Editor's Notes:

In last month’s edition of Sustainable Environments, I featured several articles focused on climate change and its effects on the environment.  Since then, there have been more developments made on this subject.  Climate change will cause changes to streams, lakes, forests, plants, animals and humans.  Here are some more articles detailing the changes that could take place. Water Scarcity Looms   Warming Oceans May Shift Earth's Pole   Climate Change Could Have Negative Effects On Stream And Forest Ecosystems   Climate Change Could Harm Lake Fish: Light Determines Growth Of Fish In Lakes ~ Lisen Cummings, Sustainable Environments Editor/Designer

Topic of the Month:

Pennsylvania Proposes New Erosion and Sediment Control and Stormwater Management Regulations

The Pennsylvania Environmental Quality Board proposes to amend the erosion and sediment control and stormwater management regulations (25 Pa. Code Chapter 102).  The amendments will  update agricultural planning and implementation requirements, update erosion and sediment  control requirements, incorporate the Federal Clean Water Act ''Phase II'' NPDES permit requirements for stormwater discharges associated with construction activities, include post construction stormwater management (PCSM) requirements, establish riparian forest buffer provisions, and include provisions for a permit-by-rule option.    More...

 

 

Winners of EPA's First Water Quality Video Contest Announced Winners have been announced in the EPA Water Quality Video Contest.  Out of over 250 submissions, two winners were chosen.  Visit this site to see the winners, honorable mentions, and a link to all the submissions. http://www.epa.gov/owow/videocontest.html#winners

Climate Models Confirm More Moisture In Atmosphere Attributed to Humans

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.  More...

 

For more information on Porous Pavement, see our "BMP of the Month" below.

 

Philadelphia’s CarbonPlus Calculator and Offset Project An online tool, Erase Your Trace, helps Philadelphians calculate their annual carbon dioxide emissions and offset them through local tree planting.  It is designed to educate residents on their personal impact on the environment.  The project utilizes the Carbon Plus Calculator to quantify and monetize carbon output.  The average Philadelphian produces 10.2 tons of carbon dioxide annually.  At $20 per ton, the average cost per person is approximately $200 per year.  http://www.itreetools.org/carboncalculator/index.cfm?state=PA&cityname=Philadelphia   Photo credit:  stebulus on Flickr.com http://www.flickr.com/photos/stebulus/231058914/

Policy Updates:

	National Fish Habitat Conservation Act of 2009 Introduced in Senate On June 9, 2009, the National Fish Habitat Conservation Act of 2009 was introduced to the Senate.  The plan is a comprehensive strategy to provide support and funding for conservation of national waterways and fisheries.  National fish Habitat Action Plan, June 10, 2009 http://fishhabitat.org/index.php?option=com_content&view=article&catid=36:news&id=208:the-national-fish-habitat-conservation-act-of-2009-introduced-in-senate&Itemid=50
	Eligibility for Farmable Wetlands Program Expanded The Farmable Wetlands Program is a voluntary program for farmers.  The goal is to restore up to one million acres of farmable wetland and wetland buffers.  Farmers enter into an agreement with the USDA and agree to restore the hydrology of a wetland and plant a specified vegetated crop on adjacent wetland buffers.  The 2008 farm bill expanded the eligibility criteria and maximum allowable wetland acreage. By Wes Nelson, USDA Farm Service Agency, West Central Tribune, August 15, 2009 http://www.agweek.com/articles/?id=5639&article_id=55935&property_id=22
	Court Blocks Road Construction in National Forests A federal appeals court reinstated most of a 2001 rule to prohibit commercial logging, mining and other development within 58 million acres of national forest.  This will block road construction within at least 40 million acres of pristine national forests.  However, a separate case is pending which may affect this ruling. By Matthew Daly, The Associated Press, August 5, 2009 http://www.newsday.com/court-blocks-road-construction-in-national-forests-1.1350430
	New Wetlands Mapping Standard Precedes National Assessment The federal government has adopted a Wetland Mapping Standard.  This will guide digital mapping projects and create a more consistent standard for wetlands data.  The standard will assist governmental agencies to contribute data into the Service’s National Wetlands Inventory geodatabase. Environment News Service, August 20, 2009 http://www.ens-newswire.com/ens/aug2009/2009-08-20-093.asp To view the Wetlands Mapping Standard (July 2009) document (FGDC Document Number FGDC-STD-015-2009), visit http://www.fws.gov/wetlands/_documents/gNSDI/FGDCWetlandsMappingStandard.pdf
	EPA is Proposing to Revise It’s Air Quality Standards for Nitrogen Dioxide The U. S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) is proposing to increase the nation’s nitrogen dioxide (NO2) standards.  The current annual standard of 53 parts per billion (ppb) will remain, and a one-hour NO2 standard between 80 and 100 ppb will be established.  Public written comments will be accepted until September 14, 2009.  For more information, go to http://www.epa.gov/air/nitrogenoxides/actions.html.
	EPA Seeks Comments on New Information about Geologic Sequestration of Carbon Dioxide New information would create a new class of injection well and set requirements to ensure that geologic sequestration of carbon dioxide does not endanger drinking water sources.  The EPA is considering an alternative related to the proposed injection depth requirements.  They are also evaluating the need for a more comprehensive regulatory framework.  Public comments can be made for 45 days after publication in the Federal Register. http://www.epa.gov/safewater/uic/wells_sequestration.html

 

 

Grants and Awards: Click on a grant for more information) Only currently available grants are listed on the grant page   Grants: Sustain our Great Lakes Grants Program – Community Grants Program Sustain our Great Lakes Grants Program – Stewardship Grants Program WREN (Water Resources Education Network) Community Grants PA DEP Coastal Zone Management PA DEP Coastal Resources Management Program PA DEP Enactment of Ordinances and Implementation of Stormwater Management Plans PA DEP Environmental Education Grants Program Fund for Wild Nature Department of Conservation and Natural Resources Electronic Grants System Keystone Historic Preservation Grant Program Conservation Easement Assistance Program Chesapeake Bay Watershed Initiative Chesapeake Bay Trust Mini Grants Chesapeake Bay Trust Restoration Grant Program Chesapeake Bay Trust and Maryland DNR Watershed Assistance Grant Program American Water Environmental Grant Program 1675 Foundation Bridgestone Americas Trust Fund William Penn Foundation Grants The Maryland Urban and Community Forest Committee (MUCFC) Grants WWEMA/WWD 2009 Student Scholarship PennVEST Loans – Pennsylvania Infrastructure Investment Authority Pennsylvania Pollution Prevention Assistance Program (PPAA) Loans Pennsylvania Historical and Museum Commission Grants Page NY DEC Statewide Water Quality Improvements Projects Program Solar Energy Education for Local Governments Building Healthy Communities Grant Program USDA Rural Development Water and Waste Disposal (WWD) Loan and Grant Program for Rural Areas USDA Technical Assistance and Training Grants for Rural Areas USDA Solid Waste Management Grant Program for Rural Areas PA Resource Enhancement and Protection Program (REAP) Gannett Foundation - Community Action Grants H2O PA - High Hazard Unsafe Dam Projects   Awards: The Nature Conservancy’s 2009 Photo Contest $250 Grants for Growing Greener Stories

ReBurbia Competition Winner Announced ReBurbia has announced the winners of their contest to redesign the suburbs.  The competition involved providing solutions to common problems in modern-day suburbia.  The grand prize was awarded to Frog’s Dream:  McMansions Turned Into Biofilter Water Treatment Plants submitted by Calvin Chin.  The design involves converting abandoned suburban developments into wetland areas to clean water produced by nearby urban centers. http://www.inhabitat.com/2009/08/19/reburbia-competition-winners-announced/   Photo credit:  dospaz on Flickr.com http://www.flickr.com/photos/59195512@N00/2307951805/

Photo Mosaic – US Fish and Wildlife Service Submit a photo to be added to a mosaic showcasing nature in the places you visited this summer.  You will be able to find your photo among the hundreds (if not thousands) of pictures by performing a search. http://yououtdoors.org/

If you are interested in reducing your stormwater runoff, F. X. Browne, Inc. can help!  We can utilize porous pavement in your project to meet federal, state, and local stormwater management requirements and enhance the aesthetic and ecological value of your property.

Tools and Publications:

EPA Launches Bay TMDL Web Site

The U. S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) has launched a web site focused on the Chesapeake Bay Total Maximum Daily Load (TMDL).  It’s goal is to assist the public in being aware of key developments, draft work products, public meetings/events scheduling, and Q&A.  The TDML will address the needed reductions in nitrogen, phosphorus and sediment in the Bay.   

http://www.epa.gov/chesapeakebaytmdl

EPA Releases New Guidebook to Encourage Smarter Community Design and Healthier Living for Seniors

The U. S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) has released this guidebook to educate older adults about the importance of environmentally friendly community design and “smart growth.”  It provides information, links to resources, and a self-assessment tool for communities to rate themselves.

http://www.epa.gov/aging/bhc/guide/index.html 

Corps of Engineers Regional Supplement to Wetland Delineation Manual

A Draft Eastern Mountains and Piedmont Regional Supplement to the 1987 Westland Delineation Manual has been released.  It is applicable to the Eastern Mountains and Piedmont Regions located within the District of Columbia, Alabama, Arkansas, Delaware, Georgia, Illinois, Indiana, Kansas, Kentucky, Maryland, Missouri, North Carolina, New Jersey, New York, Ohio, Oklahoma, Pennsylvania, South Carolina, Tennessee, Virginia, and West Virginia.

http://www.usace.army.mil/CECW/Documents/cecwo/reg/EMP_Peer_Rev.pdf

Sustainable Water Systems:  Step One – Redefining the Nation’s Infrastructure Challenge

This report focuses on water and wastewater infrastructure, and how the traditional view (reservoirs, pipes, treatment plants, etc.) should be expanded to include natural watersheds (rivers, forests, wetlands, etc.).

http://www.aspeninstitute.org/policy-work/energy-environment/our-policy-work/dialogue-sustainable-water-infrastructure-united-stat

Stormwater Information for Homeowners

The Delaware State Division of Soil & Water Conservation is providing this website for home owners.  The website includes stormwater fact sheets, guidebooks, and brochures and provides information on native and invasive plant species.

http://www.swc.dnrec.delaware.gov/Drainage/Pages/Homeowners.aspx

New York Green Building Database

GreenHomeNYC provides a website with detailed profiles of “green” buildings within New York City.  Their mission is to encourage the use of sustainable building methods and materials by building owners in NYC. 

http://greenhomenyc.org/bldgs

Brownfields Policy Research Newsletter:  July 2009

Produced by the Northeast/Midwest Institute (NEMW), this newsletter includes information and links to recent reports and white papers relating to energy, Brownfield’s, and sustainability.  It also provides the Center for Neighborhood Technology’s (CNT’s) new Mapping Tool that shows the relationship between the urban lifestyle and climate change. 

http://nemw.org/index.php?option=com_content&view=article&id=144&Itemid=215
 

Transforming a Brownfield in Baltimore

Produced by Greg Lewis of the Northeast-Midwest Institute (NEMW), this case study explains the transformation of a Baltimore factory into a mixed-use structure. 

http://www.nemw.org/images/stories/documents/Baltimore_Disadvantaged_Comm_Article.pdf

Online Toolkit for Creating Open Space Campaigns

Provided by the Conservation Campaign (TCC), this online toolkit is designed to assist local activists initiate, conduct and win public campaigns for preserving open space and crating parks.  It includes a campaign guide, case studies, and more. 

http://www.conservationcampaign.org/

They also have a report entitled Conservation: An Investment that Pays, which makes the case for conservation as a long-term economic investment. 

http://www.tpl.org/tier3_cd.cfm?content_item_id=23056&folder_id=188

EPA White Paper:  Adaptation Planning for the National Estuary Program

The U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) has released this white paper, which discusses five critical elements of adaptive planning in estuaries. Estuaries in the National Estuary Program (NEP) should utilize these elements to achieve recognition as a Climate Ready Estuary (CRE).

http://www.epa.gov/cre/downloads/CREAdaptationPlanning-Final.pdf

Online Searchable Database:  Maryland 2008 Integrated Report of Surface Water Quality

This database allows users to learn about the water quality status of waters in Maryland and to view summary information.

http://www.mde.state.md.us/ResearchCenter/Publications/General/eMDE/vol3no11/database.asp

i-Tree Tools for Assessing and Managing Community Forests

This software suite provided by the USDA Forest Service analyses urban forestry and provides benefits assessment tools.  Whether your site is small (your property) or large (your state), this tool will help you quantify and assess the community of trees and the environmental services that they provide.

www.itreetools.com

The Atlantic States Marine Fisheries Commission News Releases:

 

	ASMFC Striped Bass Board Approves Draft Addendum II for Public Comment The Draft Addendum II has been approved for public comment until 5:00 PM (EST) October 8, 2009.  It proposes to allow unused coastal commercial quota of striped bass to be carried over to the next year, unless fish mortality rates or spawning stock biomass do not reach the Plan’s targets.  You can contribute your thoughts at a public hearing or through written comments.  Copies can be obtained by calling (202) 289-6400 or by visiting www.asmfc.org under Breaking News.  Public comment should be forwarded to Nichola Meserve, FMP Coordinator, 1444 ‘Eye’ Street, NW, Sixth Floor, Washington, DC 20005, (202) 289-6051 by fax, or at comments@asmfc.org (Subject Line:  Draft Addendum II).
	ASMFC Shad & River Herring Board Approves Draft Amendment 3 for Public Comment Draft Amendment 3 to the Interstate Fishery Management Plan (FMP) for Shad and River Herring has been approved for public comment until 5:00 PM on October 15, 2009.  It proposes to protect, enhance, and restore American Shad stocks through monitoring and management measures.  You can contribute your thoughts at a public hearing or through written comments.  Copies can be obtained by calling (202) 289-6400 or by visiting www.asmfc.org under Breaking News.  Public comment should be forwarded to Kate Taylor, FMP Coordinator, 1444 ‘Eye’ Street, NW, Sixth Floor, Washington, DC 20005, (202) 289-6051 by fax, or at comments@asmfc.org (Subject Line:  Draft Amendment 3).
	ASMFC Spiny Dogfish and Coastal Shark Board Approves Addendum I to the Interstate Shark FMP Addendum I to the Interstate Fishery Management Plan (FMP) for Atlantic Coastal Sharks has been approved.  It allows commercial fishermen to remove fins from March through June (dorsal fins shall be left attached to smooth dogfish carcasses from July through February).  It also removes smooth dogfish recreational possession limits and the two-hour net check requirements for large mesh grillnets.  You can view the document by visiting www.asmfc.org under Breaking News.  For more information, you can contact Christopher Vonderweidt, Fishery Management Plan Coordinator, at cvonderweidt@asmfc.org or (202) 289-6400.