Earth's Most Prominent Rainfall Feature Creeping Northward

GPS Helps Locate Soil Erosion Pathways

A study was conducted to see if GPS could be utilized to identify areas of potential erosion.  The research showed that the maps are able to identify areas where concentrated flow is likely, but field verification would likely be necessary.  This could be applied to many uses, such as designing land developments and ecological restorations.

Growing Greener Success Stories – Celebrating a Decade of Growing Greener Watersheds

Thanks to the Foundation for Pennsylvania Watersheds and an anonymous benefactor, two $250 grants are being provided each month to those who submit the best success story article or video highlighting a Growing Greener funded project.  Submit your own project and story to be highlighted on their website.  Visit the following link to read about other people’s projects or to submit your own.

http://www.growinggreener.com/

“Killer Algae” Found on Beaches in Brittany, France

Some beaches in Brittany, France are covered with “killer algae” that has sever health ristks and can lead to death.  When the green algae decomposes, it releases toxic gases (hydrogen sulfide) that led to the death of a horse.  Intensive farming leaching nitrates into the water is producing the excessive amounts of green algae.

Volume-Based Hydrology:  Examining the Shift in Focus from Peak Flows and Pollution Treatment to Mimicking Predevelopment Volumes

The majority of stormwater management professionals focus their efforts on controlling peak flows (reducing flooding) and velocity.  Current methodology is also equally focusing on stormwater quality.  Though reducing peak flows (slowing stormwater down) is important, professionals are also focusing on reducing stormwater runoff volumes.

Challenges of Stream Restoration as a Stormwater Management Tool
Part 2:  Planning For Construction

The second of a three-part series on stream restoration, this article focuses on the potential challenges of a stream restoration project.  The first part was featured in our May 2009 Sustainable Environments newsletter.  It can be found by clicking on the "Previous Newsletters" link at the top of this newsletter or by clicking on "Newsletters" on the left side of the screen.

Less Money, Taller Plants

Cutbacks to state budgets are affecting roadside vegetation maintenance.  In order to cut back, some states are changing their maintenance philosophies.  An alternative to expensive traditional manicured roadsides is installing native vegetation.  This solution cuts expenses greatly and is better for the environment.

Climate Models Confirm More Moisture In Atmosphere Attributed to Humans

Scientists from the Lawrence Livermore National Laboratory utilized 22 different computer models to evaluate water vapor changes in the atmosphere.  All of the models showed that human impacts have caused an increase in the atmospheric water vapor content, most likely due to increases in greenhouse gases.

The Dance Of Water: New Insight Into Water's Strange Bulk Properties

The molecular structure of water has some idiosyncrasies.  For example, water reaches a maximum density at about four degrees Celsius (as opposed to other liquids which become denser as they get colder).  Since water is the basis of life, understanding its properties is important.  New research is explaining water’s strange properties.

Porous Pavements Q&A

Porous pavement allows stormwater to percolate through the pavement, allowing for infiltration and reducing runoff.  Though its use is increasing, many do not know the details of how it works and how to utilize it for stormwater management.  This article explains the questions that are most often asked about this stormwater Best Management Practice.

Permeable Pavers
Part 1: Choosing products and installation methods

Permeable pavers are a low impact development (LID) best management practice (BMP) that is cost effective, addresses water quality, requires little maintenance and can be aesthetically pleasing.  They are also useful in areas where there is limited space for stormwater management controls.  This article details the types of products, maintenance, and installation methods. 

By Carol Brzozowski, Stormwater Journal, September 2009
http://www.stormh2o.com/september-2009/permeable-pavers-installation.aspx