Aye, thou art welcome, heaven’s delicious breath! 
When woods begin to wear the crimson leaf, 
And sons grow meek, and the meek suns grow brief, 
And the year smiles as it draws near its death. 
Wind of the sunny south! Oh, still delay 
In the gay woods and in the golden air, 
Like to a good old age released from care, 
Journeying, in long serenity, away. 

From “October,” by William Cullen Bryant 

Editors Note

Our longtime newsletter design and layout editor, Dianne Brown, has decided to leave F. X. Browne, Inc. Although I know I will have a difficult time filling her shoes, I am going to attempt to do the layout myself, so please bear with me during this transitional period!  On behalf of everyone at F. X. Browne, Inc., we wish Dianne the best of luck at her new job and we thank her for her years of service and artistic design work! ~ Rebecca 

Topic of the Month

Lake Dredging: The Ultimate Face-Lift

 

Dredging, or lake deepening, has been described as the “ultimate face-lift.” By why is that?

 

During a dredging project, not only are accumulated sediments removed, but the accumulated nutrients such as phosphorus and nitrogen are removed as well. This prevents the nutrients from recycling back into the water column, fueling algae blooms and excessive plant growth. Aquatic weeds that may have rooted in the shallow water as sediments accumulated are removed and any invasive species can  be eradicated. If the lake is drawn down during dredging, shoreline stabilization and drainage improvements can be more easily accomplished.

 

Lake dredging can be accomplished in one of two ways: mechanical dredging where the lake is drawn down and heavy machinery is used to manually scoop out the sediment, and hydraulic dredging where a dredging barge equipped with a cutter head and suction hose is used to dislodge and suck up the accumulated sediment and pump it to a disposal basin on shore. Sediment disposal options must be considered carefully as hydraulic dredging requires adequate area for a sediment dewatering basin close to the lakeshore. Even if mechanical dredging is employed, sediments must be trucked to an adequate disposal location. This can prove tricky if the sediments are contaminated. For a more detailed discussion of lake dredging, please consult the Pennsylvania Lake Management Society's Lake Management Handbook. 

 

Fall is a good time to begin dredging projects so that any potential adverse impacts to fish and wildlife species are minimized. Most species have completed their breeding process by that time and winter hibernation has not yet begun. However, it is important to keep in mind that planning for a dredging project may take up to a year. First, a dredging feasibility study must be completed that includes sediment testing, a bathymetric survey, and disposal site determinations. Extensive permitting is typically required before the design phase can begin.

 

Although dredging may be necessary to remove accumulated sediments from a lake, dredging is not the right solution for all lake problems. Dredging is very expensive and funding for dredging projects is not easily obtained without extensive water quality and watershed surveys. If the source or sources of sediment entering the lake from the surrounding watershed are not addressed, the sedimentation will continue to occur and the lake will need to be dredged again. It is preferable to complete a watershed survey of nonpoint source problem areas and develop a watershed management plan to determine other appropriate lake and watershed best management practices (BMPs) before dredging a lake.

 

F. X. Browne, Inc. has extensive experience in designing dredging projects, watershed assessments, and BMP design. Our Lake Lily dredging project in Cape May, NJ uncovered freshwater springs and led to the return of the Lake’s namesake white water lilies. Visit the F. X. Browne, Inc. website to read an article about the project.

 

 

 

News Clips

 

NJ DEP Seeks Phosphorus Reductions in Wanaque Watershed

 

New Jersey environmental regulators are seeking major reductions in the sewage discharge and lawn fertilizer runoff that have fouled the Wanaque Reservoir. 

 

DEP has proposed total maximum daily loads (TMDLs) to address phosphorus contamination entering the Wanaque Reservoir and over 200 river miles. Affected rivers within the Passaic River Basin include Pompton River, Ramapo River, Pequannock River, Wanaque River, Upper & Middle Passaic River, Whippany River, and Rockaway River. The proposal calls for reducing phosphorus going into the Wanaque from 57,574 pounds to 17,496 pounds per year. To achieve the DEP’s target, 42 wastewater treatment plants upstream of the Wanaque would have to reduce phosphorus discharges by 83 percent. Phosphorus levels in the Passaic River watershed, which includes the Wanaque, have been five to eight times higher than federally-set limits for more than a decade, officials estimate.

 

The proposal also calls for an 80 percent reduction in the phosphorus that washes off fertilized farms and lawns into streams and rivers during heavy rains. To meet the second goal, more towns in the Passaic  watershed would need to adopt low-phosphorus fertilizer ordinances and enact more controls against stormwater pollution. The proposal has been met with both skepticism and complaints. Environmentalists questioned whether the promised targets will ever be met. Sewage officials said the costs will not be shared fairly.

 

The Record ( Hackensack NJ ), 7/22/2005 

http://www.state.nj.us/dep/newsrel/2005/05_0101.htm

 

Onondaga Lake Cleanup Plan Finalized 

 

New York DEC has announced that the state has finalized the cleanup plan for Onondaga Lake , which will be one of the largest environmental cleanup projects in state history.   

 

The NY DEC has signed the Record of Decision (ROD) for the remedial effort. The project will include dredging up to 2.65 million cubic yards of sediment from the bottom of the lake, capping an estimated 579 acres of the lake bottom, performing a pilot study to introduce oxygen in the lake, lake and tributary monitoring, and habitat restoration. The ROD also calls for the coordination with remedial activities at upland sites to ensure that the latter do not continue to contaminate the lake. 

 

http://www.dec.state.ny.us/website/environmentdec/2005b/onondaga080105.html 

 

Great Lakes States Track Water Clarity Via Satellite 

 

States in the Great Lakes Region are leading the country in the use of satellite data as a means for assessing the health of lakes.

Minnesota, Michigan, and Wisconsin together are home to more than 30,000 lakes larger than 10 acres in area. The number of lakes far outstrips the volunteer monitoring resources available, but now a handful of additional monitors —satellites —have joined the scene. These satellites collect and share statistically reliable data on an unprecedented scale. Researchers found that analysis of certain wavelengths of visible light in the satellite data correspond closely with that of on-the-ground Secchi disk readings, allowing accurate estimates of lake clarity for thousands of otherwise unmonitored lakes. Researchers are also mapping water clarity with archived satellite data enabling them to go back into the past and look at historical trends. http://resac.gis.umn.edu/water/regional_water_clarity/regional_water_clarity.htm 

 

EPA Nonpoint Source News-Notes, August 2005

 

Habitat Enhancement or Advertising Sellout?  

 

A Rutgers University art professor has found that artificial hermit crab shells may help boost dwindling populations. But how to pay for them?

 

Studies have shown that 30 to 60 percent of land hermit crabs live in shells too small for them, and population growth among these crabs is held in check by the number of available shells. Beachcombers and boardwalk souvenir shops have depleted the populations of available large shells for the crabs to grow into. Elizabeth Demaray, an artist who teaches sculpting at Rutger’s Camden campus, set about creating a lightweight plastic shell that was ergonomically appropriate for hermit crabs. She designed a prototype shell out of a resin polymer that was a sort of hermit igloo -- beige colored to match the sandy floor of most North American beaches. To put her plan to work, she hopes to get a corporate sponsor to pay for the shells. She would even be willing to let the company emblazon the shells with its corporate logo. This thought horrified New Jersey Sierra Club Director Jeff Tittel, who exclaimed, “Next thing, we'll be tattooing the Exxon logo on Bengal tigers." 

 

http://www.pressofatlanticcity.com/news/cape/080305CRAB_HOMES.cfm

Press of Atlantic City, 8/3/2005

 

Giant Liquid Manure Spill Causes Massive Fish Kill

 

Three million gallons of liquid manure, an amount roughly equivalent to the water in six Olympic-size swimming pools, gushed from an earthen reservoir at one of the largest dairy farms in upstate New York, contaminating the nearby Black River.

 

The spill happened in early August at Marks Farm in Lowville, NY. It is unknown why the storage pit failed, but so much manure escaped that the contamination grew to roughly a fourth the size of the 1989 Exxon Valdez oil spill. As the manure traveled the river's northwest current through several Adirondack towns along approximately 20 river miles, it sapped the water of oxygen and poisoned the fish with ammonia. Hours later, fish began to bloat and float to the surface.  

 

The water was gradually diluted via upstream dam releases and some timely rain, but not soon enough to save the estimated 200,000 to 250,000 fish that were killed. All recreation on the river was temporarily halted as the spill made its way to Carthage, NY. At Carthage, after encountering a dam, the river picked up speed going over a waterfall and through rapids, adding much-needed oxygen to the water. As of mid-August, dissolved oxygen levels were near normal throughout the river system and it appeared that downstream Watertown and Lake Ontario were spared the negative effects of the spill. Investigation into the cause of the spill is ongoing, and raises questions as to whether or not current regulations are stringent enough to prevent such spills from occurring at large farms in the future. New York DEC has issued a Notice of Violations against the facility.

 

http://www.dec.state.ny.us/website/press/pressrel/2005/2005101.html

 

Policy Update Acting NJ Governor Codey recently extended indefinitely a moratorium on a bill aimed at speeding up some construction projects, the so-called “fast-track law.”   The NJ DEP and DHSS issued revised fish consumption advisories based on recent data showing elevated levels of PCBs and mercury contamination in fish samples taken from   New Jersey  's Passaic Region. The New York State DEC and Agriculture and Markets are seeking public comment on the draft report of the  New York State Invasive Species Task Force (ISTF) until September 14. PA DEP announced new monitoring requirements for significant sewage and industrial dischargers as part of   Pennsylvania  ’s Chesapeake Bay Tributary Strategy.  A municipality can condemn property through eminent domain to preserve it as open space and halt development, a New Jersey appeals court recently ruled. Pennsylvania public water suppliers may now use chemicals, materials and treatment devices certified by the Water Quality Association, a third-party certification organization, as acceptable for use with drinking water. The Bush administration is extending the public comment period for its controversial proposal to rewrite federal guidelines for restoring depleted fisheries to October 21. EPA has released the 2006 Integrated Report Guidance for states, territories, authorized tribes, and interstate commissions that help states prepare and submit Clean Water Act reports on their water quality. EPA is proposing new test methods that will lead to the detection of four types of bacteria in wastewater and sewage sludge.   Grant Programs  (Click on a grant for more information)

NJ Environmental Excellence Awards

The New Jersey Environmental Excellence Awards Program was established by the New Jersey DEP to recognize outstanding environmental performance, programs and projects in the state. Award categories include Clean Air, Clean and Plentiful Water, Healthy Ecosystems, Innovative Technology, Land Conservation, Safe and Healthy Communities, Environmental Education/Student Led Project, Environmental Stewardship, and Environmental Leadership. The application deadline is September 16. http://www.state.nj.us/dep/eeawards/

PA Boating Facilities Grant Program

The PA Fish and Boat Commission Boating Facilities Grant Program provides funds to Pennsylvania municipalities to develop, improve or rehabilitate public recreational boat launches. The deadline for the next round of grants is October 1. The program is designed for public entities that have or will have the capability to provide public boat access facilities. http://sites.state.pa.us/PA_Exec/Fish_Boat/images/be/boat_fac_grant/guide.pdf

Lower Delaware Soul of a River Photography Competition

The Lower Delaware River will be the theme of the second annual Soul of a River Photography Competition, which is sponsored by the Delaware River Greenway Partnership. Photographers are invited to submit entries in any photographic medium depicting the outstanding natural, historic, scenic and recreational features that have qualified the Lower Delaware River for inclusion into the National Wild and Scenic Rivers System. Entries are due by October 17. http://www.drgp.org/contest.html

EPA Environmental Research Fellowship Opportunities

Approximately 100 new fellowships will be awarded for research in environmental fields of study through the U.S. EPA's Science to Achieve Results (STAR) program. Deadline for applications is October 18. The STAR program provides educational support for full-time masters and doctoral level students who plan to pursue environmental careers with a focus on developing future leaders in environmental science, education, assessment, and restoration efforts. http://es.epa.gov/ncer/fellow/

PA Coastal Zone Grants

PA DEP's Water Planning Office will accept applications until October 24 for federal fiscal year 2006 Coastal Zone grants. Projects must meet certain eligibility requirements and must also support the program's mission to protect and enhance Pennsylvania's coastal resources. http://www.dep.state.pa.us/river/czmp.htm

Chesapeake Bay Environmental Education Grants

The National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration is now accepting applications for its Chesapeake Bay Watershed Education and Training Program (B-Wet) through October 24. The program provides grants of from $10,000 to $200,000 to support environmental education opportunities for K-12 students and environmental training/professional development for K-12 teachers. http://noaa.chesapeakebay.net/education.htm

PA Lens on Litter Contest

You can win up to $1,000 for a photo of the worst example of litter in your community through the Lens on Litter contest sponsored by the Pennsylvania Resources Council. Entries are due October 31. Photos will be judged in two categories - adult and student (under 18) using the following criteria: anti-litter message, originality, photographic technique, quality of photo, originality of title and severity of the Litterbug's crime. http://www.litterbug.org/lensonlitter.htm

NFWF Bring Back the Natives Aquatic Species Program

The National Fish and Wildlife Foundation requests pre-proposals from nonprofit organizations; universities; Native American tribes; and local, state, and federal agencies interested in restoring native populations of sensitive or listed aquatic species for its Bring Back the Natives (BBN) program. The initiative funds on-the-ground efforts to restore native aquatic species to their historic range. The pre-proposal deadline is December 2. http://njfieldoffice.fws.gov/Fact%20Sheets%20PDF%20holding/bring%20back%20natives.pdf

PA Wind WATCH Program

The Saint Francis Wind WATCH (Wind Assessment Technology for Communities and Homeowners) Program is an anemometer lending program for Pennsylvanians interested in testing the wind resource on their land and understanding the economic feasibility of developing a community wind-scale project. http://www.francis.edu/C3/windwatchprogrampage.shtm

 

 

Events  (Click on an event for more information) I&I Investigation and Abatement Course The Pathogen/Compliance Workgroup of the Schuylkill Action Network (SAN) is sponsoring an Inflow/Infiltration Investigation and Abatement Course on September 7 in Reading, PA. The goal of this training is to provide cost effective tools and techniques that can be applied in municipal collection systems to address inflow/infiltration issues and ensure proper operation and maintenance of sewer collection systems. The course is approved by PA DEP for 6.5 wastewater contact hours. http://www.pwea.org/II_InvestAbate.pdf   Treevitalize Tree Planting and Care Workshops   TreeVitalize, a partnership to restore tree cover in the five-county region in Southeastern Pennsylvania, will offer classes starting September 14 to educate residents about planting and caring for trees. The training course is designed for lay people and experts alike, and will offer nine hours of classroom and field training covering tree biology, urban stresses, tree identification, pruning, root care, fundraising, media outreach, volunteer management, and working with local governments. Students are expected to volunteer time to community tree planting projects in exchange for training. Groups also may qualify for free or discounted trees upon completing the program. http://www.dcnr.state.pa.us/news/newsreleases/2005/0405-treevitalizeclasses.htm      PA Green Building Tour and Workshop    Join members of the Green Building Association of Central Pennsylvania on September 22 when the Association will host a tour of the Pennsylvania Housing Finance Agency's headquarters building in Harrisburg  that uses a variety of green practices to yield high energy efficiency and a healthful indoor environment. On October 13 the second in a series of “Getting to Green” workshops will be held in York, this one “Succeeding with LEED Through Effective Project Delivery.”  http://www.gbacpa.org/      NJ Green Acres Funding Workshops     The NJ DEP Green Acres Program and the Environmental Infrastructure Financing Program will hold several informational workshops in September to guide municipal and county officials and nonprofit organizations through the state-funding application process. Topics to be discussed include Green Acres Funding for Land Preservation and Park Development, Elements of a Land Transaction, Stewardship Issues, Historic Preservation Trust Funding and the New Jersey Environmental Infrastructure Financing Program (EIFP). Workshops are scheduled for September 13 in Camden and September 20 in Atlantic City. http://www.nj.gov/dep/greenacres/workshop_brochure_2005.pdf     WV Floodproofing Conference     The third National Floodproofing Conference will be held in Charleston, WV on September 12-16. Don't miss this once-in-every-three-years opportunity to learn about the growing field of on-site flood protection. Topics include FEMA and Corps of Engineers information, the latest on the Flood Insurance Reform Act of 2004, flood damage reduction case studies from other communities, and a tour of floodproofing projects in the West Virginia/Kentucky border area. http://www.floods.org/Conferences,%20Calendar/nfpc3.asp      2005 Pymatuning Waterfowl Expo     The 2005 Pymatuning Waterfowl Expo will be held September 17-18 in Linesville, Crawford County, PA, featuring an even bigger and better Clean Water Festival section. The event will include demonstrations by local experts on topics such as fly-tying, fishing and boating programs, duck banding demonstrations, water safety dog demos, local history programs, pond and creek critter investigations, tree ID tours, and more.  Participants also will have the opportunity to make fish print t-shirts, paint with soils, as well as tons of other interactive demonstrations. http://www.pgc.state.pa.us/pgc/cwp/view.asp?a=487&q=153219      PA Conference on Sustainability      The Watershed Alliance of York, Inc. and other partners are sponsoring “Pigs, Parks & Superstores: A Conference on the Sustainability of York County” on September 23 in York, PA. The purpose of the conference is to start a public dialog on how the concepts of sustainability can be applied in York County. Registration is required by September 16.  http://watershedalliance.tripod.com/sitebuildercontent/sitebuilderfiles/sustainconfbrocfinal.pdf     POWR Sojourn Congress, Watershed Workshops      The PA Organization of Watersheds and Rivers (POWR) will be holding a Sojourn Congress to begin planning for the 2006 river sojourn season on September 23 in Bellefonte, PA. Workshops on best practices for watershed group boards of directors and how to petition for stream reclassification are also planned for the same day. http://www.pawatersheds.org/WWeekly/issue.asp?ID=259#meeting     Internet Environmental Technologies Courses     The Interstate Technology and Regulatory Council (ITRC) will be providing no-cost Internet-based Training courses in September for those with an interest in learning more about innovative environmental technologies and approaches specific to areas of site characterization, monitoring and remediation.  http://www.itrcweb.org/ibt.asp      PA  Streamside Cleanup Workshops      Join the Susquehanna River Basin Commission for a Streamside Cleanup Training Academy Workshop on one of three dates in September and October. Learn how to organize, plan and implement streamside cleanups in your watershed on September 29 in Lock Haven, October 5 in Wrightsville and October 6 in Towanda.  http://www.srbc.net/sc-training.htm      PA Wastewater Biology Training Courses       Penn State University is presenting its annual Wastewater Biology series designed for operators, technicians, and engineers involved in the daily operation, process control, and troubleshooting of wastewater treatment processes. Courses are approved for contact hours toward operator certification in most states. The majority of the courses will be held in   Grantville, PA, during September and October. http://www.outreach.psu.edu/C&I/Wastewater_Biology/      PA Sustainable Living Fair     The second annual Mother Earth Harvest Fair: A Celebration of Sustainable Living will be held in Glen Rock, York County  October 1-2. The fair will feature more than 30 speakers and 100 informative exhibits from organizations and vendors in sustainable living areas including: Sustainable Food and Agriculture, Renewable and Alternative Energy, Green Building Technologies, Watershed Education, and others.   http://www.spoutwood.com/mehf.html     PA Test Methods for Water/Wastewater Operators Workshops     This workshop on water/wastewater testing for compliance and operational needs combines interactive lecture and test method demonstration. The workshop is designed to provide the water/wastewater professional and beginning operator the tools to choose the right test method. The workshop is approved by PA DEP for 5.0 water and wastewater contact hours and will be presented on the following dates and locations:     October 3 – Days Inn Penn State, State College, PA October 5 – Cranberry Township Municipal Building, Cranberry Township, PA    http://www.pwea.org/documents/TestMethodsOperatorsBrochure.pdf    PA Stormwater Management Symposium      Villanova University will be presenting the 2005 PA Stormwater Management Symposium, “Stormwater Management Implementation - Are We Getting It Right?”, on October 12-13. The purpose of the symposium is to advance the knowledge and understanding of comprehensive stormwater management for those dealing in all aspects of land development planning, design and implementation and regulatory compliance. A pre-symposium workshop for non-engineers entitled "Municipal Stormwater Management - Strategies for Success" will be held preceding the conference. http://egrfaculty.villanova.edu/public/Civil_Environmental/WREE/VUSP_2005_Sym/Web/index.htm     National Nonpoint Source Conference    The Fourth National Conference on Nonpoint Source and Stormwater Pollution Education Programs will be held in Chicago, Illinois on October 17-20. The conference's target audiences include professional staff and volunteers at the local, regional, state and federal levels involved with education programs relating to nonpoint source, MS4 Phase I and Phase II (stormwater), watershed protection, and TMDLs—as well as environmental service groups that work closely with adult and youth education programs. http://www.chicagobotanic.org/aquatics/nonpoint/     NJ Wetlands and Watersheds Workshop     The Eighth Annual Wetlands and Watersheds Workshop: Aquatic Systems and Water Quality will be held in Atlantic City,  NJ on October 25-28. The goal of the workshop is to increase dialogue and foster partnerships between federal, state, and local agencies, non-governmental organizations, the scientific community, private industry, and other stakeholders. http://www.wetlandsworkgroup.org/wetreg8/8th_workshop.htm    PA Environmental Compliance Conferences    The PA Chamber of Business and Industry is sponsoring three regional Environmental Compliance Conferences to provide businesses with the latest information on waste, water and air quality issues. They will be held on October 20 in  Pittsburgh, October 25 in Hershey and November 3 in Valley Forge. Each conference will feature a variety of speakers from the PA DEP, environmental attorneys and key consultants on the latest developments in environmental regulation. New this year is a session on how to communicate with your Regional DEP Office. http://www.pachamber.org/cp/      MA Stream Restoration Workshop    A workshop, Integrated Restoration of Riverine Wetlands, Streams, Riparian Areas, and Floodplains In Watershed Contexts, will be held in Amherst, MA on November 15-16. The principal workshop goal will be to build state, tribal, local government, federal, and private stream, riparian, and floodplain capabilities to simultaneously restore riverine wetlands, streams, riparian areas, and floodplains in a watershed context. http://www.aswm.org/calendar/integratingrest/integratedrest.htm.    NALMS 2005 Join the North American Lake Management Society (NALMS) in NALMS' hometown of  Madison, Wisconsin on November 9-11 for a celebration of their 25th anniversary conference. The anniversary year theme is Lake  Æffects: Exploring the Relationship between People and Water. Special features of this year's program are a special track on the increasingly important issue of toxic algae and a day-long track focused on Madison's lakes, the birthplace of limnology in North America. http://www.nalms.org/symposia/madison/index.htm   CWP Stormwater Institute     The Center for Watershed Protection (CWP) will be holding their 2005 Stormwater Institute on November 15-17 in  Lansdowne, VA. The Institute was developed specifically for the Municipal Separate Storm Sewer System (MS4) community stormwater professional. This intensive, interactive three-day program will focus on municipal stormwater program setup, design and administration; strengthening the technical skills needed to develop and run effective programs for stormwater management, erosion and sediment control, illicit discharge detection, pollution prevention, and watershed education; and offering unique opportunities for participants to receive individualized support from local and national experts. 1.8 Continuing Education Units (CEUs) are available. http://www.cwp.org/SI05/si05info.html

 

Link Of The Month

 

EPA's Stormwater Phase II Menu of Best Management Practices (BMPs)

 

EPA’s online menu is intended to provide guidance to regulated municipal separate storm sewer systems (MS4s) as to the types of practices they could use to develop and implement their stormwater management programs. The website includes a series of fact sheets describing the various components of the Phase II rule. A new addition to the site is a series of Stormwater Case Studies to help operators of regulated MS4s get started on or improve their stormwater management programs. The case studies are searchable by minimum measure, case study location, or by keyword search. Additional resources and tools for each case study and minimum measure are also provided. http://cfpub.epa.gov/npdes/stormwater/menuofbmps/menu.cfm 

 

F. X. Browne, Inc. can assist municipalities in designing and implementing stormwater BMPs that meet Phase II regulations. For more information, contact us at info@fxbrowne.com

 

 

 

New Publications

EPA Launches Watershed Discussion Board

 

As part of its second Webcast, the EPA Office of Water launched a new online Watershed Discussion Board. This forum offers watershed protection practitioners and citizens a platform to exchange ideas so that innovative solutions and ideas can be easily shared in (near) real-time. EPA hopes to engage watershed leaders from around the country in these interactive, on-line discussions. The Forum currently includes the following six categories: Community Involvement, Smart Growth/Low Impact Development, Source Water Protection, Stormwater Best Management Practices, Sustainable Financing, and Watershed Planning Tools. Anyone can view the discussion, but one must register to post messages and receive customized updates. http://www.epa.gov/owow/watershed/forum/forum.html  

 

Natural Stream Channel Design Tools Published

 

Pennsylvania’s Keystone Stream Team has developed and published the Natural Stream Channel Design (NSCD) Guidelines. The guidelines are intended as a resource tool for watershed groups developing and implementing stream restoration projects. The NSCD guidelines are an evolving document and the result of collective experience by a wide variety of professionals. The current NSCD guidelines are available for download by individual chapter or as a complete document. A new chapter on estimating costs of NSCD is also under development. http://www.keystonestreamteam.org/kst_guidelines.htm 

 

Book Encourages Sound Community Development in PA

 

The PA DCNR released a book, “Better Models for Communities in Pennsylvania,” intended as a tool for local governments to encourage development that makes their communities more attractive, livable and prosperous. This book, one of eight in a series, provides balanced and practical advice on growth issues facing communities throughout Pennsylvania, including how to protect the countryside, how to strengthen downtowns and how to improve the suburbs. http://www.dcnr.state.pa.us/news/resource/res2005/05-0802-bettermodels.aspx 

 

NYS Completes Hudson River Swim Study

 

New York State DEC recently announced the results of a two-year study to identify potential swimming sites along the Hudson River. The report, Swimming in the Hudson River Estuary, researched possible sites along the river from the Troy Dam to the Battery at the southern tip of Manhattan. The status of existing beaches was also examined, and recommendations were made for improvements at these sites. http://www.dec.state.ny.us/website/hudson/swimstudy.html 

 

New York Flora Atlas Now Online

 

The New York Natural Heritage Program has finalized the New York Flora Atlas, a web-based atlas that details the distribution of the more than 4,000 plant species that grow in the state. The atlas maps the distribution of all plant types across the state and provides information about how rare or common they are, the habitats they prefer, and whether they are native, non native, or invasive. In addition, the atlas can generate county-specific lists of rare species or those that grow only in wetlands, thereby helping to target conservation efforts. http://atlas.nyflora.org/ 

 

EPA Releases Compliance Assistance Guide for the Construction Industry

 

EPA ’s Office of Compliance has just published Managing Your Environmental Responsibilities: A Planning Guide for Construction and Development (the MYER Guide). The MYER Guide contains two different sets of checklists and detailed discussion/case studies on major environmental areas (including stormwater) affecting the construction industry. It is designed to help the construction industry understand which environmental regulations apply to them during different phases of a construction project. The MYER Guide is designed so that each of the checklists and chapters can be pulled out and used in the field. http://www.cicacenter.org/links/. 

 

 

 

 

F. X. Browne, Inc.  – Environmental Consulting

F. X. Browne, Inc.
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For more information, call us at (215) 362-3878 or visit: http://www.fxbrowne.com.