards are calculated based on the weight of recycled material in comparison to the population, with residential and commercial recycling amounts figured in separately. Therefore, the more people recycle, the more money the township receives. In total, $51,964 in grant funds were awarded to Upper Gwynedd Township during 2003. Although some changes in DEP policy reduced the total grant award potential during 2004, Upper Gwynedd's recycling rate increased, so the total grant award still increased by over 10 percent over 2003 levels. 

F. X. Browne, Inc. assisted Upper Gwynedd with applying for and implementing their recycling performance grant and recycling program grant. The education program that was implemented as part of the grant projects served to increase the recycling participation in the Township. F. X. Browne, Inc. can assist municipalities with designing, finding funding, and implementing recycling programs. For more information, contact info@fxbrowne.com. For more information about the recycling programs, visit http://www.dep.state.pa.us/dep/deputate/airwaste/wm/RECYCLE/Coordinators/Corner.htm. 

Pennsylvania Plan Solves Two Environmental Problems at Once

Pennsylvania officials are allowing dredged river mud to be treated and placed in the abandoned mines - using one problem to help solve an other. 

Vast quantities of muck are dredged each year from the busy shipping channels in Philadelphia, New York, and New Jersey while acid runoff from empty coal mines are contaminating water in parts of Pennsylvania. The concept of reusing the dredged material to plug the abandoned mines is hailed not only as an environmental two-for-one, but as a tool for economic development, giving a boost to older communities where the economic engine of coal mining has long since sputtered to a halt. But, so far, the promise has not materialized, amid questions about how to pay to ship the dredged material up to northeastern anthracite mining region, as well as concerns that small amounts of toxic contaminants in the material may pose dangers. http://www.philly.com/mld/inquirer/news/local/12920689.htm 

Philadelphia Inquirer, October 17, 2005

Fish and Wildlife Program Habitat Funding

The U. S. Fish and Wildlife Service’s Partners for Fish and Wildlife Program provides financial assistance on a competitive basis to landowners interested in restoring wildlife habitat. There is no specific deadline to apply. Financial assistance is provided in the form of cooperative agreements. The Partners for Fish and Wildlife Program supports on-the-ground restoration rather than planning and research. http://www.fws.gov/partners/index.htm

Green Communities Initiative Program

The Green Communities Initiative program provides a package of tangible financial incentives and other resources to developers––both community-based organizations and private builders––who undertake green affordable housing projects integrating Green Communities criteria. Over a five-year period the Green Communities program will provide green grants, low-interest loans, LIHTC equity investments, and educational conferences.

http://www.enterprisefoundation.org/resources/green/about-essentials.asp

PA Wind WATCH Program

The Saint Francis Wind WATCH (Wind Assessment Technology for Communities and Homeowners) Program is an anemometer lending program for Pennsylvanians interested in testing the wind resource on their land and understanding the economic feasibility of developing a community wind-scale project. http://www.francis.edu/C3/windwatchprogrampage.shtm

Open Rivers Initiative Grants to Remove Stream Barriers 

The National Oceanic and Atmospheric Association announced a new Open Rivers Initiative (ORI) designed to spur economic and environmental renewal and improve public safety in small towns and communities through the removal of obsolete or derelict stream barriers. The ORI will target only those small dams where community consensus and the dam owners support removal, the dam no longer serves a useful purpose, and removal will have the greatest benefit to anadromous fish like salmon, striped bass and shad. http://conservationconference.noaa.gov/case/open_river.html 

PA Americorps State Planning/Capacity Building Grants 

The Governor’s Office of Citizen Service will target AmeriCorps planning/capacity building grants at organizations that recognize a community need for services and have an idea for meeting that need, but which have not fully developed a plan to provide the needed services. Planning/capacity building grants will fund program development rather than actual programs, but will help prepare organizations to compete for AmeriCorps operating grants that will fund their proposed program. Applications are due by November 7. http://www.dli.state.pa.us/landi/lib/landi/pennserve/grants/planning_grant_rfa_2005-2006.pdf 

VA Wellhead Protection Implementation Grants 

The Virginia Department of Environmental Quality and the Virginia Department of Health have issued an Request for Quotations for wellhead protection implementation projects. Eligible applicants for wellhead protection grants are a municipality with ground water based community and nontransient noncommunity water system(s). All projects must include components for local support, visibility, and sustained involvement.  The deadline for proposal submittal to DEQ is November 10. http://www.deq.virginia.gov/gwpsc/whp.html  

NJ Landowner Incentive Program

The NJ Landowner Incentive Program (LIP) is a partnership that can provide private landowners interested in conserving threatened and endangered species on their property with financial and technical assistance. The NJ Division of Fish & Wildlife, administers this program through the Nongame and Endangered Species Program (ENSP). ENSP is requesting grant proposals from landowners to manage, restore, or enhance habitat for NJ listed species (including species of special concern). NJ LIP is a 75/25 cost share grant program. Proposals are due on November 15. http://www.njfishandwildlife.com/ensp/lip_prog.htm 

EPA Environmental Education Grants

The U.S. EPA is soliciting grant proposals for projects which design, demonstrate, or disseminate environmental education practices, methods, or techniques. The EPA expects to award 150 grants; most grants will be in the $10,000 to $15,000 range. Any local education agency, college or university, state education or environmental agency, not-for-profit organization or noncommercial educational broadcasting entity may submit a proposal.  The closing date and time for submission of completed applications is November 23.  http://www.epa.gov/enviroed/grants_apply.html. 

 NFWF Bring Back the Natives Aquatic Species Program

The National Fish and Wildlife Foundation requests pre-proposals from nonprofit organizations; universities; Native American tribes; and local, state, and federal agencies interested in restoring native populations of sensitive or listed aquatic species for its Bring Back the Natives (BBN) program. The initiative funds on-the-ground efforts to restore native aquatic species to their historic range. The pre-proposal deadline is December 2. http://njfieldoffice.fws.gov/Fact%20Sheets%20PDF%20holding/bring%20back%20natives.pdf

NJ DEP Recreational Trail Grants

The NJ DEP is providing more than $1.6 million in federal funds to improve, maintain, and develop trails statewide. The Recreational Trails Program grants will enhance open space and environmental resources and create urban and suburban corridors for more hiking, biking and horseback riding opportunities. Governmental agencies and non-profit organizations have until December 15 to apply for the 2006 funding. http://www.nj.gov/dep/parksandforests/natural/njtrails.html. 

Why I Love My Pennsylvania State Park Contest for Kids 

Jane Kirkland, naturalist and author of the award-winning Take A Walk Book series, is sponsoring the first annual, "Why I Love My Pennsylvania State Park" contest, open to children ages 8 to 12 who live in Pennsylvania.Children are invited to write an original essay, 50 words or less, about their state park and why they love it, focusing on the natural aspects in their park (plants and animals). Five First Prizes of a set of signed Take A Walk Books will be awarded-one in each age category. One Grand Prize Winner will be awarded one set of four Take A Walk Books and one pair of binoculars. The Grand Prize Winner will also help Ms. Kirkland and naturalist Kevin Loughlin lead a public nature walk or a nature program at the Pennsylvania State Park featured in the winning essay. Winners of the "Why I Love My Pennsylvania State Park" contest will be announced in March 2006. The deadline for entries is December 15. http://www.takeawalk.com/A5580D/tawhome.nsf/Contests?OpenPage 

EPA Children's Environmental Health Excellence Awards

EPA's Office of Children's Health Protection is currently accepting applications for the 2006 Children's Environmental Health Excellence Awards. The awards recognize and honor leadership in protecting children from environmental health risks at the local, regional, national, and international level. The deadline for applications is December 15. http://yosemite.epa.gov/ochp/ochpweb.nsf/homepage 

2006 National Wetlands Awards

The Environmental Law Institute (ELI) is accepting nominations for the 2006 National Wetlands Awards. Since 1989, the National Wetlands Awards Program has provided an opportunity to recognize individuals who dedicate their time and energy to wetlands protection. The 2006 Awards will be given in six categories: 1) Education and Outreach; 2) Science Research 3) Conservation and Restoration; 4) Landowner Stewardship; 5) State, Tribal, and Local Program Development; and 6) Wetland Community Leader. Nominations are due by December 15.  http://www2.eli.org/nwa/nwaprogram.htm 

PA Coldwater Heritage Partnership Grants

The Coldwater Heritage Partnership (CHP) has announced the opening of the Coldwater Conservation Grants Program. The program is designed to help develop conservation plans that identify the values and threats to the health of coldwater ecosystems that have naturally reproducing trout. Applications for grants up to $5,000 will be accepted through December 16. http://www.coldwaterheritage.org

Decryption Key
A|B|C|D|E|F|G|H|I|J|K|L|M
-------------------------
N|O|P|Q|R|S|T|U|V|W|X|Y|Z
(letter above equals below,
and vice versa)

Link Of The Month

For anyone who feels overwhelmed by the growing number of BMP options for stormwater management projects, the Stormwater Authority has published a new article, "7 Steps to Selecting the Best BMP for the Job," that is worth a good read. The article looks at the various factors that should be considered when selecting a BMP to meet the performance, economic, and permitting requirements for a given project. http://www.stormwaterauthority.org/library/view_article.aspx?id=293 

For assistance with designing stormwater BMPs, developing a stormwater management plan, or meeting requirements for the new NPDES Phase II regulations, please contact F. X. Browne, Inc. at info@fxbrowne.com. 

Water Information Website Launched

The U.S. National Academies has launched its Water Information Center, a portal of more than 100 peer-reviewed reports from the National Academies on water-related issues. The website (http://water.nationalacademies.org) aims to assist the work of water scientists, engineers, managers, policy-makers, and students throughout the world. These reports represent independent and objective consensus among experts from academia, industry, and other entities and includes topics such as Water Quality, River Restoration, and Environmental Assessment, Management, and Restoration.

New MAIA/EPA Publication on Seasonal Pools

The Mid Atlantic Integrated Assessment team (MAIA)'s latest publication, "An Introduction to Mid-Atlantic Seasonal Pools," examines the ecological functions of vernal or seasonal wetlands in a collaboration between EPA and the USGS. The publication examines the unique ecological functions these resources provide in the mid-Atlantic region and includes a guide to the biological communities they support. http://epa.gov/maia 

Land Conservation/Water Protection CD-ROM Available 

The International City/County Management Association (ICMA) and the Trust for Public Land (TPL) hosted a webcast in June 2005 called "Protecting Water Resources through Land Conservation: Funding Options for Local Governments." The webcast provided context for the role of conservation finance in land conservation and water protection, describe critical components for creating a successful funding effort, and showcased local government success stories. A multimedia CD-ROM recording of that webcast is now available. http://www.lgean.org/html/whatsnew.cfm?id=961. 

Urban Subwatershed Restoration Manual Released

The Center for Watershed Protection has released Manual 2 of the Urban Subwatershed Restoration Series, Manual 2: Methods to Develop Restoration Plans for Small Urban Watersheds. Manual 2 provides a step-by-step approach to developing a restoration plan. This manual is available in PDF for immediate download or in hard copy. http://www.cwp.org/PublicationStore/USRM.htm

F. X. Browne, Inc.  – Environmental Consulting

F. X. Browne, Inc.
 Engineers – Planners – Scientists
27 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.