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-  e.e. cummings

  

Editors Note

HAPPY HALLOWEEN from F. X. Browne, Inc.!

With the Halloween season almost here, it's time to prepare for mischief night.  Whether a ghost, goblin, or fairy princess, no trick-or-treater scares me more than an invasive species.  Here's why:

 

Garlic Mustard (Ailiaria petiolata):  This species releases a toxic poison (glucosinolates) into the soil, killing beneficial fungi and native plants. 

 

Japanese Honeysuckle (Lonicara japonica):  This vine will choke the life out of it's host.  Known to grow up to 30 feet tall, it twines around the nearest object and has no mercy.

 

Multiflora Rose (Rosa multiflora):  This shrub is a reproductive nightmare.  Each shrub has the ability to produce up to 1 million seeds, which are viable for up to 20 years.

 

Purple Loosestrife (Lythrum salicaria):  This flower hides behind it's beautiful purple mask.  Beneath, there is no hidden beauty.  They grow near the water, which can distribute the millions of tiny seeds produced by just one plant.

 

Japanese Knotweed (Polygonum cuspidatum):  This plant has roots that can rival the success of Frankenstein, and thorns that will keep you at bay.  Each plant has rhizomes that can reach 16-20 feet long.  Even a small piece of root can resprout, creating a new plant.

 

For more information on invasive species, visit:
Bowman's Hill Wildflower Preserve

http://www.bhwp.org/native/invasive_plants.htm

National Invasive Species Information Center (NISIC)

http://www.invasivespeciesinfo.gov/

~ Lisen Cummings, Sustainable Environments Editor/Designer

 

Topic of the Month

Tell us What You Think

 

We have been providing feature articles on a range of subjects since 2004.  Now it's your chance to tell us what interests you.  If you have any ideas for articles or would like to contribute an article, you may be featured in future editions of Sustainable Environments.  You can e-mail suggestions or articles to lcummings@fxbrowne.com.  We appreciate your feedback and look forward to reading your submissions.

 

News Clips

 

 

Policy Update

EPA Seeks Public Input on National Enforcement Priorities through Online Forum

The US Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) has launched an online discussion forum.  The public is invited to comment on the future priorities for their national enforcement program until December 1, 2009.  All ideas will be evaluated and considered.  Current priorities include stormwater runoff pollution, air toxics, concentrated animal feeding operations, and mineral processing.

To submit suggestions, go to http://blog.epa.gov/enforcementnationalpriority/

For information on the enforcement priorities go to http://www.epa.gov/compliance/data/planning/priorities/index.html

 

EPA Proposes Rule to Reduce Impacts on Water Quality by Airport Deicing Operations

The US Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) is proposing to control contaminated wastewater runoff from deicing operations.  De-icing discharges draining to nearby waters can contaminate the water, reduce oxygen levels, harm wildlife, and effect residential areas and parks.  The rule will include using less polluting substitutes.  The reduction of deicing-related pollutants is expected to be 44.6 million pounds per year.  Public comments will be accepted through December 28, 2009. 

http://www.epa.gov/guide/airport/

Obama Administration Releases Chesapeake Bay Restoration Plans
Seven draft reports have been released focusing on ways to reduce pollution by increasing government accountability and public involvement.  The Federal Leadership Committee will create a coordinated strategy for restoration and protection for the Chesapeake Bay, using the draft reports and public comments.  Beginning November 9, 2009, the draft coordinated strategy and revised report will be available for public review and comment.  The final strategy will be released by May 12, 2010.
Environment News Service, September 12, 2009
http://www.ens-newswire.com/ens/sep2009/2009-09-10-01.asp

 

New Limits on Pesticide Uses Will Protect Salmon
The Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) is planning to place additional limitations on the use of three organophosphate pesticides in order to protect salmon and steelhead in California, Idaho, Oregon and Washington.  Changes will likely be made to product labels, creating buffer zones, limitations on application factors such as wind, moisture, and weather. 
EPA News Release, September 11, 2009
For more information, visit http://www.epa.gov/espp/
 

EPA Expected to Declare Carbon Dioxide as Pollutant

The Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) is expected to include carbon dioxide as a harmful pollutant, triggering federal regulations on greenhouse gases under the Clean Air Act.

By Jennifer A. Dlouhy, Houston Chronicle Washington Bureau, August 31, 2009
http://www.chron.com/disp/story.mpl/nation/6595961.html

EPA Seeks Public Comment on Strategy for Greener Site Cleanups and Approaches

EPA is seeking public comment on the Superfund Green Remediation Strategy, a strategy to make the cleaning of hazardous waste sites “greener” and to reduce energy consumption.  Public comment will be open for through November 10.  

http://www.epa.gov/superfund/greenremediation
More information on Principles for Greener Cleanups: http://www.epa.gov/oswer/greencleanups/index.html
 

 

ZipGuides - Wildlife and Plant Guide This excellent tool is a comprehensive wildlife guide of plants and animals in any location of your choice in the United States.  You can also search specifically for endangered, poisonous or dangerous species. For animals and plants, it provides pictures, a description of the species, habitat, range, and interesting facts.  It provides bird calls and a special feature to identify animal tracks. http://www.enature.com/zipguides/index.asp

 

Grants and Awards 

 

Sustain our Great Lakes Grants Program – Community Grants Program

The Community Grants Program ranges from $24,000 to $150,000 for habitat restoration, water quality improvement, and watershed planning/management.  Grants are provided to nonprofit organizations, state and local governments, tribes and educational institutions that wish to improve the Great Lakes basin.  An education, training or community outreach component is encouraged.  Full proposals are due October 15, 2009.

http://www.sustainourgreatlakes.org/Apply.aspx

 

PA DEP Coastal Zone Management

Grants are provided for studies, plans designs, programs, land acquisitions, research and small construction projects within the Delaware Estuary and Lake Erie Coastal Zones.  Applications due October 23, 2009.

http://www.dep.state.pa.us/grantscenter/ProgramSummary.asp?ID=5

 

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=|

 

Fund for Wild Nature

The fund for Wild Nature provides funding for campaigns focused on saving and restoring native plant species and ecosystems. The deadline is November 1, 2009.

http://www.fundwildnature.org/proposal.html

 

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

NY DEC Statewide Water Quality Improvements Projects Program

This program provides reimbursement grants to municipalities, soil and water conservation districts, and non-profit organizations.  Applicable projects include municipal wastewater treatment, municipal separate storm sewer systems (MS4s), nonagricultural non-point source abatement and control, aquatic habitat restoration, and water quality management.  These grants can cover up to 75% to 85% of the total project cost.  Application deadline is October 16, 2009.

http://www.dec.ny.gov/pubs/56080.html

 

Solar Energy Education for Local Governments

The U.S. Department of Energy is providing funding for local governments to accelerate solar energy implementation and workforce development. Applications due October 15, 2009.

http://apps1.eere.energy.gov/news/progress_alerts.cfm/pa_id=198

 

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 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 – Community-based Marine Debris Removal Grants

This grant is provided to community-based organizations that focus on marine debris prevention and removal projects, with educational components.  Applications are due October 31, 2009.

http://www.nmfs.noaa.gov/habitat/restoration/projects_programs/crp/partners_funding/callforprojects2.html

 

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

Pocono Forest and Waters Landscape Collaborative Grant

Grants between $3,000 and $25,000 are provided for conservation assistance programs.  Municipalities and nonprofit organizations within Carbon, Lackawanna, Luzerne, Monroe, Pike and Wayne counties are eligible.  A one-to-one match is required.  Applications are due October 22, 2009.
http://www.pecpa.org/files/downloads/PFW_Fact_Sheet.pdf

 

$250 Grants for Growing Greener Stories

 

 

 

 

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