State representatives from New York, New Jersey, Delaware and Pennsylvania have come to an agreement that modifies New York City’s reservoir operations. A new rule was temporarily implemented on October 1 while public comments are being accepted.

The Flexible Flow Management Plan is designed to provide greater flood protection, improve fisheries management, and allow for greater flexibility to address future water needs without compromising the reliability of the public water supply for New York City and Philadelphia (see the article in our May newsletter). Specifically, the plan calls for moving to flows for fisheries that are more gradual and based on available storage, not the so-called “banks” that had been used under the previous system. Instead, the new program bases releases on a comparison with normal flow levels for the time of year, while also taking into account drought situations and drinking water needs.

The Delaware River Basin Commission (DRBC) will gather public comment as part of its formal rulemaking process over the next several months. The flexible flow management plan is considered temporary until a more comprehensive program can be developed and adopted. The request by flood victims to leave 20 percent voids in the New York City reservoirs year round is being considered. The Philadelphia Water Department has stated that during the last drought, leaving a 20 percent void would have compromised the Delaware intake for Philadelphia due to lack of water. In addition, the New York City reservoirs infrastructure currently is not capable of moving water adequately to create such a void. http://www.ahs.dep.state.pa.us/newsreleases/default.asp?ID=4772 

DRBC Proposes to Designate the Lower Delaware River as Significant Resource Waters

The Delaware River Basin Commission (DRBC) has announced proposed regulatory changes to permanently designate the Lower Delaware and its drainage area as Significant Resource Waters under the commission's Special Protection Waters (SPW) program.

This would include establishing numeric values for existing water quality in the 76-mile-long stretch of river extending from the Delaware Water Gap National Recreation Area downstream to the head of tide at Trenton, N.J. The amendments that currently are proposed would make projects within the Lower Delaware drainage subject to all applicable SPW requirements, including those for "no measurable change" to existing water quality as defined by the rule. The amendments also would incorporate language intended to clarify aspects of the SPW regulations. Notably, a new term – "substantial alterations or additions" – is proposed to be added to the Definitions section of the regulations and to be inserted in other sections of the rule to clarify which types of additions or alterations to existing wastewater treatment facilities will trigger certain SPW requirements that are deemed appropriate in connection with capital investment projects. A new paragraph also is proposed to expressly authorize effluent trading between point sources to satisfy the requirement for no measurable change to existing water quality under certain circumstances.

A public hearing will be held on December 4 at the DRBC's office building in West Trenton, N.J. Those who wish to testify are encouraged to register in advance. Written public comments will be accepted through the close of business on December 6. http://www.state.nj.us/drbc/notice_LDelSPW_092807.htm

EPA recognizes Lower Makefield Township for environmentally-friendly ordinance

Lower Makefield Township in Bucks County, PA, has been recognized by the U.S. EPA for its low impact development ordinance, which was passed last year.

Lower Makefield Township was recognized under the EPA's Leadership in Low Impact Development Recognition Program that was created to highlight exceptional efforts in stormwater management. Among many other provisions, the township's ordinance has strict standards for stormwater management in any new development. It requires that whenever possible, developers install systems designed to infiltrate stormwater on the site and use stormwater management techniques such as parking lot pavements that allow water to soak through. The township has enacted several environmental initiatives during the last two years, including the low impact development ordinance and signing on to the Mayor's Climate Agreement, which sets goals for township government operations aimed at fighting global warming.

http://www.phillyburbs.com/pb-dyn/news/111-10112007-1421761.html 
EPA Press Release 10/10/07

Fairfax County, VA, Recognized for Stormwater Project

Fairfax County was recognized by the EPA for a stormwater project at Merrifield Fire Station 30 that collects and filters stormwater runoff from paved surfaces and roofs to reduce erosion and pollution runoff to Accotink Creek. 

The project, which was coordinated with the Northern Virginia Soil and Water Conservation Service, uses three low impact development technologies: a green roof, permeable pavers and a rain garden. Fairfax County was recognized under the Leadership in Low Impact Development Recognition Program that was created by a cooperative agreement between EPA’s mid-Atlantic region and the Low Impact Development Center in Beltsville, Md. to highlight exceptional efforts in storm water management.

EPA Press Release 10/10/07 

Genetically Engineered Corn May Harm Stream Ecosystems

A new study indicates that a popular type of genetically engineered corn, called Bt corn, may damage the ecology of streams draining Bt corn fields in ways that have not been previously considered by regulators. 

The study, which was funded by the National Science Foundation, appears in the October 8 edition of The Proceedings of the National Academy of Sciences. This study provides the first evidence that toxins from Bt corn may travel long distances in streams and may harm stream insects that serve as food for fish. The research team's results demonstrate that Bt plant parts--including pollen, leaves and cobs-- are washing into local steams. During storms, these plant parts are carried long distances and therefore could have unintended ecological impacts on downstream water bodies, such as lakes and large rivers. http://www.nsf.gov/news/news_summ.jsp?cntn_id=110265&org=NSF&from=news

Rachel's Democracy & Health News #928, October 11, 2007

Policy Update

Grant Programs 
(Click on a grant for more information)

National Estuary Program Community-Based Restoration Partnership

The National Estuary Program Community-based Restoration Partnership invites proposals for its citizen-driven habitat restoration projects. The partnership is seeking to fund on-the-ground activities within watersheds of the National Estuary Programs that restore marine, estuarine, and riparian habitats benefiting living marine resources and foster local stewardship of the coastal environment. The deadline for proposals is November 16. http://www.mass.gov/czm/wrp/education/update_archives/2007_10_files/anepcrpyr1_proposal_guidelines.pdf 

PennVEST Infrastructure Loans/Grants 

The Pennsylvania Infrastructure Investment Authority published revised cutoff dates for submitting applications for water, wastewater, stormwater and other project funding:

• November 27 for the January 22 board meeting

• February 19 for the April 15 board meeting.

http://www.pennvest.state.pa.us/pennvest/cwp/browse.asp?A=4 

Ramsar Wetland Education Mini-Grants

Environmental Concern Inc. is administering a one-time, limited funds grants program to support the designation of US Ramsar Sites and promote Wetlands Communication, Education, and Public Awareness programs/initiatives associated with current U.S. Ramsar wetland sites. Non-profits, institutes of higher education, schools, local governments, and state governments are eligible to apply for one-year awards up to $10,000. The application deadline is November 30. 
Grant guidance: http://www.aswm.org/grant/ramsar_grant_guidance.pdf 
Grant application: http://www.aswm.org/grant/ramsar_grant_application.pdf 

American Rivers & NOAA Community-Based Restoration Program River Grants

For fiscal year 2008, NOAA has awarded American Rivers $800,000 to distribute through the Community-Based Restoration grants program. Stream barrier removal projects in the Northeast, Mid-Atlantic, Northwest and California are eligible to apply. This funding is provided through the NOAA Open Rivers Initiative, which seeks to enable environmental and economic renewal in local communities through the removal of stream barriers and realized benefits to diadromous fish species. Grants are provided for three distinct project phases: Feasibility Analysis, Engineering Design, and Construction. Average grants will be $25,000 - $50,000. Successful applicants for one project phase will not be eligible to receive additional funding for that same project phase in future grant rounds. The next proposal deadlines are December 3, 2007 and early April 2008. http://www.americanrivers.org/site/PageServer?pagename=AMR_content_63c9&JServSessionIdr009=jn1vg0e142.app6b 

Philadelphia Sustainability Awards

The Pennsylvania Environmental Council and seven other regional organizations announced a call for nominations for the 2008 Philadelphia Sustainability Awards. Nominees who have achieved sustainable excellence through innovative environmental practices or creative partnerships are encouraged to apply. Successful candidates will be those who solve challenges through solutions that go beyond standard or regulatory techniques, and who demonstrate a measurable impact on the Greater Philadelphia region. Businesses, individuals, academic institutions, community groups and government agencies from the greater Philadelphia region are eligible. Nominations are due December 7. http://www.philadelphiasustainabilityawards.org/

PA Environmental Education Grants

The Pennsylvania Environmental Education Grant Program, administered through DEP, can be used for projects ranging from creative, hands-on lessons for students and teacher training programs to ecological education for residents. Pre-applications are due December 14. http://www.depweb.state.pa.us/enved/cwp/view.asp?a=3&q=473483

Coldwater Heritage Partnership Grants

The Coldwater Heritage Partnership announced the opening of the Coldwater Conservation Grants Program to protect and conserve the health of Pennsylvania’s coldwater ecosystems. Applications are due December 14. The grants are designed to help develop conservation plans that identify the values and threats to the health of our coldwater ecosystems that have naturally reproducing trout. The partnership will award grants of up to $5,000 to organizations to outline strategies that best conserve and protect our coldwater fisheries. http://www.coldwaterheritage.org/grant_application.htm 

PA Parks and Forests Awards

The Pennsylvania Parks and Forests Foundation is seeking nominations for its 2008 Parks and Forests Award. The Award categories are:

• PA Parks and Forests Foundation Keystone Legacy Award: Yop honor—given to a group, individual, or business—chosen at the discretion of PPFF.

• Parks and Forests Government Award: Given to a person or department at any level of government to recognize their work in the stewardship of Pennsylvania’s state park and state forest systems. 

• Park of the Year Award: Designed to recognize a park for their exemplary or innovative work. 

• Forest of the Year Award: Designed to recognize a forest district for its innovative and exemplary work in both forest management and recreation for a wide range of activities.

• Friends Groups Awards: Up to three awards per year can be given for recognition of achievements made by friends groups. These include a Volunteerism Award, Improvement Award, and an Education Award.

Nominations are due December 14. http://www.paparksandforests.org/

PA DEP New or Innovative Water/Wastewater Grants

PADEP is now accepting applications for grants under the New or Innovative Water/Wastewater Technology Grant Program. Applications are due December 15. Grants are available to municipalities, municipal authorities, counties and school districts that are making improvements to existing drinking water or sewage treatment facilities using new or innovative technology. Grants for individual projects will be available up to $500,000 under this program. Preference will be given to new or innovative wastewater treatment that utilizes new or innovative technology to reduce energy consumption or the carbon footprint of a system when compared to conventional processes. http://www.ahs.dep.state.pa.us/newsreleases/default.asp?ID=4818

NY Adirondack Smart Growth Grants

NY Governor Spitzer secured $2 million in the 2007-08 Environmental Protection Fund for grants to promote smart growth initiatives; $1 million will be earmarked for the Adirondacks. The Smart Growth Grants Program for the Adirondacks will establish a competitive fund for counties, towns, villages and not-for-profit organizations to develop plans that link sustainable development, environmental protection and community livability. Smart Growth can be used in rural communities to address some of the land-use issues facing the Park communities - workforce housing, aging infrastructure, water quality, economic development, open space protection, and village/hamlet revitalization. Applications are due December 28. http://www.dec.ny.gov/pubs/37874.html   
F. X. Browne, Inc. has an office in the Adirondacks, and we have experience in land use planning, open space planning, wastewater planning, and watershed planning. Please contact us at info@fxbrowne.com with questions about how the Adirondack Smart Growth Grants could benefit your community.

PA Conservation Corps Grants

Applications for Pennsylvania Conservation Corps grants related to conservation, recreation, historical preservation, graffiti removal, and the repair of institutional valdalism are now being accepted by the PA Department of Labor and Industry. Political subdivisions and state agencies are eligible for these grants and applications are due January 4. http://www.dli.state.pa.us/landi/cwp/view.asp?a=145&q=194750

NJ Highlands Forest Stewardship Grants

The NJ Highlands Forest Stewardship grant program encourages management of private forestland for non-commodity benefits, such as wildlife habitat, recreational value and water quality, as well as traditional commodities such as timber and wood products. With funding from the U.S. Forest Service, the New Jersey Forest Service will reimburse qualifying private landowners in the New Jersey Highlands up to $3,000 to develop a forest stewardship plan for their property. Private landowners with 10 or more acres of woodlands in the Highlands are encouraged to apply. Applications are due by January 1.Applicants who receive funding are required to maintain and implement their forest stewardship plans for a 10-year period. http://www.state.nj.us/dep/newsrel/2007/07_0043.htm 

National Wetlands Awards

The National Wetlands Awards Program honors individuals who have demonstrated extraordinary commitment to the conservation and restoration of our nation's wetlands. The 2008 Awards will be given in six categories: Education and Outreach; Science Research; Conservation and Restoration; Landowner Stewardship; State, Tribal, and Local Program Development; and Wetland Community Leader. The deadline for submitting nominations is January 15. http://www.nationalwetlandsawards.org

Events 
(Click on an event for more information)

EPA Watershed Webcasts EPA’s Watershed Academy sponsors monthly Webcasts, audio versions of which are available on their website. The November 28 Webcast will feature Smart Growth Issues. Past Webcast topics include AMD and Art, EPA's STORET system, 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: November 7-8 - Fulton County  http://www.mri.psu.edu/centers/cdgrs/calendar/calendar.html Mid-Atlantic Stream Restoration Conference The third annual Mid-Atlantic Stream Restoration Conference is scheduled for November 7-9 at the Rocky Gap Resort, near Cumberland, Maryland. The 2007 conference will focus on the science, engineering and policy aspects of stream restoration in several topical areas of interests. Pre-conference workshops, focus group discussions, and field trips will be included. http://www.canaanvi.org/canaanvi_web/events_ed.aspx?collection=cvi_workshops&id=140  PA Protecting Public Drinking Water Supplies Workshop The PADEP and the Susquehanna River Basin Commission are holding a workshop on November 8 on how to protect community water supplies from contamination. The workshop will be held at the Lebanon Valley Agricultural Center and is open to municipal officials, water system operators, community planners, open space preservationists, watershed groups and the public. Attendees will explore how communities can prevent contamination by assessing water sources, make informed decisions about land use and open space preservation, and involve the public as a partner in protection. DEP’s new source water protection technical assistance program will also be discussed. http://www.drinkingwaterwise.org  PA Conservation Landscape Workshop The North Branch Land Trust is sponsoring a workshop entitled, “Conserving Natural Resources in Growing Communities,” on November 8 at the Tribeca Convention Center in Pittston Township. Topics will include the new Conservation Landscape Initiative, or CLI, that DCNR is launching statewide; Using Existing Tools to Conserve Natural Resources in Growing Communities; Conservation Success Stories on the Township Books; Forest-Friendly Development Practices and Better Site Design; and Handling Stormwater Part A and B. Pre-registration is required and ends November 5. Space is limited. http://www.nblt.org/pdf_files/FallConfBrochFinal.pdf  PA Resources Council Fall Environmental Workshop Series  The Pennsylvania Resources Council will host a series of workshop this fall at the Environmental Living Demonstration Center, Ridley Creek State Park. The workshops will cover several topics:  November 5 – Joys of Backyard Composting November 14 – Worm Composting Time http://www.paenvironmentdigest.com/newsletter/default.asp?NewsletterArticleID=7588&SubjectID=  VA Conservation Landscaping Conference The 2nd annual "Turning a New Leaf" conference will be held on November 9 at the Northern Virginia Community College in Annandale. Hosted by the Chesapeake Conservation Landscaping Council, the conference features tracks on conservation landscapes, green development, and creative stormwater management. Topics include eco-friendly lawns; native alternatives to traditional plantings; backyard forests; rain gardens; techniques for stream restoration; and public-private partnerships for green development. Exhibits will also showcase an "eco-marketplace." http://www.chesapeakelandscape.org  Web Seminar: Legacy Sediments and Historic Mill Dams A Web Seminar will be held on November 13 on Legacy Sediments and Historic Mill Dams: Their significance to restoring streams. Dr. Robert Walter and Dr. Dorothy Merritts of Franklin & Marshall College will present their remarkable work demonstrating the importance of considering the impact of 18th and 19th century mill dams on stream restoration in the Eastern U.S. The importance of these findings will be seen in a stream that was returned to pre-settlement conditions resulting in growth of 200 year old seed into natural wetlands and greatly improved water quality. https://www.gotomeeting.com/register/923857218  PA Reducing Spread of Invasive Mussels Summit The Susquehanna River Basin Commission and Pennsylvania Sea Grant Program are holding a free, “Stemming the Tide: Zebra and Quagga Mussel Summit,” on November 14 at the Dixon University Center in Harrisburg. The Summit is designed for water resource managers and scientists, water utilities, recreational and commercial users, conservation and environmental organizations and others interested in the potential impacts of invasive mussels in Pennsylvania and how to monitor and control their spread. The summit will include speakers, a panel session, breakout sessions and a training session for those wishing to join the volunteer Pennsylvania Zebra and Quagga Mussel Monitoring Network.The registration deadline is November 9.  http://www.pserie.psu.edu/seagrant/zm/news/news.htm  NY Compost Workshop and Recycling Conference The New York State Association for Reduction, Reuse and Recycling (NYSAR3) and NYS Organics Recycling and Compost Council in association with the Cornell Waste Management Institute (CWMI) are offering a one and a half day compost training November 14 and 15 at the Otesaga Resort Hotel in Cooperstown, New York. The 18th Annual New York State Recycling Conference will immediately follow the compost training workshop and continue through November 16. The composting workshop will include compost uses and markets, principles and methods of composting, odor control, compost sampling and evaluation, and an opportunity to learn from composting experts. On Thursday and Friday the annual NYSAR3 membership meeting will open with the question, "What is the Status of Recycling in New York State and the Nation?" The conference's plenary session will follow two concurrent tracks: Glass Recycling and Media/Communication. A vendor exhibition and reception and a meet-and-greet breakfast will provide ample networking opportunities for participants. http://www.nysar3.org/events/Conference07.htm  EPA Water Quality Standards Academy On November 26-30 in Arlington, Virginia, the EPA Office of Water will present the Water Quality Standards Academy, a training course for persons with less than six months experience in Water Quality Standards. Over the years, the Academy has hosted thousands of students from regions, states and tribes, industry and environmental groups, municipalities, academia, and watershed groups. This basic course introduces all aspects of the water quality standards program (for example, interpreting and applying water quality standards regulation, understanding policies and program guidance, and developing water quality criteria). http://www.epa.gov/waterscience/standards/academy.html NC Stormwater Maintenance Workshop  The North Carolina State University is offering workshops on BMP Maintenance and Inspection Certification. Workshops will be held on the following dates and locations: December 5 & 6 - Wilmington, NC  December 13 & 14 - Raleigh, NC  Topics covered in this training will include: Stormwater and How it Affects Drinking Water Quality; Stormwater Management Devices Used in North Carolina and how they function; Maintenance Requirements of Each Stormwater Practice. Stormwater Training Certification will be offered. http://www.bae.ncsu.edu/workshops/2007certification/index.html

Link Of The Month

New Tools for Reducing Nitrogen & Phosphorus Pollution 

The USEPA Office of Water is rolling out several new tools to help fight nutrient pollution into our waters. Their redesigned Nitrogen and Phosphorus web site (www.epa.gov/waterscience/nutrients/) now houses scientific literature reviews, monitoring data, guidance manuals, and webcasts to help states establish numeric water quality criteria for nitrogen and phosphorus. The new web site also offers answers to states' questions about how to use the criteria and a clearinghouse of water treatment technologies and land-use practices.

County Watershed Protection Kit Now Online

The Watershed and Wetland Protection Information Kit for County Officials is a collection of resources that can assist county and local officials with efforts to protect and restore the multiple benefits of their community’s water resources. The information kit was produced by the Center for Watershed Protection and the National Association of Counties with support from the U.S. EPA and is available online at http://www.cwp.org/wetlands/naco.htm.

National Pollutant Removal Performance Database Updated

The Center for Watershed Protection has updated its National Pollutant Removal Performance Database, last published in 2000, to include an additional 27 studies published through 2006. The updated database was statistically analyzed to derive the median and quartile removal values for each major group of stormwater BMPs. http://www.cwp.org/Downloads/bmpwriteup_092007_v3.pdf 

Pennsylvania Soil Surveys Now Available on NRCS Website 

Soil Information for the entire Commonwealth of Pennsylvania is now available through the Web Soil Survey. The more than 20 year effort to compile and digitize the county soil survey maps, capture the soil property and interpretation data, complete quality control and post the data to the Web Soil Survey was completed on September 27. http://websoilsurvey.nrcs.usda.gov/app/ 

Thesaurus of Terms Used in Microbial Risk Assessment Now Available 

Federal and international agencies, private sector organizations, and academics use terms and definitions differently in their microbial risk assessments. This thesaurus is a compendium of risk assessment terms found in frameworks, methodologies, and assessments. It provides insight into how various entities use specific microbial risk assessment terms in their activities and helps those responsible for such assessments both conduct and communicate about them more effectively. http://www.epa.gov/waterscience/criteria/humanhealth/microbial/#thesaurus 

Manual for Maintenance of Dirt and Gravel Roads 

The Pennsylvania State University has created Environmentally Sensitive Maintenance for Dirt and Gravel Roads, a 300-page manual created for a general audience interested in integrating environmental concerns into their unpaved roads program. Specifically, the manual identifies, documents, and encourages the use of environmentally sensitive maintenance of dirt and gravel roads. It provides insight into using natural systems and innovative technologies to reduce erosion, sediment, and dust pollution while more effectively and efficiently maintaining dirt and gravel roads and gives the users a toolbox full of environmentally sensitive maintenance practices. http://www.epa.gov/owow/nps/sensitive/sensitive.html