USGS Completes Nonpoint Source Monitoring Project

The US Geologic Survey (USGS) has completed a streambank fencing and riparian buffer study as part of a 10-year national monitoring project. 

The study took place from 1991-2001 in the Mill Creek Basin of Lancaster County, PA, and was titled: "Effects of Streambank Fencing of Near-Stream Pasture Land on a Small Watershed in Lancaster County, Pa." The study indicated that a small vegetative buffer width along a stream in pasture land can have a positive influence on surface-water quality, benthic macroinvertebrates, and near-stream shallow ground-water quality. Streambank fencing resulted in decreases in nitrogen, total phosphorus, and suspended sediment concentrations at the outlet of the treatment basin relative to untreated sites. These results indicate that nutrient management, in conjunction with streambank fencing, is important in helping to control nutrient loadings to streams in this agricultural setting. http://pubs.water.usgs.gov/fs2006-3112/ 

Studies Say Wildlife Waste Is Major Water Polluter

Studies in Virginia and Maryland have determined that wildlife waste plays a more significant role in water pollution than originally thought. The strange proposition that nature is apparently polluting itself has created a serious conundrum for government officials charged with cleaning up the rivers. 

In the Washington area, violations of the bacteria standards have put more than two dozen streams on the federal "impaired waters" list. One recent study by a Virginia Tech team found that in the Potomac and the Anacostia Rivers, more than half of the bacteria in the streams came from wild creatures. EPA documents show that similar problems were found in other areas. In Maryland, wildlife were more of a problem than humans and livestock combined in the Magothy River. In Northern Virginia tributaries such as Accotink Creek, geese were responsible for 24 percent of bacteria as opposed to 20 percent attributable to people. In the Willis River in central Virginia, scientists have come up with a TMDL for many local streams. They determined that there needed to be an 83 percent reduction in the amount of waste that wildlife left directly in streams. 

Part of the problem lies with the unnaturally high populations of deer, geese and raccoons living in modern suburbs and depositing their waste there. It could be the ultimate irony of people's impact on nature that the entire system has changed so radically that wild animals now degrade their own environment. But officials say it would be nearly impossible, and wildly unpopular, to kill or relocate enough animals to make a dent in even that segment of the pollution. That leaves scientists and environmentalists struggling with a more fundamental question: How clean should we expect nature to be? Now, the EPA and state agencies are considering holding some streams to different standards, expecting that not every stream can be made safe for swimming. In such cases, the states would plan to reduce bacteria from human sources as much as possible and then reassess to see whether some level of bacteria from wildlife is natural.

Washington Post, September 29, 2006 http://www.washingtonpost.com/wp-dyn/content/article/2006/09/28/AR2006092801994.html 

Ed. note: This article addresses fecal bacteria pollution only - it does not address the water quality issues stemming from phosphorus or nitrogen. Also, this editor takes issue with the consideration of resident Canada geese as "wildlife!"

NJ DEP Adopts New Water Quality Rules

NJ DEP recently announced the final adoption of regulations that will establish more stringent standards for more than 100 toxic pollutants to protect the health of humans and a broad range of aquatic species. With this adoption, five streams will receive a new Category 1 (C1) designation based on their trout production status, but even environmental protection organizations aren't sure the new rules will truly protect sensitive trout populations.

Under the new rules, DEP will apply new temperature criteria to protect trout production streams. The adopted rules also establish more stringent criteria for dissolved oxygen, ammonia, and total suspended solids for all streams that receive upgraded protection based on their ability to support trout populations. Furthermore, the rules establish upgraded criteria for mercury and PCBs, as well as a new monitoring requirement. Dischargers will now be required to use more sensitive analytical methods for monitoring mercury and PCBs, enabling DEP to better identify and track reductions in PCB and mercury levels.

Unfortunately, these changes to the regulations have created a controversy with respect to temperature standards for trout streams, according to the Pequannock River Coalition. A 68-degree maximum temperature was formerly the standard on these waters since trout are sensitive to higher temperatures. Now, the 68-degree requirement has been changed to a 68-degree "summer average." This distinction is a concern for rivers like the Wanaque, Pequannock and Raritan where deep reservoirs normally release cold bottom water to the rivers. When the bottom releases are occurring all is well. When bottom releases are not occurring, hot spillway water flowing over dams can push downstream temperatures into the 80s, killing trout and other temperature-sensitive species. Yet the average temperature of the water can still be kept far below the required 68-degrees. NJ DEP says they are working on determining a new, appropriate daily maximum temperature.

The Surface Water Quality Standards rules and a list of the streams that will receive a C1 designation can be found at http://www.nj.gov/dep/rules/adoptions/2006-1016swqs.pdf. The Pequannock River Coalition press release: http://www.pequannockriver.org/cgi-bin/bbs/db.pl?func=expand&record_number=106 

Study Finds Hurricanes May Actually Help Wetlands

A new study makes the provocative claim that Hurricanes Katrina and Rita actually helped stabilize coastal wetlands by depositing tons of silt and sediment—even as the storms devastated dozens of square miles of the low-lying areas.

The new findings contradict long-held theories that rivers are the primary source of the sediment that forms wetlands, according to the research team at Louisiana State University. The study also counters beliefs that the loss of wetlands—especially on the eastern Louisiana coastline—has been caused by flood-prevention levees on the Mississippi River. In findings that could cause a stir among environmentalists, the LSU researchers ultimately conclude that hurricanes play an important role in maintaining the health of wetlands. 

National Geographic News, 9/21/06 http://news.nationalgeographic.com/news/2006/09/060921-wetlands.html

Policy Update

EPA has two years to develop a program to regulate ballast water discharges under the NPDES program according to a recent ruling in Federal District Court.

The PA DEP has reorganized its District Mining Offices, establishing new boundaries for three of the six field operations that oversee all surface and underground mining and blasting activities in Pennsylvania.

The PA DEP this week published final guidelines for nominating proposed Critical Water Planning Areas where existing or future demands for water exceeds or threatens to exceed the safe yield of water available.

The PA DEP is inviting comments on the following five proposed TMDL Plans (Total Maximum Daily Load Plans): Pine Run, North Branch Bear Creek, Little Scrubgrass Creek, Foundry Run, and Glades Creek.

American Rivers marked the 38th Anniversary of the signing of the Wild and Scenic Rivers Act by announcing their "40 x 40" challenge to designate 40 new rivers by the 40th Anniversary in 2008.

A federal court overrode an attempt by industry groups to further ease regulations on industrial pollution of water. The ruling upheld limits on nationwide pollution permits issued by the US Army Corps of Engineers.

EPA recently forwarded to Congress and released to the public its Strategic Plan for 2006 - 2011.

In the waning hours before the electoral recess, Congress passed legislation to extend the North American Wetlands Conservation Act (NAWCA), the Neotropical Migratory Bird Conservation Act, and the Great Lakes Fish and Wildlife Restoration Act.

NJDEP has launched the Passport to Adventure - a free guide to New Jersey's state parks, forests and historic sites. As visitors travel to the featured sites they can pick up a passport and also collect a sticker to place in their guide.

Congress is preparing to rewrite the nation's fishing rules in a bid to improve the much-criticized system for managing fisheries.

The New Jersey Supreme Court denied the New Jersey's Builders Association petition challenging the 300 foot buffer rule contained in New Jersey's stormwater regulations adopted in 2004.

Efforts to update the PA State Water Plan under Act 220 are progressing with the release of the first technical guidance document, Guidelines for Identification of Critical Water Planning Areas (DEP ID: 392-2130-014).

The Penn State Master Well Owner Network and the Pennsylvania Water Resources Research Center are conducting the first statewide survey of private well owners across the state through the end of the year.

Grant Programs 
(Click on a grant for more information)

PENNVEST Funding Deadlines

The Pennsylvania Infrastructure Investment Authority announced application deadlines for drinking water, wastewater, stormwater and other assistance for the remainder of 2006 and into 2007. February 20 is the deadline for the April 17 meeting. http://www.pennvest.state.pa.us/pennvest/cwp/browse.asp?A=4

PA Land Use Planning, Technical Assistance Grants 

The PA Department of Community and Economic Development announced that $2 million in grants are available from the Land Use Planning, Technical Assistance Grant Program (LUPTAP). Applicants will be considered on a first-come, first-served basis until funds are exhausted. LUPTAP provides grant funds for the preparation and implementation of county and municipal comprehensive plans, and to support feasibility studies for transit revitalization investment districts, which are designed to spur transit-oriented development near public transit facilities. A planning study is required before an area can receive transit revitalization investment district designation. To promote cooperation between municipalities, priority in LUPTAP funding is given to a county government acting on behalf of its municipalities, any group of two or more municipalities, or a body authorized to act on behalf of two or more municipalities. http://www.newpa.com/programDetail.aspx?id=100 

PA Land Trust Conservation Easement Assistance Program Grants

The Pennsylvania Land Trust Association is reminding land conservation organizations that they can apply any time for Conservation Easement Assistance Program (CEAP) grants through the Association. CEAP grants can be used for completing conservation and trail easements, amending and restating older easements, establishing or updating baseline documentation, and installing signs on eased properties. http://conserveland.org/ceap/ 

Great Lakes Watershed Restoration Grants

The National Fish and Wildlife Foundation announces a call for grant proposals for the Great Lakes Watershed Restoration Program. The program offers grants of $35,000 to $100,000 to qualified grantees. Preference will be given to projects that 1) demonstrate measurable ecological or environmental benefits resulting from completion of the project, 2) include specific provisions for long-term management and protection, as appropriate, 3) support implementation of a local or regional habitat plan, and 4) include education, training and public outreach components to enhance the benefits of the project. Proposals are due on November 15. http://www.nfwf.org/programs/greatlakes/ 

Chesapeake Bay Targeted Watershed Grants

The National Fish and Wildlife Foundation is announcing the availability of over $5 million in grant funding through the Chesapeake Bay Targeted Watersheds Grant Program for projects that reduce nutrient runoff to the Bay and its tributaries. The program will award grants ranging from $400,000 to $1 million to projects that target and reflect the diverse conditions (e.g., urban, rural, suburban) and sources of nutrients (e.g., agricultural, stormwater, other non-point sources) existing throughout the Chesapeake watershed. Prospective applicants are strongly encouraged to participate in a free half-day workshop on the grant program on October 16 in Washington, D.C. Interested parties are invited to participate in person or via webcast. Pre-proposal applications are due November 17.  http://www.nfwf.org/targetedwatersheds 

National Land Conservation Leadership Award

The Trust for Public Land (TPL) and the National Association of Counties (NACo) are accepting applications for the County Leadership in Conservation Award. The award recognizes leadership, innovation, and excellence in local land conservation and park creation by county leaders across America. Applications will be judged based on a broad range of criteria including leadership, innovation, benefits to underserved populations, and benefits to quality of life and environmental quality. Submissions are due on November 17. http://www.naco.org/conservationawards 

Northeast Sustainable Agriculture Grants

The Northeast Sustainable Agriculture Research and Education program offers four different grant programs to explore innovative approaches to sustainable agriculture, including: Sustainable Community Grants for projects that connect farming and economic development (application deadline November 28); Appalachian Initiative Grants for innovative farm-based renewable energy projects in the Appalachian region (application deadline November 28); Partnership Grants for Cooperative Extension, NRCS, and other service providers who work directly with farmers (application deadline December 5); and Farmer Grants for commercial farmers who would like to test a sustainable new practice (application deadline December 22). http://www.uvm.edu/~nesare/ 

PA Coldwater Conservation Grants

The Coldwater Heritage Partnership is accepting applications for the next round of Coldwater Conservation Grants Program until December 15. The partnership will award grants of up to $5,000 to organizations to outline strategies that best conserve and protect Pennsylvania's coldwater fisheries. The grants are designed to help develop conservation plans that identify the values and threats to the health of coldwater ecosystems that have naturally reproducing trout. The Coldwater Heritage Partnership urges watershed groups, conservation districts, municipalities and local chapters of Trout Unlimited to apply. http://www.coldwaterheritage.org/grant_application.htm 

PA DEP Environmental Education Grants

Pre-application letters must be postmarked by December 15 to be considered for the 2007 round of PA DEP Environmental Education Grants. Grant amounts vary from $2,000 for mini-grants to up to $20,000 in areas designed specifically to cover timely and critically important topics, including sustainable energy sources, air quality, and watersheds and wetlands. Schools may apply for money to integrate the academic standards for environment and ecology or the standards for science and technology into formal curriculum, or to provide lessons and field experiences that include standards-based instruction. Conservation groups, education organizations, colleges, and universities may apply to do professional development workshops in the field of environmental education. County conservation districts also may apply to assist with environmental education efforts that relate to their mission. The districts can obtain mini-grants to provide educational resources that they then make available to educators in the area.   http://www.ahs.dep.state.pa.us/newsreleases/default.asp?ID=4255 

PA Watershed Mini Grants

Dominion and Western Pennsylvania Conservancy’s Freshwater Conservation Program is now accepting applications for the 2006-2007 Watershed Mini Grant Program. The deadline to apply is December 15. The program offers funding to watershed organizations in select counties in western Pennsylvania. Watershed Mini Grants may be used for operating costs, organizational promotion and outreach, and/or restoration projects. Grants of up to $1,000 may be awarded for operating expenses. Up to $2,500 is available for promotion and outreach or restoration projects. http://www.paconserve.org/rc/pdfs/2006MiniGrantRFP.pdf 

EPA Sustainability Grants 

The U.S. EPA plans to award up to $1.25 million in grants to teams of college students under the agency's People, Prosperity and the Plant competition. Applications are due by December 21. EPA will award as many as 50 grants up to $10,000 each to student teams to research, develop and design scientific and technical solutions to sustainability challenges that protect the environment while achieving continued economic prosperity. The money will be used to research and develop sustainable solutions during the 2007-08 academic year. In spring 2008, the teams will be invited to bring their designs to Washington, D.C. to compete for EPA's P3 Award, which includes an additional award worth up to $75,000 to further develop and implement the project in the field. http://es.epa.gov/ncer/rfa/2007/2007_p3_4thannual.html 

PA Fish and Boat Education Grants

The Pennsylvania Fish and Boat Commission (PFBC) is seeking grant applications from organizations and local agencies involved in offering sportfishing and aquatic resource education programming. The commission is accepting applications for its Sportfishing and Aquatic Resource Education Grants until December 31. In this program, grants up to $5,000 will be given to providers of fishing and aquatic resource education programs. Programs must occur between July 1, 2007, and June 30, 2008. This funding can be applied to the purchase of equipment, materials and costs associated with field trips.http://sites.state.pa.us/PA_Exec/Fish_Boat/promo/grants/sportfishing/00sportfishing.htm 

PA Conservation Corps Grants

The PA Department of Labor and Industry is now accepting applications for PA Conservation Corps (PCC) grants for conservation, recreation, graffiti removal, historic preservation and other projects. The PCC program is designed to provide work experience and educational opportunities to unemployed young adults as they undertake projects on public lands. Funds can be used to purchase construction materials and to contract for services. Political subdivisions are required to have a 25 percent cash match. The deadline for applications is January 5. http://www.dli.state.pa.us/landi/cwp/view.asp?A=145&Q=56094 

PA No-Till Program

The PA Capital Resource Conservation and Development (RC&D) Area Council is taking applications for its new no-till assistance program called "Park the Plow for Profit." Under the program, farmers in South Central Pennsylvania are encouraged to adopt continuous no-till cropping systems in the lower Susquehanna Valley, specifically Adams, Cumberland, Dauphin, Franklin, Lancaster, Lebanon and York counties. To help address the issue of the costs to convert to no-till, there will be a per-acre payment made available for technical services throughout the transition period, as well as a payment for the practice, if so desired by the farmer. http://www.depweb.state.pa.us/news/cwp/view.asp?a=3&q=512949 

EPA Watershed Webcasts

EPA’s Watershed Academy sponsors monthly Webcasts, audio versions of which are available on their website. The November 29 Webcast, Protecting Drinking Water Sources: Assessments and Opportunities, will feature staff from EPA's Office of Ground Water and Drinking Water, the Philadelphia Water Department, and the Oregon Department of Environmental Quality. Past Webcast topics include 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:

• November 7 & 8 - Lehigh County

 http://www.mri.psu.edu/centers/cdgrs/calendar/calendar.html 

PA Environmental Permitting Workshops for PEs

 The Pennsylvania Society of Professional Engineers has scheduled three workshops in November For Engineers, Architects, & other Design Professionals. The topics include: Wetlands and Waterways Permitting, NPDES Contruction Permits, Post Construction Stormwater Management and Highway Occupancy Permits. http://www.pspe.org/pdfs/permitting_1106.pdf  The workshops will be held on the following dates and locations: 

• November 7 - Monroeville, 

• November 13 - Camp Hill, 

• November 14 - Fort Washington

NALMS Annual Symposium

The 26th International Symposium of the North American Lake Management Society "NALMS 2006: Making Connections -- People, Lakes, Watersheds" will be held on November 8-10 in Indianapolis, IN. This Symposium will emphasize connections between the past and the present; between natural lakes and reservoirs; between watersheds and lakes; and, of course, between people and lakes. http://www.nalms.org/symposia/indianapolis/home.htm

AWRA Annual Water Resources Conference 

The 42nd American Water Resources Association Conference (AWRA) will be held on November 6-9 in Baltimore, MD. This year´s conference offers pre-conference workshops and field trips, more than 60 technical sessions with over 240 paper presentations, five panel presentations, posters, exhibits, and an Evening at the Baltimore National Aquarium. http://www.awra.org/meetings/Baltimore2006/.

PA Green Advantage Program for Contractors Workshop

The Green Building Alliance in Pittsburgh, PA is sponsoring a Green Advantage Certification Training Program on November 9 in Cranberry Township, Butler County for individuals involved in construction of green buildings. The training consists of one full day program with two highly experienced trainers, one representing the construction/contracting perspective and the other representing the architecture/design perspective. The course follows the building process and addresses the roles and responsibilities of the contractor throughout. http://gbapgh.org/EventFlyers/GreenAdvantage_Brochure.pdf 

Philadelphia Global Water Initiative Kick-Off Conference 

The first Philadelphia Area Global Water Initiative Conference will be held on November 13 in support of the United Nations Millennium Development Goals project. The Philadelphia area has much to offer in meeting the Millennium goals: technical know-how, organizational skills and educational opportunities. Water supply and sanitation experts, universities, consulting firms and individuals involved with non-governmental organizations are all making contributions to solving these problems around the world. The Philadelphia Global Water Initiative is being formed to increase the impact of these contributions. http://www.holstoncrisci.com/Newsletter/docs/2/PGWIInvite.pdf 

River Ecosystem Restoration Forum - OH

The River Institute will hold the State of River Restoration Practice, a River Ecosystem Restoration Forum, on November 15-16 in Powell, Ohio. The forum will provide a place for technology transfer and invite discussions on a variety of topics including natural channel design, dam removal, chemical water quality improvement, overwide ditches, 2-stage ditches, in-stream habitat and the use of biocriteria to evaluate success. Practitioners will present successes, failures and findings from on-the-ground examples. http://riverinstitute.org/SB_web_pages/Course,%20Conferences,%20Workshops%202006/Announcment.html 

MD Water Monitoring Conference

The Maryland Water Monitoring Council's12th Annual Conference, "Taking the Pulse of Maryland's Waters: Back to Basics," will be held on November 16 at the Maritime Institute, North Linthicum, MD. The conference will focus on monitoring tools, methods and indicators for the purpose of assessing vernal pools, wetlands, streams, rivers, estuaries and ground water resources. A plenary session and two technical sessions will be held in the morning. A buffet luncheon and a poster session will occur at noon. The afternoon will consist of four technical sessions and a Round Table. http://mddnr.chesapeakebay.net/MWMC/index_files/Page495.htm 

Chesapeake Watershed Forum 

The Alliance for the Chesapeake Bay will be holding the first annual Chesapeake Watershed Forum on November 17-19 at the U.S. Fish and Wildlife National Conservation Training Center in Shepherdstown, WV. This  Forum will assist watershed organizations and local governments in watershed planning, protection and restoration. The Forum will feature five Tracks with multiple sessions including: 1) Organizational capacity building and fundraising; 2) Communication the message; 3) Science, technical tools and practices for watershed management; 4) Planning, policies and programs for watershed management; and 5) Collaboration-how to work together and achieve successful watershed management. In addition to the tracks, labs, seminars, networking events and field trips are planned, along with an EPA-hosted session on Key EPA Watershed Internet Tools. http://www.acb-online.org/project.cfm?vid=265

Midwest NPS Pollution Conference

The River Institute is collaborating with The Nature Conservancy and USCID in producing the “Innovations in Reducing Nonpoint Source Pollution: Methods, Policies, Programs, and Measurement” conference on November 28-30 in Indianapolis, IN. More than 60 authors from 12 states, China, and New Zealand will speak at the conference.  http://riversinstitute.org/events/nonpointsource/index.php .

PA Organic Waste Management Workshops

The PA Governor’s Center for Local Government Services is offering a workshop series titled “Managing Organics in Your Community” to address the needs of municipalities and others considering organics composting as a waste management option. The workshops will be presented at various locations statewide in late October and November. Course topics include Act 101 requirements; source reduction strategies, grasscycling and home composting; collection options and strategies; the economics of sustainable programs; benefits of multi-municipal cooperation; and the growing arena of food composting in Pennsylvania. http://www.palocalgovtraining.org/pdfs/environmental/managing_organics06.pdf 

Izaak Walton League Webcasts

The Izaak Walton League is holding a free four-part Webcast training series entitled "Alternative Practices for Highway Stormwater Management," covering the latest techniques available to help transportation agencies save money, comply with water regulations, and improve water quality. These techniques also can help highway department personnel manage stormwater quantity and quality while using existing rights of way and providing easy access for maintenance crews. This series will provide valuable information to design engineers, planners, regulators, students, maintenance supervisors, construction engineers, and consultants. http://www.iwla.org/index.php?id=169 Webcasts will be held on the following dates:

• Alternative Practices for Highway Stormwater Management: Design, Construction and Maintenance – Part Two (December 7, 1-2:30pm EDT) Note: this program was rescheduled from September 21.

i-MapNJ DEP/i-MapNJ NJEMS Training

The NJDEP's Bureau of Geographic Information Systems is offering a training opportunity for the general public. Each class will include instruction on the use of two internet mapping applications, i-MapNJ DEP and i-MapNJ NJEMS. i-MapNJ DEP gives users the ability to explore the Department's most current GIS layers. This includes updated endangered species data, surface water quality standards, aerial photos from 2002 and more. i-MapNJ NJEMS enables users to view and perform basic GIS analyses on regulated sites residing in NJDEP's New Jersey Environmental Management System (NJEMS). Classes are held at the NJDEP in Trenton, NJ. Upcoming classes: December 13. http://www.state.nj.us/dep/gis/trainimap.htm 

Rachel Carson Forum: Water Quality Trading

The January 17 Rachel Carson Forum brown bag lunch will be entitled, Water Quality Trading: Can It Reduce Costs and Improve Environmental Quality? The Forum, held in Harrisburb PA, starts at noon and is open to the public. http://www.paconsortium.state.pa.us/twc-table230.tem/RC_Forum.htm

NEETF Weather and Watersheds Online Course

The National Environmental Education & Training Foundation (NEETF) has released the first in a series of free online courses relating weather to the environment. Watersheds: Connecting Weather to the Environment is a primer on how weather events relate to the health of a watershed, and how the public can take simple actions to protect watershed health. The online course, while intended for meteorologists, is highly useful for land use managers, teachers, community leaders, and others interested in learning more about watersheds. http://www.meted.ucar.edu/broadcastmet/watershed/

New Tools and Publications