"Walk away quietly in any direction and taste the freedom of the mountaineer.  Camp out among the grasses and gentians of glacial meadows,  in craggy garden nooks full of nature's darlings.   Climb the mountains and get their good tidings, Nature's peace will flow into you as sunshine flows into trees.  The winds will blow their own freshness into you and the storms their energy,  while cares will drop off like Autumn leaves.  As age comes on, one source of enjoyment after another is closed,  but nature's sources never fail."
 

— John Muir, "Our National Parks"

http://www.sierraclub.org/JOHN_MUIR_EXHIBIT/

Editors Note

Happy Thanksgiving from F. X. Browne, Inc.!

It’s time to start raking leaves and preparing for the winter hibernation.  Here are some great ideas to have a “greener” fall and winter.

·                    Buy local firewood.  To prevent the spread of invasive species such as the Emerald Ash Borer, make sure your firewood comes from a local source. 

·                    Compost your leaves.  Leaves make great mulch for your flower beds and gardens.  If you have extra, contact your Township to see if they have a leaf collection and mulch program.  Avoid burning leaves or raking them toward storm drains.

·                    Plant a cover crop in your garden.  Cover crops will prevent weeds and add nutrients and organic matter to your garden soil.  Winter rye is a great option.

·                    Check your anti-freeze.  Propylene glycol anti-freeze is a better choice than ethylene glycol, and is less toxic for pets, kids and wildlife. 

·                    Winterize your home.  Take advantage of the 30% tax credit (up to $1500) by improving your home's insulation.  Have an energy audit performed to find areas that should be improved. 

·                    Check your tire pressure.  The changing temperature can reduce your tire pressure, which can lower your gas mileage. 

·                    View migratory birds.  This is a great way to enjoy the outdoors with your friends and family.  Hawk Mountain is a popular spot in Pennsylvania.

~ Lisen Cummings, Sustainable Environments Editor/Designer

News Clips

Policy Update

Pennsylvania DEP Cut Over 26 Percent, PA DCNR Cut 18 Percent
A budget bill was passed on October 9 that reduces the overall General Fund moneys to the PA DEP by $58 million and the PA DCNR by $21 million, the largest single cut in General Fund environmental spending ever.  The bill allows State Forest to be leased for natural gas drilling with no acreage limits or caps and no minimum bids/royalties on leasing.  It does not include a natural gas production severance tax.

PA Environment Digest, October 12, 2009

http://www.paenvironmentdigest.com/newsletter/default.asp?NewsletterArticleID=13719

The state is expecting to gain $60 million from leasing State Forest land for natural gas drilling.  For more information, visit

http://www.paenvironmentdigest.com/newsletter/default.asp?NewsletterArticleID=13720

For a listing of moneys cut from environmental programs over the last 7 years, visit

http://www.paenvironmentdigest.com/newsletter/default.asp?NewsletterArticleID=13723

EPA Administrator Announces Plan to Retool and Reinvigorate Clean Water Enforcement Program
The U. S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) has announced a new commitment to improving efforts on Clean Water Act enforcement.  The Clean Water Action Enforcement Plan states how the EPA will address pollution such as sewer overflows, contaminated industrial water, and stormwater runoff from urban areas.  The plan states goals to target enforcement of the most significant pollution problems, to provide water quality data to the public, and increase enforcement performance at the state and federal levels. 

EPA News Release, October 15, 2009

For more information on the plan, visit http://www.epa.gov/compliance/civil/cwa/cwaenfplan.html

E.P.A. Vows Better Effort on Water

By Charles Duhigg, The New York Times, October 15, 2009

http://www.nytimes.com/2009/10/16/business/energy-environment/16water.html?_r=1&scp=17&sq=construction&st=cse

EPA Releases List of Priority Drinking Water Contaminants for Regulatory Consideration
The Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) has released their third contaminant candidate list (CCL3) containing contaminants that are found in public water systems.  The EPA will be making a determination in 2013 on at least five contaminants, to determine whether they should be regulated.  This list contains 104 chemicals and 12 microbes selected from the approximately 7,500 evaluated by the EPA.

For the article, visit

http://www.stormh2o.com/the-latest/drinking-water-contaminants.aspx

For EPA’s website and the CCL3 list, visit

http://www.epa.gov/safewater/ccl

 

Stricter Federal Law Affects Local Water Districts
The new groundwater rule will go into effect December 1, 2009 to further protect drinking water from viruses and bacteria contamination.  This will affect public water systems fed from underground sources.  The new law states that public water systems that have detected total coliform will have to make sure that the water at the well source is clean.
By Mary Ann Bragg, mbragg@capecodonlne,com, October 4, 2009

Cape Cod Times, October 20, 2009

http://www.capecodonline.com/apps/pbcs.dll/article?AID=/20091004/NEWS/910040324/-1/NEWSMAP
 

Army Corps to Dredge Delaware River Without Permit
The U.S. Army Corps of Engineers plans to dredge the Delaware River early next year, to deepen it to 45 feet.  This will provide deeper navigable waterways to increase shipping to Philadelphia.  The ACOE was denied a permit by Delaware, but plan to move forward with the project anyway.  The first stretch to be deepened is an 11 mile stretch in State of Delaware waters.
By Linda Loyd and Thomas Fitzgerald, The Philadelphia Inquirer, October 27, 2009

http://www.philly.com/inquirer/business/20091027_Delaware_River_dredging_will_commence.html

EPA Requests Comments on Survey for Stormwater Rule
The U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) is requesting comments on a survey to improve stormwater regulations and reduce stormwater discharges.  The draft survey requires information about stormwater management/control, local regulations, and financial information.  The proposed survey is open for public comment for 60 days after publication in the Federal Register.
http://cfpub.epa.gov/npdes/stormwater/rulemaking.cfm

 

Antarctic Icebergs Make Their Own Art The pictures featured in this article are stunning!  As a result of natural pressures and formations, these icebergs feature stripes and variations unique to nature.  Formed slowly over time, the bluest ice is known to be older.  Make sure to check out the link to the Australian Antarctic Division. http://www.inhabitat.com/2009/10/10/antarctic-icebergs-make-their-own-art/

Grants and Awards 

PA DEP – Environmental Education Grants

Grants are provided to schools, universities, county conservation district, nonprofit organizations/associations and businesses to fund projects that support environmental education.  Applications are due December 18, 2009.

http://www.depweb.state.pa.us/enved/cwp/view.asp?a=3&q=473483

PA DEP Coastal Resources Management Program

2010 Coastal Zone Grants sub-grant awards are made to state and local agencies and incorporated nonprofit organization in the Delaware Estuary or Lake Erie Coastal Zones.

http://www.dep.state.pa.us/river/grants/crmgrants/crmgrants.htm

PA DEP Enactment of Ordinances and Implementation of Stormwater Management Plans

This program reimburses municipalities for costs associated with adopting or revising ordinances to comply with the Pennsylvania Stormwater Management Act. 

http://www.depweb.state.pa.us/watershedmgmt/cwp/view.asp?a=1437&q=518836&watershedmgmtNav=|

PA DEP Environmental Education Grants Program

This program supports environmental education through schools, conservation districts, educational organizations and nonprofit organizations.  Application deadline is December 12. 

http://www.depweb.state.pa.us/enved/cwp/view.asp?a=3&q=473483&envedNav=|

Department of Conservation and Natural Resources Electronic Grants System

The Department of Conservation and Natural Resources provides eGrants, an electronic grants system that contains all available DCNR grants.  Applications can be submitted online.

https://www.grants.dcnr.state.pa.us/index.aspx

Keystone Historic Preservation Grant Program

This grant is available to nonprofits and local governments for preserving, restoring, and/or rehabilitating historic resources.  It is a competitive matching grant with a maximum award of $100,000.  Application submission deadline is March 1, 2010.

http://www.artsnet.org/phmc/grants.htm#clg

Conservation Easement Assistance Program

Provided by the Pennsylvania Land Trust Association, this program assists with transaction costs for conservation easements, for a total of $5,000 per easement transaction.  The program assists with completing conservation and trail easements, amending and restating older easements, establishing or updating baseline documentation and installing signs on eased properties.

www.conserveland.org/ceap

Chesapeake Bay Watershed Initiative

Under the Chesapeake Bay Watershed Initiative (CBWI), eligible landowners can use available technical and financial assistance to address soil erosion, sedimentation, and excess nutrients in streams and waterways, as well as other related natural resource concerns such as air quality, wetlands, wildlife habitat, and forestry. Applications for CBWI will be accepted continuously and evaluated on a monthly basis. To apply, farmers must fill out an application form and contact their local NRCS office. Pennsylvania agricultural producers located within the Chesapeake Bay watershed may be eligible to apply.

http://www.pa.nrcs.usda.gov/programs/cbwi/index.html

Chesapeake Bay Trust Mini Grants

This program provides up to $5,000.00 for projects that focus on the Chesapeake Bay Trust's priorities.  These grants are typically used for educational purposes, small projects, and public awareness initiatives.  Grant applications will be considered until funds are exhausted.

http://www.cbtrust.org/site/c.enJIKQNoFiG/b.2028473/k.BBF6/Mini_Grant_Program.htm

Chesapeake Bay Trust Restoration Grant Program

Projects should address the three goals of the Restoration grant Program, including accomplishing a restoration project that can also be used to showcase a restoration technique and engages citizens in the project.  Application deadline is December 4, 2009.  Applications will be accepted starting September 1, 2009.

http://www.cbtrust.org/site/c.enJIKQNoFiG/b.5130211/k.7B54/Restoration_Grant_Program.htm

American Water Environmental Grant Program

Grants are provided for projects that improve, restore or protect a watershed. 

http://www.amwater.com/Ensuring-Water-Quality/environmental-grants-program.html

1675 Foundation
This foundation offers support to organizations for arts/culture, education, the environment, health, human services and history.  Priority is given to Philadelphia and Chester Counties.  Grants ranging from $2,000 to $50,000 are available to organizations that are tax exempt under IRS Code 501(c)(3) or public charities under IRS Code 509(a).  Applications are due March 1 and October 1 of each year.
http://www.1675foundation.org/guidelines.htm

Bridgestone Americas Trust Fund
This Trust provides charities with funding to support education, the environment/conservation, or children’s programs. 
http://www.bridgestone-firestone.com/trustfund.asp

William Penn Foundation Grants

This foundation provides grants that protect, conserve, and restore water resources that drain to the Delaware and Schuylkill Rivers. 

http://www.williampennfoundation.org/info-url_nocat3569/info-url_nocat.htm

Maryland DNR Grants and Loans
Visit this site for a comprehensive list of Maryland Department of Natural Resources Grants and Loans.
http://www.dnr.state.md.us/land/grantsandloans/index.asp

Maryland DNR Tree-Mendous Program – Trees for Schools Project

The Trees for Schools Project assists teachers and students in Montgomery County Public Schools to plant native trees in their school yards.  Six-foot tall native trees are provided at no charge to the schools with educational fact sheets on how trees benefit the environment.

http://www.dnr.state.md.us/dnrnews/pressrelease2009/081809a.asp

The Maryland Urban and Community Forest Committee (MUCFC) Grants

The Maryland Urban and Community Forest Committee (MUCFC) is providing maximum grants of $1,500 to projects for tree planting and care.  Grants are reviewed on or about September 15, February 15 and June 15.

http://www.dnr.state.md.us/forests/programs/urban/grantapp.pdf

PennVEST Loans – Pennsylvania Infrastructure Investment Authority

Loans are provided for drinking water, wastewater and stormwater loans, on-lot sewage disposal funds, and Brownfield redevelopment.

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

Pennsylvania Pollution Prevention Assistance Program (PPAA) Loans

This program provides loans for small businesses to implement pollution prevention and energy-efficiency projects.  Funding is provided at a 2% interest rate, up to a 10 year term for 75% of the project cost, up to a maximum of $100,000.00.  This program may be used by businesses in Pennsylvania with 100 or less full-time employees for the acquisition and installation of machinery and equipment.

http://www.depweb.state.pa.us/enintech/cwp/view.asp?a=1413&q=503114

Pennsylvania Historical and Museum Commission Grants Page

The PHMC offers many grants covering topics such as Historical Markers, Technical Assistance, Certified Local Governments, and more.

http://www.artsnet.org/phmc/grants.htm#clg

NY DEC Grants
Visit this site for a comprehensive list of New York Department of Environmental Conservation Grants and Loans.
http://www.dec.ny.gov/pubs/grants.html

Building Healthy Communities Grant Program

Grants are provided to registered 501(c)(3) nonprofit organizations, public schools or tax-exempt public agencies in the U.S. in the form of The Home Depot gift cards for purchasing tools and/or materials.  A maximum of $2,500 is provided for organizations using volunteers to improve the health of their communities.  Applications are due September 15, 2009 and December 15, 2009.
http://corporate.homedepot.com/wps/portal/!ut/p/c1/04_SB8K8xLLM9MSSzPy8xBz9CP0os3gDdwNHH0sfE3M3AzMPJ8MAVxcDKADKR2LKmxrD5fHr9vPIz03VL8iNKAcASzGzVw!!/dl2/d1/L2dJQSEvUUt3QS9ZQnB3LzZfMEcwQUw5TDQ3RjA2SEIxUE9EMDAwMDAwMDA!/

USDA Rural Development Water and Waste Disposal (WWD) Loan and Grant Program for Rural Areas

This program provides loans, grants, loan guarantees and technical assistance for water, sanitary, waste and storm drainage facilities in rural areas and towns of 10,000 or less.  Assistance is provided to public entities, non-profit organizations and federally recognized Indian tribes.  Applications are accepted continually. 

http://www.usda.gov/rus/water/program.htm

USDA Technical Assistance and Training Grants for Rural Areas

These grants are provided for identifying solutions for water and waste disposal problems, assist in preparing applications for water and waste grants, and improving operations and maintenance of existing facilities.  Private non-profit organizations located in rural areas and towns of 10,000 or less are eligible.  Applications accepted October 1 through December 31 every year.

http://www.usda.gov/rus/water/tatg.htm

USDA Solid Waste Management Grant Program for Rural Areas

These grants are provided to public bodies, private non-profit organizations and Native American tribes for reducing/eliminating pollution of water resources and improving planning/management of solid waste sties in rural areas.  Applications accepted October 1 through December 31 every year.

http://www.usda.gov/rus/water/SWMG.htm

PA Resource Enhancement and Protection Program (REAP)

This program provides farmers and business with tax credits in exchange for Best Management Practices (BMPs) on agricultural operations to enhance production and protect natural resources.  Applications will be accepted till fiscal year 2009-2010 appropriations are committed to projects.

http://www.agriculture.state.pa.us/agriculture/cwp/view.asp?a=3&q=145155

Gannett Foundation – Community Action Grants

Funds are granted to provide education/neighborhood improvement, economic development, youth development, community problem-solving, assistance to disadvantaged people, environmental conservation and cultural enrichment.  Applications are due February 16 and August 17 of each year.

http://www.gannettfoundation.org/guidelines.htm

H2O PA – High Hazard Unsafe Dam Projects

Grants between $500,000 and $20,000,000 are provided to municipalities, municipal authorities, the Commonwealth and independent agencies for projects that repair, rehabilitate, or remove all or some of a high hazards unsafe dam.

http://www.newpa.com/find-and-apply-for-funding/funding-and-program-finder/funding-detail/index.aspx?progId=190

New Jersey DEP Grants and Loans
Visit this site for a comprehensive list of New Jersey Department of Environmental Protection Grants and Loans.
http://www.nj.gov/dep/grantandloanprograms/index.html

Environmental Educator Grant

Members of the Earth Day Network Educator’s Network are eligible for grants from $500 to $3,500.  They are looking for individuals who are involved with greening their schools.  Activities include construction projects, implementing environmental education, performing civic action, and achieving policy reform.

http://www.earthday.net/files/newapp.pdf

NOAA – Open Rivers Initiative

Funding and technical expertise is provided for small dam and river barrier removals.  Projects should have an economic benefit component, should enhance public safety, and should increase fish populations.  Applications are due November 16, 2009.

http://www.nmfs.noaa.gov/habitat/restoration/projects_programs/crp/partners_funding/callforprojects3.html

Coldwater Heritage Partnership – Conservation Grants Program

Grants are provided to protect and conserve the health of Pennsylvania’s coldwater ecosystems.  Grants average $6,000 and are designed to help organizations develop conservation plans to identify values and threats to coldwater ecosystems.

http://www.coldwaterheritage.org/grantapplication.htm
 

Pennsylvania Conservation Corps (PCC) Program

Grants are provided for projects related to conservation, recreation, historical preservation, graffiti removal, and the repair of institutional vandalism.  Applications from political subdivisions and eligible nonprofits are due January 8, 2010.  Applications from state agencies are due February 5, 2010.

http://www.dli.state.pa.us/landi/cwp/view.asp?A=145&Q=56094

SeaWorld & Busch Gardens – Conservation Fund Grant

Grants are provided to nonprofit organizations, governmental entities, universities, research centers and institutions accredited by the Association of Zoos and Aquariums or the Alliance of Marine Mammal Parks and Aquariums to support wildlife conservation, research and education.  Applications are due December 1, 2009.

http://www.swbg-conservationfund.org/

Sinnemahoning Watershed Grants

Funding is provided to Commonwealth agencies, Watershed and Conservation Groups with incorporation states, Counties and Municipalities, county Conservation District, Council of Governments, or any other authorized organizations involved in protecting Pennsylvania’s resources. All projects must be located in the Sinnemahoning Creek Watershed.  Applications are due December 18, 2009.
http://mckeancountypa.org/

$250 Grants for Growing Greener Stories

Conservation Lifetime Leadership Award

The PA Land Trust Association established this award to honor individuals involved in conservation.  Nominations are due January 8, 2010.

http://conserveland.org/features/conservationaward

Conservation Government Leadership Award

The PA Land Trust Association established this award to honor municipalities and counties involved in conservation.  Nominations are due February 5, 2010.

http://conserveland.org/features/gov_leadershipaward

F. X. Browne, Inc.  – Environmental Consulting

F. X. Browne, Inc.
 Engineers – Planners – Scientists
31 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