New Device Detects Cyanotoxins in Drinking Water 

A Drexel University professor is developing a device to quickly detect cyano toxins in lakes, rivers and streams.

Funding from the U.S. EPA is enabling a Drexel University professor to wrap up five years of research into a new device that can rapidly detect a harmful class of toxins that threatens drinking water. Professor Raj Mutharasan is the principal researcher and developer of an ultra-sensitive device capable of detecting, within minutes, the presence of cyanotoxins from algae in rivers, lakes and streams used for drinking water. His goal is to get the device commercially manufactured to help prevent potentially wide-spread damage caused by cyanotoxins. Mutharasan's technology would allow water test results in 10 to 15 minutes, whereas the existing method to test for cyanotoxins can take up to three days, leaving communities open to exposure to contaminated water.

Drexel University Press Release, September 30, 2008
 http://www.drexel.edu/news/headlines/epa-awards-grant-to-drexel-university-for-water-research.aspx

A Green Roof and a Green Building

One Pittsburgh office building gets a green roof while a Philadelphia college building also goes green.

Asters, day lilies and tall grasses are among the new plantings on the 22,000-square-foot green roof installed on Highmark Blue Cross Blue Shield's Fifth Avenue Place office building in downtown Pittsburgh. The environmentally sustainable roof project, located on a roof terrace at the corner of Liberty and Fifth avenues, is expected to provide insulation that will lower the building's energy use by 12 percent and greatly reduce storm water runoff. The region's largest health insurer decided to install the green roof, consisting of 180 tons of soil and 25,000 plants on top of a waterproof membrane, as part of its energy conservation program.

Pittsburgh Post-Gazette, October 15, 2008
http://www.post-gazette.com/pg/08289/919942-53.stm 

The Community College of Philadelphia broke ground on a $31 million expansion and redesign of its northeast Regional Center. The multifaceted project is expected to create the first nationally-certified, "green" college facility in Philadelphia. Both their NERC and Main Campus projects will include cutting-edge, green features and are expected to qualify for a silver rating under the LEED standards set by the U.S. Green Building Council for new construction. The NERC addition will have a green roof, geothermal heating and cooling systems, and will be designed to harvest the maximum amount of daylight possible to reduce the need to use lights. A storm water management system will collect rain water runoff from the green roof and from nearby residential homes for use in flushing systems in the NERC, reducing water consumption and managing storm water runoff from the campus and neighboring residences. The College's Main Campus project will include some of the same sustainable features, and will rely on a high-performance exterior skin to reduce energy use.

Pennsylvania Environment Digest, October 10, 2008
http://www.paenvironmentdigest.com/newsletter/default.asp?NewsletterArticleID=10547&SubjectID= 

For more information on green building, green roofs, and stormwater management, contact F. X. Browne, Inc. at info@fxbrowne.com

Some Marshes Pass Too Much Gas

Marshes pass a lot of gas, which adds to the global warming problem. One solution: Let them flood, a new study suggests. 

Wetlands can be thought of as the kidneys of the environment, absorbing chemicals and gunk and organic matter, explains a team led by William Mitsch of Ohio State University. Nature likes to flush its kidneys, either with floods, tides or occasional catastrophic storms such as hurricanes. We humans sometimes work to prevent all that with levees, sea walls, dams and floodgates, but that means the kidneys can get a little backed up. When that happens, more methane is released from the deep water in a wetlands area, the researchers found. In tests, pulsing water through wetlands cut down on methane emissions. The scientists aren't suggesting any major projects to create pulses in existing systems. Rather, Mitsch said, we'd be wise to leave existing natural setups as they are.

LiveScience, September 24, 2008 
http://www.livescience.com/environment/080924-flood-wetlands.html 

Policy Update

Grant Programs 
(Click on a grant for more information)

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 17 for the January 26, 2009 board meeting

• February 16, 2009 for the April 20, 2009 board meeting

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

CWP Technical Capacity Mini-Grants

With funding from an EPA Targeted Watershed Initiative Grant, the Center for Watershed Protection (CWP) is currently inviting proposals to its Technical Capacity Mini-Grant program, awarding direct assistance and financial support to a wide range of small watershed organizations. Up to ten $5,000-15,000 grants will be awarded to strengthen the technical capacity of these groups in the area of stormwater and watershed management. These grants may be awarded in the form of direct assistance from CWP staff. Alternatively, mini-grant recipients may also receive cash assistance and tailored information where necessary. Proposals are being accepted on a rolling basis. http://www.cwp.org/Calendar/CWPMinigrantsRFP.pdf 

PPL Green Building Certification Grants

PPL is offering grants of up to $5,000 to pay registration, design and construction reviews needed to achieve Gold certification under LEED green building standards. PPL is accepting applications from non-profit economic development organizations plus architectural and design firms and developers/owners in communities in Central Eastern Pennsylvania through November 30. http://www.pplelectric.com/NR/rdonlyres/93446100-48BD-4FF6-94B8-2CA2B4D6C95A/0/PPLEconomic_Development_Partnership_Program.pdf

Sinnemahoning and Portage Creek Watershed Grants

Applications are being accepted through November 30 for $200,000 in the first round of the Sinnemahoning Watershed Grants. Settlement monies from the June 30, 2006 Norfolk Southern train derailment that caused a serious fish kill in Big Fill Run, Sinnemahoning Portage Creek and the Driftwood Branch of Sinnemahoning Creek are being administered by the Headwaters RC&D Sinnemahoning Stakeholders Committee to fund successful applications. This program offers funding for projects that further the protection, enhancement, conservation, preservation or enjoyment of environmental, conservation, recreation or similar resources within the Sinnemahoning Creek Watershed. http://mckeancountypa.org/CMSFiles/Round%201%20Application%20SSC-July9,%202008.pdf 

PADEP Environmental Education Grants

Applications are now available for the PADEP’s 2009 Environmental Education Grants, which support projects and programs that increase environmental awareness and understanding in Pennsylvania’s communities. Schools, universities, intermediate units, non-profit groups and county conservation districts are eligible and encouraged to apply. Grants will go to projects that promote understanding of important environmental topics, such as: 

• Sustainable energy sources, like solar, wind, biomass, geothermal and alternative transportation fuels, as well as energy efficiency and conservation practices;

• Air quality, with a focus on lowering emissions from transportation vehicles and electric-generation to reduce ground-level ozone, or smog; 

• Watersheds and wetlands, focusing on abating acid mine drainage and reducing non-point source pollution.

Grants will range from $3,000 to $20,000 and support programs that promote environmental education in Pennsylvania. The deadline to submit a pre-application form for the grants is December 12. Beginning January 16, DEP will notify approved pre-applicants to prepare a full application to submit to the department by March 6. http://www.depweb.state.pa.us/enved/cwp/view.asp?a=3&q=473483 

Grant application workshops are being held during November http://www.ahs.dep.state.pa.us/newsreleases/default.asp?ID=5315 

American Rivers and NOAA Community-Based Restoration Grants

Since 2001, American Rivers and the NOAA Community-based Restoration Program have provided financial and technical assistance for river restoration projects benefiting diadromous fish species in the Northeast, Mid-Atlantic, Northwest and California. 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. Average grants will be $25,000 - $50,000. The next proposal deadline is December 3. http://www.americanrivers.org/site/PageServer?pagename=AMR_content_63c9&JServSessionIdr001=5fb5vfgyg2.app2b 

Fish Habitat Grants

The Chesapeake Bay Trust and FishAmerica Foundation announced the fifth year of their partnership. Grants are available for a wide range of activities that improve fish habitat in the Chesapeake Bay and its tributaries. Proposals must be received in the Trust’s office no later than December 5. http://www.cbtrust.org/atf/cf/%7B25AEDA0B-6D83-496D-9697-8EE8B2529DCF%7D/9-25-08-Fisheries%20FY09%20Application%20Package-final.doc 

Chesapeake Bay Trust Environmental Education Grants

The Chesapeake Bay Trust seeks to increase environmental stewardship though hands-on education and public involvement in the Chesapeake Bay and its rivers by providing grants that build and expand K through 12 environmental education programs and increase student access to Meaningful Watershed Experiences. Proposals must be received in the Trust’s office no later than December 5. http://www.cbtrust.org/atf/cf/%7B25AEDA0B-6D83-496D-9697-8EE8B2529DCF%7D/9-25-08_2008-09%20EE%20package-FINAL.doc 

Coldwater Heritage Partnership Watershed Grants

The Coldwater Heritage Partnership is now accepting applications for the Coldwater Conservation Grant Program to protect and conserve the health of Pennsylvania’s coldwater ecosystems. Applications are due December 15. 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 averaging around $5,000 to organizations to outline strategies that best conserve and protect our coldwater fisheries. http://www.coldwaterheritage.org/grant_application.htm

PA Illegal Dump Cleanup Grants

The PADEP has announced Illegal Dump Cleanup Grants for communities and nonprofit groups. The program will focus on the cleanup of illegal dumps; site restoration and beautification; surveillance of existing dump sites and remediated sites; enforcement of littering and illegal dumping ordinances; and public awareness and education to inform local citizens about illegal dumping, littering and clean-up activities. Grants of up to $25,000 will be awarded with a match of at least 50 percent of the grant amount by the grantee. No deadline was announced for applications. http://www.depweb.state.pa.us/landrecwaste/cwp/view.asp?A=1418&Q=505018

NY Water Quality Improvement Project Grants

Grant applications are now being accepted on a continuous basis for Water Quality Improvement Projects (WQIP) under the New York City Watershed Program. The program is offering $3 million in grant funds for polluted runoff abatement, which includes assessment, planning and research and outreach and education projects in the New York City watershed. Examples of projects previously funded under the watershed program include a study on endocrine disruptors in rivers and lakes in the watershed and studies of pharmaceutical and other organic wastewater compounds at wastewater treatment plants and key points in the watershed. http://www.dec.ny.gov/pubs/4774.html

NJ Brownfield Redevelopment Area Funding

New Jersey municipalities that have been designated as Brownfield Development Areas are eligible for grants of up to $5 million each year from the DEP's Hazardous Discharge Site Remediation Fund for site investigation and remediation. The DEP also assigns a case manager to assist the communities in overseeing remediation, obtaining financial assistance, and coordinating revitalization efforts with other state agencies. Communities must bring together various stakeholders to develop applications for designation as a Brownfield Development Area. Municipalities interested in being considered in the 2009 round of Brownfield Development Area designations may submit applications until March 31. http://www.nj.gov/dep/srp/brownfields/

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. On December 3, a panel of experts will discuss the benefits of rain gardens, how to build them, and how to develop and implement a successful rain garden program. Past Webcast topics include Climate Change, Smart Growth, 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: January 21-22 - Bradford County  January 21-23 - PACD Winter Meeting, State College  March 18-19 - Lycoming County  http://www.mri.psu.edu/centers/cdgrs/calendar/calendar.html Philadelphia Fundraising Summit  The Center for Nonprofit Success holding a Fundraising Summit in Camden, NJ on November 18-19. The Summit features a panel of grantmakers and experienced fundraisers speaking in each of the breakout sessions. The sessions will explore creative ways to raise money from grants, sponsorships, individual gifts, as well as other funding sources. http://cfnps.org/philadelphia2008.aspx  Pike, Monroe, Wayne County (PA) Stormwater/Flood Summit On November 20 Pike, Monroe and Wayne counties in Pennsylvania will hold a Stormwater/Flood Summit to help elected officials and the public better understand stormwater and flooding issues and solutions in these northeast counties. This Stormwater/Flood Summit will lead decision-makers through the history of development and how development decisions affect stream dynamics. Topics include stormwater and floodplain management, flooding, damages and repair costs, and a presentation of existing tools available to decision-makers. http://www.pikeconservation.org/Forms/pike-wayne-monroe%20brochure.pdf  APA Regional Conference The 2008 American Planning Association (APA) Regional Planning Conference, "Growing Greener - Planning Healthy Communities for a Healthy Planet," will be held on November 19-21 in Annapolis, MD. http://www.delawareapa.org/2008%20MD-DE%20Conference.html New England Low Impact Development Conference The Weathering the Storm: Low Impact Development (LID) Conference and Vendor Fair for the Construction and Development Industry in Northern New England will be held on December 3 and 4 in Concord NH. Topics include the environmental and economic benefits of LID, latest findings on the performance of LID practices in cold climates, case studies of New England LID projects, and a choice of workshops on day two: LID Design Practicum, UNH Stormwater Center Tour, or Landscaping at the Waters Edge. The program is registered for AIA continuing education credits; engineers will receive PDH certificates if requested. http://www.fbenvironmental.com  Sustainability Webinars The American Public Works Association is beginning a webinar series on sustainability issues, including "Retrofitting Green Design and Standards" on December 11, "Green Transportation and Smart Growth" on January 15, and "Low Impact Development for Public Works" on February 26. https://www.apwa.net/events/eventdetail.asp?ID=5159  PA Westmoreland Conservation District Events  The Westmoreland Conservation District’s upcoming slate of programs offers a variety of informative and fun ways to learn more about conservation. While some are geared to specific audiences or an advanced level of technical expertise, anyone is welcome to attend. Upcoming events include: January 6-7 - Geographic Information Systems Workshop January 23 - Contractors’ Workshop http://www.wcdpa.com/documents/EdCalendarDr2.pdf  Michigan Decentralized Wastewater Workshop The Conservation Technology Information Center (CTIC) invites decision makers and planners of small communities to attend a workshop about technology options and management strategies for decentralized wastewater treatment. The workshop will take place January 12 at Michigan State University in East Lansing, Michigan. This workshop will inform small community planners about the advantages and disadvantages of a variety of decentralized wastewater treatment options as well as how to manage those systems while considering the local conditions. https://www.conservationinformation.org/?site=1&action=event&ID=259&day=12&month=1&year=2009

Link Of The Month

Water Efficiency Resource Library Launched 

The Alliance for Water Efficiency has announced the formal launch of a comprehensive web-based Water Efficiency Resource Library, in cooperation with the U.S. EPA. Library sections cover residential plumbing and appliances, toilet testing, landscape and irrigation, commercial and industrial water conservation, water rates and rate structures, water loss control, codes and standards, drought planning, and numerous other topics. Research reports, published documents, and case studies are included, providing a comprehensive picture of what water efficiency measures prove to be the most successful, and how water utilities and consumers can best achieve water efficient use. Upcoming features being added to the site are state-by-state summaries and an on-line discussion forum. http://www.allianceforwaterefficiency.org

National Research Council Releases Report on Urban Stormwater

The National Research Council, Water Sciences and Technology Board has just released the report "Urban Stormwater Management in the United States." The study was commissioned by EPA in 2006 to evaluate the NPDES stormwater program and make recommendations for improvement of the program. The report provides a description of the history of stormwater management in the United States; an overview of stormwater regulations and the federal regulatory program; and information on a number of relevant scientific and technological issues such as hydrology, geomorphology, biology, monitoring and modeling.  The study report is available at: www.epa.gov/npdes/stormwater The NRC press release is at: http://www8.nationalacademies.org/onpinews/newsitem.aspx?RecordID=12465

New Report Helps Citizens Fight Stormwater Pollution in Their Communities

American Rivers and Midwest Environmental Advocates released a new report, “Local Water Policy Innovation: A Road Map for Community Based Stormwater Solutions” to help citizens ensure clean water in their communities. This report explains how to improve stormwater policies in local communities and capture the attention of policy makers. http://www.americanrivers.org/site/News2?page=NewsArticle&id=11961&news_iv_ctrl=1282 

EPA Issues Guide to Help Reduce Wastewater Nutrients

The EPA Office of Water has released a new guide that will help readers plan cost-effective nutrient removal projects for municipal wastewater treatment facilities. The Municipal Nutrient Removal Technologies Reference Document presents detailed technical and cost information about existing nutrient removal technologies and information on emerging technologies. This document includes detailed process descriptions, performance and reliability data, and operating factors for processes that can remove nitrogen, phosphorus, or both from municipal wastewater. It also includes nine in-depth facility case studies from around the country and one in Canada. http://www.epa.gov/owm/mtb/index.htm 

Government Report Links Factory Farms to Harmful Air Emissions, Water Pollution

 A Government Accountability Office (GAO) study recently released says that large factory farms, or Concentrated Animal Feeding Operations (CAFOs), can emit dangerous levels of airborne and waterborne pollutants. The report concludes that these operations can potentially degrade air quality because large amounts of manure may emit unsafe quantities of ammonia, hydrogen sulfide, and particulate matter, and they can potentially degrade water quality because pollutants in manure could enter nearby water bodies. http://energycommerce.house.gov/Press_110/110_EHM_CAFOGAO.pdf