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Editor's
Notes:
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Ohiopyle State Park,
Pennsylvania
I just returned
from a vacation at Ohiopyle State Park in Pennsylvania. We
enjoyed all of the activities that this park offers, including
camping, hiking, biking, exploring natural areas, fishing, exploring
natural caves, and rock climbing. This park is most known for
its class II to IV rapids that give kayakers and rafters a thrill.
I enjoyed watching the kayakers fly over the 20-foot waterfall from
the safety of the viewing platform. One of the gems of the
park is the Ferncliff Peninsula Natural Area. We explored off
the beaten path and rock-hopped along the Youghiogheny (pronounced
Yackihany) River in search of trout and wildflowers. We found
plenty of both. This unique feature provides excellent views
of the River, waterfall, and rapids in addition to sandstone
bounders with beautiful fossils. The plant material here is
unique, as it contains a wide diversity of plants that wash down
river from Maryland and West Virginia (the river flows north).
The deep gorge is slightly warmer than the surrounding area, and
provides a sanctuary for many rare and interesting plants. The
100-acre peninsula was declared a National Natural Landmark in 1973.
I was impressed
by the charm of the small town of Ohiopyle. I was even more
surprised to see a beautiful streetscape of curb cuts, rain gardens,
pervious pavement, and native plants, all constructed to current
planning and ADA standards. For more information, read the articles
below.
Ohiopyle 'Green Streets' Ribbon
Cutting: Project Beautifies Borough While Managing Stormwater and
Reducing Pollution
August 16, 2010
http://www.pecpa.org/node/1038/
Ohiopyle Green
Infrastructure Project
http://www.pecpa.org/ohiopyle%20green
~ Lisen Cummings, Sustainable
Environments Editor/Designer |
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Above photos taken in Ohiopyle State Park, Pennsylvania, by Lisen Cummings.
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Featured Article:
Deepwater Horizon Oil Spill
In
addition to tragically losing the lives of 11 workers, The Deepwater Horizon
oil spill off the coast of Louisiana proved to be one of the largest
ecological disasters of our lives. We started this feature article in the
May edition of Sustainable Environments, and have provided updates in each
edition since then. To view past articles, click on the Previous
Newsletters link at the top of the newsletter on the main page.
As of September 8, 2010, approximately 17,500 National Guard troops have
been authorized (1,017 are active), 25,300 personnel are currently
responding to protect the shoreline/wildlife and cleanup the coastlines,
over 3,800 vessels are responding, 1.33 million feet of containment boom and
9.43 million feet of sorbent boom have been deployed, nearly 34.7 million
gallons of oil-water mixture have been recovered, approximately 1.84 million
gallons of dispersant have been deployed (1.07 million on surface and
771,000 subsea), over 411 controlled burns have been conducted, and 15
staging areas are in place to protect vital shoreline. Approximately 114
miles of the Gulf Coast shoreline is currently experiencing moderate to
heavy oil impacts (103 miles in Louisiana, 9 miles in Mississippi, and 2
miles in Florida). Approximately 508 miles of shoreline are experiencing
light to trace oil impacts (245 miles in Louisiana, 91 miles in Mississippi,
59 miles in Alabama, and 113 miles in Florida). Approximately 39,885 square
miles of federal waters are closed to fishing, with 83 percent open.
More...
CONTACT INFO
INFORMATION SOURCES
NEWS ARTICLES
PHOTOS
PLANTS AND WILDLIFE
News Clips:
How Algae 'Enslavement' Threatens Freshwater
Bodies
The occurrence of toxic cyanobacterial (blue-green algae) blooms in
freshwater lakes and ponds is increasing.
More...
EPA Develops Innovative Software to Secure
Nation’s Water Supply
Scientists from the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) and the
Department of Energy (DOE) have developed water quality software that can be
used to detect contamination of a water system, including a wide variety of
chemical and biological contaminants including pesticides, metals, and
pathogens.
More...
Near Disasters Illustrate Need for Repair of
Ailing Pa. Bridges
Recent incidents have illustrated the need for bridge repairs across
Pennsylvania.
More...
UM Engineer Builds Bridge Sensors to Give Early
Warnings: Credit Card-Sized Device Would Monitor Stress, Researchers Say
Mehdi Kalantari, an electrical engineer at the University of Maryland has
devised a sensor that can detect weakness in bridges. The sensor is as
small and flat as a credit card and can be run on solar energy, ambient
light or stray radio waves.
More...
Bioengineering and Reinforced Vegetation:
Bioengineering techniques and anchored reinforced vegetation systems help
control
streambank erosion along pastureland in West Virginia
Streambank erosion is a growing problem across the country and world. Soil
erosion is considered the largest water quality problem in the U.S.
More...
Recycled Asphalt Good Fit for Paving
Secondary Roads
PennDOT began using cold, recycled asphalt three years ago. The recycled
asphalt is made up of asphalt milled and collected during road construction
projects which is crushed, ground, and injected with oil and water.
More...
Recycle the Raindrops
The Recycle the
Raindrops website provides crucial information on using rain barrels
to recycle your stormwater. They also had the great idea of asking
local Chicago artists to create their own works of art on rain
barrels. Get ready to be inspired! Now there is no excuse not to
have your own rain barrel and no reason to hide it! Just make it a
work of art!
http://www.recycletheraindrops.org/artists.html
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Above
photo credit: srqpix on
Flickr.com
http://www.flickr.com/photos/crobj/4039215689/
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Policy
Updates:
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EPA -
Comment Period Extended for the
Proposed Revised Total Coliform Rule
The U.S. Environmental Protection Agency
(EPA) has extended the public comment period for a proposed National
Primary Drinking Water Regulation, the Revisions to the Total Coliform
Rule (RTCR), which was published in the Federal Register on July 14,
2010. The comment period now ends October 13, 2010. The proposed RTCR
applies to all public water systems. It will require systems that have
coliform contamination to assess the problem and correct it. To submit
comments, follow the procedures in the SUMMARY section of the proposal
in the Federal Register notice (75 FR 40926). For more information,
visit
http://water.epa.gov/lawsregs/rulesregs/sdwa/tcr/regulation.cfm#tcr1989
EPA Seeks Public Comment on Draft of Proposed
Revised Total Coliform Rule Assessments and Corrective Actions Guidance
Manual
The U.S.
Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) is requesting public comments on
the draft Proposed Revised Total Coliform Rule Assessments and
Corrective Actions Guidance Manual. The draft manual provides guidance
on complying with and implementing the proposed Revised Total Coliform
Rule (RTCR). It details the common causes of total coliform and E.
coli, how to assess and identify causes of contamination, and the
corrective actions that should be taken. Comments should be submitted
by November 30, 2010. To view the draft guidance manual, visit
http://water.epa.gov/lawsregs/rulesregs/sdwa/tcr/regulation.cfm.
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PA DEP Extending General Permit to Manage Stormwater Runoff
The Pennsylvania
Department of Environmental Protection (PA DEP) is providing 9-month
extensions to municipal drainage system operators existing general
permit PAG-13, which governs how municipal separate storm sewer systems
(MS4s) handle stormwater runoff. This extension will allow them to
better coordinate implementation of the new permitting requirements.
The extension applies to permit approvals, waivers, and exemptions. The
current PAAG-13 permits will expire on March 9, 2011. The extension
will expire on December 9, 2011. For more information, visit
http://www.portal.state.pa.us/portal/server.pt/community/newsroom/14287?id=13688&typeid=1
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EPA Releases Draft Strategy For Clean Water
The U.S.
Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) is soliciting comments on the
draft strategy “Coming Together for Clean Water: EPA’s Strategy for
Achieving Clean Water.” The strategy is focused on protecting and
restoring our nation’s lakes, streams and coastal waters. Comments must
be submitted by September 17, 2010. The final strategy will be released
later in the year. For more information, visit
http://blog.epa.gov/waterforum/
EPA News
Release, August 20, 2010
http://yosemite.epa.gov/opa/admpress.nsf/0/6695653E2472CDDC852577850060FF92
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EPA
Proposes Sediment Limits for Chesapeake Bay Pollution Diet
The U.S.
Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) announced draft sediment limits
for establishing the Watershed Implementation Plans (WIPs) for the
Chesapeake Bay Total Maximum Daily Load (TMDL). The limits will be used
as the basis for completing WIPs to determine how they will meet water
quality standards. Reducing sediments to the Chesapeake Bay will
improve water quality, plant growth, and wildlife habitat. The first
drafts of the WIPs were due September 1, 2010. A draft TMDL will be
issued and opened for public comment on September 24, 2010. The final
WIPs are due November 29, 2010. The final Bay TMDL will be established
by December 31, 2010.
For
more information about the Chesapeake Bay TMDL visit:
http://www.epa.gov/chesapeakebaytmdl/
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EPA Launches Web Forum on
How to Best Protect America’s Drinking Water
The U.S.
Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) is launching a web-based
discussion forum for public input on improving protection of drinking
water. This information will be utilized in implementing the EPA’s new
drinking water strategy. They seek input on planning, developing
scientific tools, controlling water pollution and the use of resources.
They will feature a series of topics based on addressing contaminants as
groups rather than one at a time, fostering development of new
technologies, using the existing authority of several statues to protect
drinking water, and partnering with states to share more complete data.
The forum will be open for about a month, with each topic being
discussed separately.
To join the
discussion, visit
http://blog.epa.gov/dwstrat
More information on the new Drinking Water Strategy, visit
http://www.epa.gov/safewater/sdwa/dwstrategy.html
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Above photos taken of
native floodplain plants in Ohiopyle State Park, Pennsylvania, by Lisen Cummings.
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Emerald Ash Borer Quarantine
Expanded to 43 Counties
The invasive,
tree-killing Emerald Ash Borer has been under quarantine, but is
still spreading. It has been identified in 17 counties. Contiguous
counties are also under quarantine. It is important that you do not
haul firewood between counties. Purchase your campfire wood once
you arrive at your destination. The Emerald Ash Borer is native to
China and eastern Asia. They were first spotted in 2002 in Michigan
and Ontario. Ash trees typically die within three years of the
initial infestation. They leave 1/8 inch D-shaped holes in the
bark. If you spot an Emerald Ash Borer, you can call the toll-free
pest hotline at 1-866-253-7189.
For more
information, visit
www.agriculture.state.pa.us
and search “Emerald Ash Borer.”
http://www.portal.state.pa.us/portal/server.pt/community/newsroom/14287?id=13463&typeid=2
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Serpentine
Galleries - Evidence of the Emerald Ash Borer
Photo credit: jhritz on
Flickr.com
http://www.flickr.com/photos/jhritz/207383111/
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Vote in the Rachel Carson Contest!
The U.S.
Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) would like you to vote for
your favorite entry in the Rachel Carson Sense of Wonder Contest.
The five categories include photography, essay, poetry, dance and
mixed media (photography and a poem or essay). Finalists were
selected for originality, creativity, use of an intergenerational
team, and the ability to capture a sense of wonder that is felt when
observing the sea, the night sky, forests, birds, wildlife, and
more. The deadline for voting is November 1, 2010.
To vote, visit
http://www.epa.gov/aging/resources/thesenseofwonder/2010/vote.htm
Photo: Taken in Ohiopyle State Park, Pennsylvania, by Lisen Cummings.
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Link of the Month:
Treating Contaminants of Emerging
Concern: A Literature Review Database
The
U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) has published the results of
an extensive review of literature on wastewater treatment technologies.
A
computer-searchable format of the data is also available. These tools
provide historical information about current chemical contaminants of
emerging concern (CECs) treatment technologies. The report and
information will be helpful for wastewater treatment plant operators,
designers, and others in learning about ways to remove CECs from
wastewater.
For more information, visit
http://water.epa.gov/scitech/swguidance/ppcp/results.cfm
BMP of the Month:
Protect/Conserve/Enhance
Riparian Areas
A riparian buffer is the
area adjacent to a body of water which is managed to maintain the
integrity of the stream channels, reduce impact of pollution by
trapping and filtering sediments, nutrients, and pollutants, and to
provide wildlife habitat and reduce thermal impacts.
Protecting, conserving and enhancing riparian buffers is important
for a healthy ecosystem.
To view the Pennsylvania Stormwater Best
Management Practices Manual, visit
http://www.elibrary.dep.state.pa.us/dsweb/View/Collection-8305
Photo: Taken in Ohiopyle State Park, Pennsylvania, by Lisen Cummings.
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Tools and
Publications:
PA DEP Issues Guidance to Land Developers for
New Automatic Permit Extension Law
The
Pennsylvania Department of Environmental Protection (PA DEP) has provided
guidance on the new law that grants automatic permit extensions for certain land
development activities, including certain water and waste permits and approvals
issued after December 31, 2008. These approvals will automatically be extended
until July 1, 2013. The law was created due to concerns that permits were
expiring before construction could be completed due to economic-related delays.
The online guidance document explains the permits and approvals covered under
the new law. It also outlines the verification process for extending or
renewing existing permits. The Guidance documents are available on DEP’s
website at
www.depweb.state.pa.us under the
“Permits, Licensing & Certification” link.
http://www.portal.state.pa.us/portal/server.pt/community/newsroom/14287?id=13464&typeid=1
North Carolina State University “Floating
Wetlands”
Bill Hunt and
the Stormwater Engineering Group from North Carolina State University are
studying the use of floating wetlands, which are floating mats planted with
wetland plants. They are placed in a water body and improve water quality by
taking up nutrients. This innovative best management practice (BMP) could be
used on small stormwater management facilities or larger bodies of water. They
have installed 16 floating islands in the city of Durham, each 400 square feet
of polymer fiber, 10” thick and buoyant enough to support several people and
plants. The cost is about $30/square foot. Water will be tested coming in and
leaving the ponds to determine pollutant removal capabilities.
Floating Islands a Pollution Solution
By Jim Wise, newsobserver.com,
April 4, 2010
http://www.newsobserver.com/2010/04/04/420450/floating-islands-a-pollution-solution.html
Wetlands Floating In Inner Harbor: Devices
Designed To Help Clean Water
Wbaltv.com, August 11, 2010
http://www.wbaltv.com/family/24601162/detail.html
EPA – New Guide to Improve Stormwater Management
to Protect the Health of Local Streams and the Chesapeake Bay
The
Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) has issued a new guide to control urban
runoff and to keep pollutants from flooding downstream into the Chesapeake Bay.
The guide will evaluate how effective stormwater permits are and will identify
areas that should be improved to better control and prevent erosion, sediment,
toxic metals, volatile organic compounds and excessive nutrients from entering
the Bay. For more information, visit
http://cfpub.epa.gov/npdes/stormwater/munic.cfm
Sustainable Design and Green Building Toolkit
for Local Governments
The U.S.
Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) has provided a Sustainable Design and
Green Building Toolkit for Local Governments. This document will assist local
governments with making their permitting process work for sustainable design and
green building. The Toolkit provides information on codes/ordinances that would
affect design, construction, renovation, and operation and maintenance of a
building. The first section of the Toolkit provides an Assessment Tool and
Resource Guide, while the second section of the Toolkit assists with developing
an Action Plan for implementing changes in the permitting process.
http://www.epa.gov/region4/recycle/green-building-toolkit.pdf
NOAA Launches State
of the Coasts Website
This website
provides quick facts and detailed statistics that highlight the crucial
importance of a healthy coastal ecosystem.
Our coastal ecosystems are important for the economy, a safe population, and a
sustainable quality of life for coastal residents. The website focuses on
Communities, Economy, Ecology, and Climate. To view the website, visit
http://stateofthecoast.noaa.gov/.
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Great Pennsylvania Outdoor Challenge –
September 10 through October 10 |
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This is a great time of year to get outside,
enjoy the fall weather, and raise money for Pennsylvania’s State Parks!
Take part in one of the many events or create your own. Bike, hike, walk,
swim, ride, or paddle towards the target goal of 30,000 miles (the number of
trail miles in Pennsylvania). There’s even a new category “Puppy and Me” to
get your best buddy involved. You can create a fundraising goal and/or a
mileage goal. For more information and to register, visit
http://www.paparksandforests.org/gpoc.html. |
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Newsletter Editor/Design and Layout:
Lisen Cummings
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Above photo taken in Laurel
Hill State Park, Pennsylvania by Lisen Cummings
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F. X.
Browne, Inc. – Environmental Consulting
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Corporate
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New York Office: Saranac Lake, NY
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